Warning: smut content.

My plan failed. I wanted to make Alexander feel guilty for using the same trick twice... many times.

Yet, I'm being taken advantage of. Without mercy.

«No, Alexander,» I whisper, moving the blanket up to look at him. He's nibbling my thigh, moving up bit by bit. Instead of letting go as an obedient husband would do, he bites the place where his lips are.

I groan, but then I get up, sitting, alarmed that I might have woken Lavinia up.

However, there's no sound coming from the cradle. But the next moan might be the one disturbing Lavinia's sleep.

«I'll bring her to her room,» Alexander sighs. «If this is so worrying for you.»

«You can just stop playing with me like this,» I reply.

«No.»

«Then, bring Lavinia into her room,» I surrender.

Keeping my voice low is too much work. Especially when Alexander decides to make me shout. And he's always in the mood to make me shout, even more than usual when he says to be quiet. It becomes a challenge among us two, then.

«This will cost you,» he warns me before interrupting our game and reaching the cradle.

He picks the sleeping baby up and walks out while murmuring to himself. He's very annoyed.

«Your mother is so needy, sometimes,» he says.

I sit on the bed and wait, wondering whether to do something in the meantime.

I can't think of anything on the spot. The ropes are in the same drawer where I left them, so they're easy to reach. But I can't tie myself on my own; I'm not that capable.

I don't remember where the translucent nightgown is, so I can't wear that one. I just scratch my head in search of inspiration.

I've heard many times that it's actually very easy to deal with men, but my brain must be limited as well.

Then, I realise that there's something that always turns my hubby on, no matter the situation.

I get rid of the nightgown and lie under the sheets. Waiting for Alexander without clothes nor any other kind of cover is out of the question. Not to mention that it's chilly.

He's my personal heater, so I don't feel cold during the night, but I don't feel as warm as in the north. The servants can't take care of the temperature as they do in Stoneyard, here.

I might ask to light a fire, but it's too early to start with that. Not to mention that Lavinia might dislike the smell of smoke.

She will get used to it in winter. Now, she has to focus on getting stronger and taller. There's no need to make the whole room smell. I only make the maids heat the office I use here in the capital.

Alexander walks in and notices my lying position, the blanket covering even my shoulders, and my eyes looking at an undefined spot on the ceiling.

«You're not going back to sleep now that you made me get up, Thea,» he says while reaching me.

The mattress waves when he leans a knee on it.

I show him a wily smile, but I don't move the covers away.

He slips under the blanket and lies down next to me, and his arm reaches out to my waist and pulls me over.

He notices the direct contact between our skins, and he chuckles, pleased. It would be a bit scary of a laugh, to be honest. He's going to do something shameless again, isn't he?

«The ropes are in your drawer,» I reveal. «There are different colours if you're interested.»

He pecks my forehead and starts rummaging. He finds a couple of blue scarves. One is transparent, and he uses it to cover my eyes. I can't say he's blindfolding me because I can still see the shapes.

«This isn't working too well,» I warn him.

«I know,» he whispers to my ear.

I can see him in front of me. I can't distinguish his expression, but his figure is hard to miss. The world is all in a shade of blue, dark because there isn't much light in the room, to begin with.

Thankfully, Alexander lights a second lantern, letting more information reach my eyes through the fabric.

«Now, you aren't expecting me to do all the work, are you?» he continues, caressing my back with the tip of his fingers.

Oh, is this what he wants? Me, exploring? This must be why he chose a translucent blindfold. He's too smart and strategising when it comes to taking advantage of his wife.

I reach out to his face, careful not to scratch him. I touch until I find his lips. Then, I kiss him.

I close my eyes and focus only on the feelings in my belly, the shivers crossing my spine, and the tingling in the lower part.

My fingers slip down to his shoulders. I caress around, trying to remember what is where. I know his body, don't I? I just have to focus, and I won't need to see him clearly.

I move my lips on his neck, and a sigh leaves his lungs.

«You can tell me if it's not all right,» I murmur to his ear. I don't try biting his earlobe. I can't see it in detail, so it's better to avoid incidents. «I don't want you to feel awkward...»

My voice is low. I try to make it sensual. It's still difficult for me, but I'm working hard on overcoming my insecurity, at least in our private moments.

I'm doing my best in becoming a little of a temptress. Even if it's not that hard to tempt my hubby. He's not difficult to draw in bed, as long as there aren't health matters in between.

And there aren't, right now.

«Don't be shy,» I add.

«Thea, don't test my patience,» Alexander says. I can't see it, but he's smiling. I know he's smiling.

«What is it, hubby? Should I be gentler?»