The Duke's Masked Wife

"Too far?" Edgar removed his hand from covering her breast. The sound coming from her mouth told him she enjoyed what he did a moment ago but now that it was over, she might deny what she felt.

"No," Alessandra shook her head. "I should take a bath. I've been in town all day. Excuse me," she stood up from the bed. She felt the need to sit in cold water to cool down even though she was cold from the air coming in from the window.

"Alessandra," Edgar held her hand to stop her from rushing off. There was nothing more enticing than the look on her face right now. If only he could have her paint that expression. "If you are feeling sexually frustrated right now, don't be shy and ask for my help. I have the perfect remedy."

"I am not," Alessandra lied. After feeling this palm over her breast and then for him to squeeze it, there was a feeling in her stomach and between her legs like there was something she longed to have. "I meant to change my clothes as soon as I came to our room."

"I don't believe the first part but I'll let you go today. Your feet are not in the best condition for me to push the limit. I'll give you some privacy for now. Do you want me to call your maid?" Edgar asked. He needed to leave to discuss something important with Caleb.

"No, Sally's feet must be hurting too. I can do it on my own-Oh, my dress. There is one button by the back of my neck. Can you just open it for me? Nothing more than that," she pointed a finger at him to show she was serious.

Alessandra did not believe Edgar would not push the limit even though he claimed he wouldn't. She could not forget how much he loved to turn every situation to gain something.

"I said I wouldn't but if you keep acting this way, I might change my mind. Turn around."

"My uncle mentioned-"

"Alessandra," Edgar interrupted her. "I don't want to talk about your uncle at a time like this."

"Okay," Alessandra replied as it might be the best idea they didn't start talking about Clark after Edgar's hand was on her chest a moment ago. However, she needed something to shift their conversation to something else. 'Should I count sheep to forget about it? If he only did this much and I feel this way, what will happen when we go all the way?'

"Having dirty thoughts?" Edgar placed his hands on her hips after opening the button for her. "Why are the back of your ears turning red? I assume your cheeks are no different in color. What the…" Edgar muttered after Alessandra stepped out of his hold and practically speed-walked toward the bathroom.

"For someone with swollen feet, she's pretty quick. The more frustrated she is, the more enjoyable this shall be for me when she gives in to her desires. Where the hell did that tall brute run off to?" Edgar needed to search for Caleb.

There seemed to be a lot he needed to find out from Alessandra's trip into town today. He gave Clark a clear warning to stay far away from Alessandra but the man was dumb enough to still chase her.

From the moment Clark arrived at their gates, Edgar knew he would be annoying, and there was a thought to dispose of him to avoid future headaches. It was only due to the fact Edgar knew Clark would shake up the Baroness's life that he planned to ignore the man's existence.

Edgar exited their bedroom to give Alessandra privacy to think over and process what they just discussed. "Alfred!" He called to the butler down the hall who appeared to be scolding a maid. "Come here."

"Young master, what can I do for you?" Alfred quickly shifted his attention from the maid who almost broke a vase to Edgar. "I didn't expect you to come out so soon with this attire," he pointed at Edgar's lack of clothing. How many times did he have to tell Edgar to walk around with better clothing? His appearance right now would distract the maids.

"It's uncommon for me to walk around with trousers on. If not in my home, where else am I able to do it?" Edgar did not see the big deal. "You should be glad I am not walking around naked."

"But the maids," Alfred looked back at the young maid holding her cheeks. It has already started. "Alessandra might not like them looking at you. You should consider her feelings."

"Hmm. Can you imagine what a sight that might be to see her jealous or angry? I'm tempted to keep walking around like this," Edgar seriously considered it. He wanted to see more of Alessandra's jealousy.

"Edgar, you wouldn't like it if Alessandra walked around like this and the male servants were to gawk at her. Wouldn't you?" Alfred asked even though the answer was obvious.

"Of course not. I'd pluck out their eyes if they ever did such a thing. Look at you pointing out my hypocrisy. Ever since I have gotten married it seems like you have been scolding me more. You were normally on my side. I'm sad," Edgar placed his right hand on his bare chest and feigned sadness. Alfred was meant to only care for him.

"That will not work on me. If you wish to avoid being scolded, you and the Duchess should soon have a child for me to look after. I have spent too many years on you and it's time I move on to someone else. Have as many children as possible and I will watch them for you."

"Since you have become bored of me, I shall make your life hectic. Thank you for informing me," Edgar patted Alfred's shoulder.

Alfred frowned. He was too old to be dealing with Edgar causing more trouble. "That is far from what I meant."

"I can't help it, Alfred. You know that I don't like sharing my people with others. Besides, I adore you."

An awkward silence fell between the two men.

"Edgar, as touching as that sounds, it is weird coming from you. Please go back to torturing me and never utter such words to me. It is the Duchess who should hear those words. What is it that you needed that you called for me? Did you do something wrong to the Duchess?" Alfred glared at him. It would make sense that Edgar left Alessandra alone so quickly because he did something wrong and was kicked out.

The Duchess had only returned a short moment ago but there were many things Alfred imagined that Edgar might have done to be kicked out.

"Why couldn't she have done something to me and I stormed out?" Edgar asked.

"What did you need me for?" Alfred decided to move on. They both knew it was Edgar who caused the trouble, not Alessandra.

"Where is Caleb I need to have a word with him."

"Oh, I saw him go into your office a moment ago. Seems like he also has something he wishes to say to you. Now if you'll excuse me, I must make sure there is something for the Duchess to eat soon. Goodbye," Alfred turned on his heel to go to the kitchen.

"What the hell is this? I also left home but he hasn't mentioned anything about me eating. I've clearly lost him to her already," Edgar muttered in disbelief.

"Please put on a shirt, young master!" Alfred called from down the hall.

Alfred's words made Edgar want to remain without a shirt even more. Edgar made a mental note to mess with Alfred later and deal with more important matters right now.

Edgar entered his office and found Caleb waiting for him just as Alfred said. "You are more useful than I thought. I suppose you are just," Edgar paused mid-sentence when eyes glued onto the same charm Alessandra bought for him but this was one green. He wasn't bothered when she mentioned it previously but seeing it on Caleb's sword irritated him.

Notching where Edgar was looking, Caleb took the charm off of his sword. "The Duchess bought this for me. You can have it if you like."

Caleb did not want Edgar to view him as a threat. He could not bear to have Edgar increase his training and other tiring exercises because of his jealousy.

"It was a gift from Alessandra. I am not petty to take it from you."

'Oh but you are,' Caleb disagreed with Edgar's words. He knew Edgar well enough that just from Edgar staring at the small item, Edgar disliked the Duchess giving other men gifts. 'Oh to be in love and experience jealousy.'

"Of course, you are not," Caleb spoke contrary to what was on his mind.

"Do not kiss my ass," Edgar said.

"Of course."

"We both know why we're here. Tell me everything that happened today with my wife. Do not miss anything out."