The Duke's Passion

As I opened my eyes, a groan slipped past my lips as all the muscles in my body ached even with the slightest movement.

'Did I fall asleep last night while waiting for Sam?' I wondered internally as I open and closed my eyes until my vision grew clearer.

Instinctively, I looked at where Sam would always lie down. A smile turned up on my lips upon meeting the pair of deep crimson eyes looking back at me.

"Good morning," I greeted, pulling up the quilt over my shoulder. "It seems I fell asleep last night."

Sam didn't respond as he blinked his eyes ever so slowly, propping his jaw against his knuckles as he reached his hand towards me. He brushed my hair back wordless.

'Ah, it feels so nice,' I thoughts as I felt like sleeping again as if my body felt so exhausted. So I closed my eyes to sleep more, but snapped them open once again as a conclusion crossed my head.

"Sam?!" He remained silent and only quirked a brow, alarming me. "Did you…"

I trailed off, wide-eyed. If my body felt like I was tossed around while asleep, did that mean… I gasped at the thought. Sam wouldn't do something like that, would he?

My brain immediately reviewed Sam's character, and I went pale immediately. Yes, he would do it if he does so pleased.

"Ack!" My wild thoughts abruptly stopped as I frowned and rubbed my forehead after he flicked me.

Samael only cast me a look before lying on his back, using his arm as a cushion for his head.

"How amazing that my wife wakes up just to daydream." 

"It's just that, my body…" I pouted, sighing heavily. "My body aches all over, so I thought…"

"You thought I took advantage of you while you're sleeping?" Sam raised a brow as his gaze caught mine. Just by the glint that flickered across his eyes told me that didn't please him.

I bit my lower lips and shook my head. "I didn't mean it like that," I cajoled as I lifted the quilt to cover half of my lower face. "It feels unfair if I can't remember our first night together as husband and wife. That's all."

The corner of his lips hooked into a brief smile as it seemed my answer saved my life. Although I wasn't lying, I'm glad he listened and chose not to misunderstand.

"It baffles me how you can think like that, wife." Sam rolled to his side, propping his temple on his knuckles. "Did you really believe that I'd let you forget it?"

The playful expression on his face made me feel a little flustered. I couldn't deny that, as I remembered every detail of our love-making from start to end. It would be a lie if I said I never thought about experimenting with some things to see if they would work or not.

I pursed my lips and studied his expression. "Why are you so quiet?" I said, as I couldn't ignore the unusual air around him and divert the subject.

"Hmm?" Sam bat his eyes indifferently as his finger traced my nose from the bridge to its tip. While he did so, he uttered, "Why wouldn't I? Do you expect me to shout while you're sleeping?"

Didn't he realize what my question really meant? "Is something wrong?" I asked just in case he didn't understand, I thought I would need to ask clearly.

My brows raised, receiving no response from him. He was just looking at me. I couldn't really guess what he was thinking, as there's nothing in his eyes.

"You remember nothing last night?" I furrowed my brows upon hearing his inquiry. Last night?

My mind traced what transpired last night. I was in here, waiting for Sam's return while I tried to keep my mind with happy thoughts only. And then… I froze upon remembering the sudden tightness in my chest.

After that, I rushed outside to check on Sam as the sense of dread of losing him crept up in my heart. Yul was also there and we… Yul and I had a confrontation. I nearly killed him because Lakresha wouldn't listen to me.

"Fortunately, Mister Fabian came to help me before I collapsed — probably due to fatigue?" I murmured as I spoke about what I remembered last night aloud. "That's how I remembered it. Why? Did something more happen?"

I studied Sam's unchanging, indifferent expression as that didn't bulge him.

"Sam?"

"Don't do that again." He said. "You've barely tamed Lakresha, but you still can't keep it under control."

I frowned but didn't argue. Sam had a point as I nearly killed Yul despite asking Lakresha not to. I raised my hand wrapped in a bandage, looking at my palm as I ended up hurting myself as well.

"We'll get you tame Lakresha slowly. Don't worry."

A smile turned up on my lips as Sam sounded so reassuring. "You're not angry?" I asked, hoping he'd stay warm like this one.

I regretted asking that question as his eyes glinted upon catching my gaze. He narrowed his eyes, thinking deeply before his lips parted.

"I'm barely controlling my anger, wife." His tone was low and chilly. I felt a sudden blizzard appearing in our room. "Just thinking that you'll toss me aside makes me wonder if I should just kill you to keep you mine forever."

My shoulders stiffened, as such romantic words were surely uplifting. Did he have to rub that he'd go that far in my face? Early in the morning?

"Is that the only way?" I asked.

"That's the only way." He answered with no difference in his flat tone. "So, will you toss me aside?"

What was he saying? Why would he think like that? There's something in his question or just in his tone that displeased me, as I answered with an offended, "Of course not!"

Sam scrutinized me as if he could see through my soul before he nodded in understanding.

"Don't forget your words, because if you do, I'll kill your lover in every possible and in every painful way I can think of… and you'd be there to witness and hear his screams."

I gulped as a chill ran down my spine. My expression gradually turned glum, and I slapped his shoulder, which snapped him out of his violent fantasies.

"Happy thoughts only!" I exclaimed, launching a series of slaps on his shoulder until his eyes dilated in disbelief. "Happy thoughts, alright?!"