The Duke's Passion

Law's interruption was proof that Sam and I wouldn't be that free in sharing passionate time together at any time. So, after fixing myself, Law and Adam intruded into my room, and we headed to the dining hall.

Our first dinner together as a family was peaceful and warm. The young Earl's addition to the table only gave more joy and was even more memorable. 

After dinner, Sam and I, as good parents, spent more time with the children. We read them stories until they fell asleep. 

"They are so cute and so innocent," I muttered while fixing the quilt to cover Law's shoulder. Looking at him brought a subtle smile to my face. Who wouldn't? My son was so smart and so sweet. It's only been a day since we met, but I already love him more than my own life. 

It was strange, but that was what I felt. I knew I would go above and beyond for this child.

"Wife." 

My brows rose when Sam massaged my shoulders, standing behind my seat. I looked back at him and saw him cocking his head in the door's direction.

"What?" I inquired, feigning innocence at what was obvious.

"Time to sleep," he said in a knowing tone. "My wife, I know what you are doing. Please don't tease me like this. I had held back for the sake of our son."

"But I'm not teasing you, husband."

Sam narrowed his eyes as he squeezed my shoulder lightly. "Really?" his tone dropped, sending a chill down my spine. 

"Really!" Yet that only urged me to tease him more. I cleared my throat and turned around in my seat, holding his hand.

"Sam, I'm not teasing you, really. I just want to make sure Law and Adam will have a good night's sleep." I held his hand close to my cheek and smiled sweetly. "Why don't you bathe first? I will be in our room once you're done."

"Why don't you accompany me?"

"I told you, I want to make sure our son and the young earl have a good rest." 

Sam remained silent as he stared at me suspiciously. But that didn't faze me as I kept my sweet smile. 

"I don't feel good about this, Lilou. What are you planning?" he asked coldly, narrowing his sharp eyes. I bit my lower lip to stop myself from grinning. 

"You'll like it. That's all I can say." I winked at him mischievously. The idea just actually crossed me when he told me it was time to sleep. Playing a little would increase our anticipation.

"I already don't like it."

"Tsk. Sam." This time, I stood from my seat and turned him around by his shoulder. "You should wash up first and come back to fetch me."

I spoke while pushing him out of the room. Sam lazily let himself get chased away by me, cocking his head to reveal his frown.

"If you do anything funny, I will not be that merciful, my wife," he warned half-heartedly, a bit dejected that I wanted us to separate again.

"Yes, yes~" I chuckled, retrieving my hands when we were by the door. Sam was outside the room, while I stayed inside, leaving this thin line between us. 

"Bye~" I waved while he looked at me dead in the eye.

"Wife, stay there." Sam raised a finger, but I knew he already had an idea that I wouldn't listen to him. "If you sneak outside again, I might end up locking you up."

"Gosh! Have you become a sadistic husband now?"

"Yes. I will lock you up so you don't think of leaving again." He nodded his head, finding zero faults in his warnings. I pouted, but I knew Sam was only extreme in his words.

"I won't do that," I said, still pouting. "I only left yesterday because I thought you already have a new wife and a son. Turns out I was wrong, but I swear it's different this time!"

Sam didn't respond anymore and just examined me with narrowed eyes. I raised my brows, waiting for his response. When his chest heaved, the side of my lips stretched into a grin.

"Then I'll come back," he said in defeat, scratching his temple with his finger. "I'll be quick."

"Alright, bye~" I waved once again. Sam stared at me momentarily before he shook his head and marched away. I stared at his departing back, seeing him constantly looking back at me. So I smiled and waved more.

As soon as my husband turned into the corridor of the hall, my smile disappeared. It was not that I didn't want to spend a night with him, but I wanted to take it slowly. Also, I wasn't lying when I said I wanted to make sure these boys will have a good night's sleep. 

I returned to the room and checked the windows if they were locked properly. There was one that wasn't, so I closed it and locked it. Since it was spring, it wasn't that cold, and keeping one window slightly open for ventilation was normal. 

"Should I open it again?" I wondered glancing at the two boys on the bed. "But what if someone intruded?"

I ruminated about it for as long as I could. In the end, I still opened it slightly so it wouldn't be too hot later. Still, I hesitated and kept glancing at it. But well, I would just trust Sam and the people guarding this estate. I'm very sure Sam wouldn't let anyone intrude on the estate, knowing his son and wife were in here.

"Yes, that's right. I'll trust him in that area." I shook my head to throw away every little worry clouding in my head.

After that, I checked the quilt again, the pillow, the mattress to verify if it was soft enough, even under the bed. I checked every corner of the room just to make sure that no one would visit my son's room!

I knew I was being paranoid, but it wouldn't hurt, right? Although this wasn't the palace anymore — where the royalty treated the third prince's quarters as a public place they could come and go — this was for my peace of mind.

"Yes, there's no one here." I heaved a sigh of relief, patting my chest. I glanced at the boys on the bed and smiled, trudging towards the side of it. 

"Goodnight, son." I planted my hand on Law's head, bending over to kiss his forehead. Law moved a little and smiled as if he was having a beautiful dream. I hoped it was indeed a wonderful one. 

Once I straightened my back, my eyes fell on the young earl. My heart ached for this child as he went through a lot. He truly reminded me of the La Crox children. 

I walked around the bed and stood on the side of Adam. Just like what I did to Law, I planted a soft peck on the young earl's forehead. 

"You've been strong, my Lord. I hope we can build more wonderful memories together." The young earl's grip on the quilt loosened and my heart warmed up seeing how his tensed sleeping face relaxed. 

"Goodnight." 

I stayed there for a minute, just watching them sleep peacefully. When I left the room, I gazed at the corridor and smiled. 

"Now… he is almost done with his bath." I bit my lower lip as I waltzed through the hallway.. "He will surely get mad."