Alexander unties the knot around my wrists and tucks the covers for me. My arms are a bit numb, but I'm too relaxed and content to complain about it. To complain about anything, to be sincere.

What just happened has been... really something else.

I have to acknowledge this dark side of me, for it brought me to new heights. Also, my Duke was pleased by it.

We're so compatible. How lucky that I have this weird preference. It's of help when dealing with my husband's sadistic tendencies.

Still, I can't admit it out loud just yet.

Being a pervert is one thing, admitting to it is a whole other matter. Also, my Duke might look down on me in that case.

Maybe, he likes it more when I'm unwilling. How will he react if I tell him I actually enjoyed being tied like a piglet. Also, what if he wants to try something even more extreme?

I don't want to be whipped.

Well, I didn't want to be tied too, before tonight.

I cuddle on the side and notice the distance between Alexander and me.

I don't need his warmth, since it's already hot like this. However, I'd like to be a bit closer. Not physically, though.

I'd just like to talk.

However, he must be tired.

«This Duchess has worked a lot, today,» I say in a low tone.

If he doesn't answer, or if he does it reluctantly, I'll sleep.

Alexander's eyes open all of a sudden, and he stares at me for a while. He seems surprised.

Oh, he won't attack me using the excuse that I have enough energy left to talk, will he? I can't stand doing that again!

Not now. Maybe tomorrow.

«I hope my Duke will recognise my efforts,» I finish, preparing to give up and let him rest.

«Oh, your efforts are so sweet when they're unfruitful,» he replies.

What? Unfruitful? He enjoyed himself quite much, this moron!

«Does that mean that my Duke's moans and cries were fake?» I tease him, narrowing my eyebrow the least I can.

I shouldn't show him how much his words are offending.

«Oh, I wasn't referring to that,» he chuckles.

He reaches out for me. At that moment, I notice the stain on the bandage.

His injury was healing fast, why did it have to worsen now? Have the stitches broken?

I get out of bed and look for clean bandages. I need to check the amount of damage and dress the wound anew.

It's my fault! I'm the one that came up with ropes and tying.

«I'm sorry,» I whisper while catching his wrist.

I sit next to him, completely naked but too focused to be bothered by such an insignificant detail.

«It's not that bad,» Alexander soothes me. «I didn't feel pain, so it can't be serious.»

«You're irresponsible!» I scold him.

Ah, well... He can take the blame for me, can't he? I need to chastise someone, or my nerves will break apart.

«I knew I shouldn't have let you do something like this... And now? The wound reopened. You should rest your hand, not use it to grip your wife's buttock!»

«But it was fun,» he defends himself. He even shrugs, as if it was totally unimportant.

«I'm not going anywhere! You'll have plenty of time for exploring the dark corners of your mind. There's no need to do everything at once. You shouldn't have insisted so much...»

«You started it, Thea. You wanted to tie me to the bed. Do you even realise how that feels?»

«I do,» I point out. I've just been tied.

I know very well how thrilling it is, to be at my lover's mercy. I also experienced how it is to be on the other side, even though in a weird and dreamy way.

I like the former option more, in the end. Less work and more excitement.

I take a deep breath, calming the tingling that has already started spreading in my tummy.

First, the injury.

I wrap the bandage around Alexander's palm, careful to cover the whole wound and let it loose enough for blood to circulate while keeping it tight-fitting.

«This should do, for now. Tomorrow, you can ask a maid or the doctor to check it,» I say. «If something like this happens again, I won't let you hold me until complete recovery.»

«You're so cute when you act harshly,» he comments, hiding a giggle. «Also, please cover yourself.»

«Why would I do that? Is my body such a displeasing sight?» This ungrateful husband! He wasn't so bothered by it a few minutes ago.

«Oh, my Duchess, it's quite the opposite. I just feel cold for you...»

He circles my waist with his right hand and pulls me in his embrace.

I glare at him to check what is happening with his injured hand, and I find it raised in the air, far from dangerous movements.

All right, he's acting a bit responsibly now.

«I won't be clenching my wife's buttock,» he whispers while hugging me for sleep. «Is that better?»

«Yes, it is,» I mutter. How shameless.

Also, those were my words. He should have found new ones, instead of stealing...

«What were we talking about?» he inquires, pecking my nose and grinning devilishly.

«About how devoted a wife I am.»

«Indeed, that's right,» he nods. «I can suggest a couple of things that would make you even more perfect, but this is enough for this time.»

«You're too audacious. Were you born like this, or you trained your mouth to say such naughty things?»

«I don't know what answer you want to hear. I guess both can be considered correct.»

«So, you already were untreatable as a child, but you worked hard to become even worse. It's good to know. At least, I can have some sort of peace. It's not my fault.»

«In part, it is. I'm particularly inspired when it comes to my wife.»

«Oh, so not even that consolation. What a tough life...»

«I'm sure you can find some perks. You just have to think harder.»

«I don't have spare energies for that. My husband draws away every bit of it.»

«Mhm, what a monster.»

«Not really. He's just too self-centred. And he also rarely listens to his wife's pleas.»

«It's the wife's fault if she's not convincing.»

«You have an answer to everything, don't you?»

«Not everything, but almost.»

«Are you in the right mood to listen to my requests, now?»

«Pretty much.»

«I think the assassin won't strike again,» I probe.

It's too soon to be certain. Well, I'm sure that madwoman will come back. I've looked at her in the eyes, and I've seen how crazy and obsessed she's become.

However, staying twenty-four hours a day next to my Duke is hard for my heart. He doesn't even let me look at him since he orders me to turn the other way while he's working.

It won't be easy to convince him. But I have a plan.

A real plan. Not the stupid mass of ideas I had earlier this day.

«It's out of the question. No amount of soothing or seduction will convince me to reduce your security.»

«There's no need to reduce security. Just leave me with the maid or some guards. I won't be less safe than by your side, right?»

He crooks his mouth, looking for an argument that won't admit an objection from me.

«You're so good at choosing people,» I continue, not giving him the time to think. «All your employees are so professional. Even the maids can fight!»

«Thea, I don't want to put you in danger.»

«I don't want to be in danger too,» I shrug. «But we can't pass the rest of our lives in fear. We'll have to go back to normal life, sooner or later.»

«Later is better than sooner.»

«Are you sure?»

«Am I such a burden to you?» he asks, pouting adorably. Oh, I'd just peck his sulking lips, but that would lead us to a whole series of actions and far from the main point.

«You're not. But imagine how willing I would be to be held by you if I couldn't see you for a whole day! I'm sure it would be worth the wait.»

«I want my sweet, embarrassed wife back. When have you started using your charms to tame me?»

«From our first morning as a married couple,» I answer.

«It doesn't work.»

Oh, it works marvellously. I just need a bit of patience and lots, lots of smiles, caresses and wily purrs.

And also, a single rational argument.

I lean my head on the pillow and sigh. I can't win now, but by tomorrow, I'll have my private time back.

It won't be completely private since I'll always have someone around. But it will be better.

I can't finish this thing under my protective Duke's watch.

I need some distance if I want to lure the cat out and be done for good.

«Good night,» I whisper. «I hope you won't be angry with me for asking you this.»

«I'm not angry, just concerned.»

«And what about the ropes?»

«What about them?»

«Aren't you annoyed that I tried tying you?»

«Oh, that... Well, I suppose I'm not. In the end, it was entertaining,» he snickers. «But don't try it again. I won't be this merciful next time.»