Page 24 of Bad Duke

“I want you to find my brother and make sure he knows it’s safe for him to come back from wherever he’s gone.”

“Consider it done.” I nod.

“If this happens and I do… get pregnant.” I wonder when in the world that thought became such a fucking turn-on when my cock aches to be inside her. “The child will be raised as ours, we’ll be equal in decisions that are made for it.” She sounds very firm on that and so I nod my head in agreement.

“And finally.” She takes a sip of her water like she’s building up to something big. “While you're fucking me, you fuck no one else.” She drops her pretty little eyes off mine to save her pride and I have to try really hard not to smirk at the idea of her being jealous.

“Don’t worry, pretty girl. I won’t break your heart,” I tell her, trying to ease the tension that's suddenly shadowed us like a storm cloud.

“Alex, my body may be yours. I may have to kneel to your commands, but you’ll never own my heart.” She glares back up at me, her words knocking all the warmth right out of my chest and turning it cold.

* * *

After we eat she heads into the living room to watch some television and seems surprised when I follow after her, settling myself into the armchair that's opposite the sofa she’s laying out on. I like how she makes herself so at home here. The furniture is much more for show than it is for comfort, and yet Olivia, in her t-shirt, shorts, and fluffy socks, makes it seem homely.

I spend the entire episode of whatever reality crap she’s watching studying her, watching the way she laughs, and how her eyes slightly squint when she doesn’t like something. I’ve had countless messages from Trent asking me to meet him at The Vortex, but I can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be than here.

“There's a film starting at ten, you wanna watch?” She looks over at me, acting as if all this, that I’m putting her through, is normal. Maybe it’s some kind of coping mechanism.

“Sure.” I nod, not knowing or caring about what that film is or what it’s about just as long as I get to watch her some more. I missed her today when she wasn’t here.

“Great. I’ll go grab us some popcorn. Barnaby had me make him a list of my preferred snacks when I first arrived, and he’s delivered.” She wiggles her eyebrows at me as she gets up. “I could get used to this kind of luxury,” she calls back at me over her shoulder as she heads towards the kitchen.

I head outside onto the patio so I can smoke a blunt and take the edge off the unease I’m feeling. Why is what she said about me not having her heart, chipping away at me? Is the girl not giving me enough of herself? I can’t figure out why she would go so far for her brother, but it makes him my threat just as much as he is my advantage.

I text Kenzo and tell him that his supply will be ready to pick up next Monday, then I respond to the email I was sent from Elizabeth Winfield, confirming that both Olivia and I will be attending her party on Sunday. When I see that I have a response to the message I sent Marina earlier, I smile to myself and head back into the living room.

Right on cue, Olivia returns to her sofa with a bowl that’s brimming with popcorn.

“You have a shopping trip planned for tomorrow,” I point out as she makes herself comfortable again.

“A what?” She stares at me as if I’ve just pulled out a gun and pointed it at her.

“I have a friend coming over to take you shopping for some clothes.”

“I have clothes,” she reminds me.

“Yes, you have clothes, but will they be suitable for all the engagements you have coming up with your new fiancée?” I question.

“What engagements?” She looks completely thrown off track.

“Well, we have Elizabeth's garden party on Sunday to look forward to,” I point out sarcastically, then we have the charity ball I’ve been invited to, a few weeks after. Naturally, you’ll have to make some appearances at some of the more popular social events. Barnaby will make sure you get on the VIP guest list for the Chelsea Flower Show, and apparently, Helena Warrington hosts a cream tea in her gardens that can’t be missed.” The horror on her face as I explain, amuses me and I watch the way she takes a calming breath before she picks up the remote and points it at the television.

“I get the impression you're enjoying this,” she scowls, as I stand up and slide into the space beside her. I reach over her and help myself to her popcorn, refusing to confirm or deny as I tip my head back and release the handful into my mouth. Then when she automatically puts her legs up on my lap and sinks herself into me I wrap my arm around them so she keeps them there.

OLIVIA

We barely get through the first ten minutes of the film before his hard cock, pressing against my thigh, becomes too much of a distraction. I swear this man has put some kind of trigger in me. All I’ve thought about all day is him and how it feels to please him. Alex is very vocal with his praise and I like the way it makes me feel.

“Were you planning on doing something about that?” I look down towards the bulge in his slacks and when his hand slides between the gap in my thighs and slowly starts to rub me through my shorts it causes my stomach to flutter and my clit to pulse.

“I was going to be polite and let you watch your film.” His mouth moves closer to mine, teasing me with his lips, turning that flutter into a heavy throb.

“The film’s shit.” I make sure he can’t pull away from me this time, gripping the back of his head and kissing him. I like that there's something playful about his mood since we cleared the air over dinner. The Alex I’ve come to know is far too serious.

I suddenly pull back when I’m reminded that this man has a houseful of staff.

“We can’t, not here.” I look towards the arch that leads to the hall expecting someone to be bustling around.

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