Page 35 of Bad Duke

“And where do you think you're going?” Alex wraps his strong arm around my waist and drags me back against him when I attempt to get out of bed

“To walk the dogs,” I tell him.

“It’s 6 am.” He laughs, holding me tight and making it clear I’m not going anywhere.

“I know and it’s also their routine. I have to leave for work at eight.”

“They’re dogs, Olivia. They don’t need a routine,” he growls, into the space between my neck and shoulder and grips at my skin with his teeth.

“We’ll just hire a dog walker. You have enough to focus on.” Turning me to face him, he rests his head on the hand that's propped up by his elbow.

“Like what?” I giggle, I don’t cook, I don’t have to worry about keeping the house tidy. I don’t even have to drive myself to work.

“A wedding. Growing the future heir of Hatherly.” The finger of his other hand circles lazily around my belly button. Reminding me of all the efforts he’s made to put one there.

“I have a life beyond all this you know.” I move to get up. Alex’s dominance and assertiveness might be one of the many things I find attractive about him, but I can’t allow it to take over.

“I know, and I want to know more about it.” He looks sincere when he sits himself up in bed and looks up at me.

“Well, it starts with me walking the dogs, then going to work.” I kiss his lips and throw on some jeans and a sweater.

“How about you don’t go to work and you spend the day in bed with me?” He grabs my wrist and tugs me back.

“How about you spend the day in bed and get some rest?” I suggest. Alex usually works from his office here, but last night he was out till late. I figure it can’t be easy having to take on all his father’s responsibilities as well as his own.

“You know what? I think I’ll come with you.” Alex shocks me when he pulls back the covers and gets out of bed. He’s still completely naked and my eyes automatically fix on the weapon he’s got between his legs as he walks across the room to his chest of drawers.

“I was thinking about getting Paul to drop me off at my apartment so I can grab my car.” I don’t know why I’m so surprised when he pulls on a pair of jeans. Did I expect him to take the dogs walking in a suit?

“Then I can start driving myself to work,” I add when he chooses to ignore me. We’ve established I’m going nowhere, and we need to find a way to normalise our situation. I don’t need or want a driver. Now that I don’t have to worry about paying rent I can afford to put my car back on the road.

“Alex.” I fold my arms so he can’t ignore me and he starts to laugh.

“What exactly do you find funny? I’m a very good driver.”

“I’m not doubting your driving skills. I just find it amusing that you think I’d let you drive that shed on wheels.”

“Hey, Bertha may be old but she’s reliable,” I defend her, wondering how the hell he knows what state my car is in. She’s been parked in the residential car park for almost six months.

“You named her?” He shakes his head at me and snorts.

“Yes, I named her, and how do you know what I drive?” I stare back at him curiously.

“I make it my business to know everything,” he tells me unapologetically as he picks up a t-shirt and steps towards me “Bertha can retire. If you insist on driving to work, you can take my car.” He throws the t-shirt over his head and kisses me before he heads for the bathroom.

“Alex, I’m not driving your car.” I wait a few minutes for him to come back out.

“Well, you're not driving Bertha, and you don’t want Paul to take you, so how do you suppose you’re going to get to work?” he asks.

“How are you making this seem like I’m the one being difficult?” It drives me wild trying to figure out how he does that.

“Because you are,” he tells me matter-of-factly.

“Fine, I’ll have Paul drive me.” I sigh, turning on my heels, and heading for the door calling out for Vinci and Pico

* * *

It’s a beautiful summer morning and the sun’s already warm. Vinci runs ahead weaving himself between the trees, while Pico stays close nudging between me and Alex whenever he tries to take my hand or put his arm around me.

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