Page 81 of Duchess Material

“Thank you.” Natalie stepped back, still shaken.

“Nat, you cannot do that,” Lucy said as soon as they were unmic’ed and free to go.

“I am sorry, but this is a nuclear summit. You don’t get to talk to me about floral arrangements! I do not give a flying fuck about all of that! What I do care about is stopping unnecessary military engagement. I care about sending poor Americans into battle like cannon fodder with a promise of an education. Because you and I—especially you—know what all of this is really about.”

Lucy let out a long groan as they walked to the lift to take them up to their suite.

“You know I am right, Luce.”

“Look, I would rather talk about anything other than George’s stupid wedding. I would. You know how tense I’ve been. I wanted to vomit this morning as people shouted at you. I know they are one step away from chasing me down back in London. I don’t want it any more than you do. But, Nat, c’mon. Throw me a bone here. You’re not supposed to go off on a tirade—”

Lucy looked at her phone. “And that would be the home office.”

She answered it. Natalie didn’t care. She hadn’t given away state secrets. She had done her job. So, what if she’d wandered a bit? Natalie shot a text message to Ed.

I’ve been a bad girl.

It normally took Ed a bit to text back. However, he replied immediately.

Oh, really?

I’m in trouble.

Hmmm… how so? And what are you wearing?

Natalie rolled her eyes and the bit her lip as she replied.

I’m in a suit. Don’t get excited. The Home Office has had it with me.

You deserve a spanking.

Natalie was keenly aware she did not possess a vibrator, had no time to get off, and wanted to end this. At the same time, Ed was so good at sexting. They had been up to no good ever since he left. The thought of him bending her over the bed, smacking her ass, and railing her made Natalie wet. She hated when he did this.

“Nat! Natalie!”

Natalie looked over at Lucy as she waved.

“You alright?”

A guard opened the door to their suite and Natalie marched in.

“Yes, yes. I was texting Ed.”

“Get your head out of the gutter.”

“I have a feeling you’re about to bring me back down to earth at Mach 9.”

Lucy shook her head. “Um, yeah. So, you can’t go off in this way again or else the PM and Home Secretary will have your ass. Also, your father has sent me an email. You’re on a leash, Natalie. Please don’t make me muzzle you.”

“Okay, I will be a good girl.”

Lucy looked doubtful.

I’m being put in time out.

Cheeky girl, you’ve been had. I’ll ring you in a moment.

Natalie thought about going to her room given that she might a bit of privacy. The phone rang and she answered it.

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