---- 360.


    THE FLOOR OF THE MARGINALIZED KATHERINE His hand moved up, brushing against my parted lips, tracing their outline while his eyes devoured me, brimming with promises and desire.


    What...


    what modest services in your chamber? Do you need me to clean? I asked, feigning innocence.


    Remembering thest intimate services I had providedones he hadnt even paid me for.


    Pft, I think you know exactly what I want from you.


    Ive given you pleasure tonight, and youve left me hanging several times, he murmured seductively, leaning in closer.


    J doubt you ll have any trouble earning those checks, my Duchess.


    And with that indecent proposition, he grabbed my hand and led us through the forest back to the mansion.


    I followed in silence, my mind spinning from all the veiled hints and where they were leading.


    We were both an absolute mess, and as we stepped into the garden grounds, the people we passed gave us odd looks.


    But Elliot didnt stop to exin himself.


    The music from the ballroom had quieted; the guests were already retreating to the chambers prepared for them.


    We slipped in through a side door, not wanting to draw too much attention.


    your Excellency, someone was looking foroh, by the Majesty! Did ---- something happen to you in ournds? Thedy of the house gasped as she took in our disheveled appearance, pressing a hand to her mouth in shock.


    Tf the peasants of my estate have harmed you in any way, Ill call my husband at once No, no, dont worry.


    Nothing happened, we just went for a walk, Elliot brushed it off, not bothering with further exnations.


    My eyes subtly flicked down to his crotch at least the beast had gone back into its cave.


    Otherwise, how humiliating would that have been? Of course, well, if you follow me, IIl show you to your rooms.


    She led us upstairs to the second floor, where a hallway stretched with doors on one side and tall windows on the other.


    This will be the Duchesss chamber.


    A maid will be attending to you, she said, directing her words to me as she opened the door.


    Her manners were impable.


    But it didnt escape my notice that she obviously treated Elliot with far more distinction.


    And lets not forgetshe was separating us instead of arranging for us to share a bed, when we were clearly married.


    No, Your Excellency, your chamber is on the third floor, she added when Elliot made to follow me inside.


    What sense does it make to put me in a separate room from my wife? Elliot asked, frowning, his voice cold and irritated.


    Tts just that the third floor...


    I thoughtI mean, I assumed...


    she stammered nervously, looking at Elliot as if to say, ?I thought I was doing you a favor by keeping you away from your clingy wife?