His Duchess is a Ghost (Novel) - Chapter 32 (Patreon)

A shaky breath involuntarily left Alena’s lips when he caressed her cheek with the back of his fingers.

His fingers traced her jaw. His touch was so feather light, giving her involuntary goosebumps.

His touch truly was like magic. It was infuriating how it was already enough to make her body sing.

When his hand that was gripping her wrist finally loosened and then let go, Alena’s eyes opened. And he was right, she was really still in flesh! Just how was this possible?

A question almost left her mouth but she hastily bit her lip to not let the words out. She reminded herself once again to never ask anything anymore and just focus on her goal. That was all she should be doing right now.

His hand began to caress the shape of her waist as he stared intently at her.

But the look in his eyes was far from what she saw in his study. Right now, he was stone-faced again, which was not what she was expecting or wanted at all. She needed him to let himself lose again just like that time and make himself vulnerable for her to… kill him.

“I don’t think… this would do, Duke Donovian,” Alena said. “Don’t tell me I’ve expected too much from you...”

His expression didn’t change but his chin tipped up slightly higher at her words.

“I have barely started –

“You are too slow, duke. If you keep dilly dallying like this, I’ll take the pleasure you promised, myself.” She told him with such firmness that seemed to have rendered the duke speechless for a moment.

But then, a ghost of a smile seemed to cross his features. He whispered, “How impatient…” as his hand suddenly pressed her hips down upon him.

The mere feel of him down there had Alena biting her lower lip. He was so… hard and thick and…

“I was trying to ease you on this, duchess. Because I think that right now, you’re not actually ready for this yet.”

“What are you talking about? How could you say I’m not ready when I’m literally the one who jumped at you like this?”

“You’re stiff… your heartbeat’s too loud. You’re forcing yourself too much –”

“Many women do that. They force themselves to sleep with their husbands, no matter if they’re ready or not, just because it’s their wedding night and they had to consummate their union. In our society… my body’s reaction right now is considered normal.”

"Then perhaps I stand outside the norms of the society you describe. My interest lies solely in someone who is genuinely ready and eager."

"But your body tells a different story, Duke Donovian," Alena pointed out.

“That part of me has a mind of its own sometimes. But if you think I’m one of those men who are slaves to their penises’ whims, then I must correct you, duchess."

Alena was momentarily at a loss for words. "Why are you so... so talkative? The whole of Claveria thought you were a man of few words, but here you are."

"Well... that surprised me too. I guess," he paused, gently removing a stray hair strand stuck on her neck and tucking it behind her before returning his intense gaze to hers, "...it's because this is the first time someone has talked to me so fearlessly, without any reservations."

Once again, she found herself stunned. She hadn't expected him to say such things... Good Lord, she really needed to stop being so taken aback every single time!!

"I don’t care if that's supposed to make me feel honored, but let's enough with this and get back to business, shall we, Duke? I'm not nervous anymore. I know myself better than anyone, and I'm more than ready now, so don't tell me otherwise."

"Then..." She felt his fingertip trace the line of her collarbone, his gaze never leaving hers. His molten gold pupils seemed to gleam as he spoke his next words, "Kiss me, Duchess. If you're really ready, kiss me."

Alena nearly forgot to breathe. Why was it so easy for this man to overwhelm her like this? She couldn't stop her gaze from drifting to his tempting lips.

And before she knew it, she swallowed hard.

"If you're going to force yourself just to kiss me, we're not doing it—"

Her thumb was suddenly on his lips, pressing firmly, causing the Duke to freeze. "Stop distracting me because I'm not only going to kiss these lips of yours, I'm going to devour them!" she hissed, and without giving him a moment to react, she leaned in to kiss him.

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Chapter 33>>