Chapter 40
Caught unable to move, her eyes locked on his hand, Claude sighed.
A long, soft sigh escaped, and he pulled back.
Though his eyes still burned with desire, he blinked slowly and withdrew his leg from between hers.
“But we must still do our best to cultivate patience, right?”
His gentle voice whispered in Felice’s ear.
She blinked and looked up at Claude. His face was stiff and tense, uncharacteristic of him. He rubbed his face several times quickly, and Claude smiled gently.
There was a hint of regret in his softly curved eyes.
Suddenly, Claude buried his face in her shoulder and nuzzled like a whining child.
He only sighed shortly, and the intense contact before was gone.
“….Miss Felice, haven’t I been patient enough?”
Leaning on her shoulder, Claude’s eyes shone clearly as he looked up.
His tone seemed to seek praise, and Felice nodded almost spellbound.
Then, like a tutor praising a student, she gently stroked his blonde hair.
“You were very patient, Claude.”
At her touch, Claude closed his eyes, purring like a content cat, making Felice smile without realizing it.
Claude slowly opened his eyes and pressed a light kiss on Felice’s lips.
Startled, Felice opened her eyes wide, and Claude smiled as he moved away completely.
“I did well so I deserve a reward.”
* * *
For two days after that, Felice experienced strange sensations.
Whether walking, eating, or writing in her journal, whenever Claude’s cheerful smile crossed her mind, she stopped whatever she was doing and buried her face in her hands.
More than anything, the light touch of his kiss on her lips when he said he’d save the reward for last lingered like an echo.
“I’m sure I awakened some desire after seeing that erotica book.”
She stood up, convinced.
She had heard that to release s****l desire, outdoor activities were best. Focusing on something else or sweating from exercise helped lessen improper fantasies.
“Alright. Claude will be busy with that day for a while, so maybe it’s time to go shopping for clothes.”
After shaking her head, Felice prepared to go out.
As the days passed, the summer heat was approaching. The longer she delayed shopping, the more she’d have to walk under the scorching sun.
Determined, Felice grabbed her leather bag.
Just as she stepped out, the butler coming up the stairs saw her and frowned as he looked at her bag.
“Miss Felice, do you have an appointment today?”
She usually informed the butler of her schedule because of lessons, but she had said there was no big event today, so the butler seemed surprised.
Felice shook her head and smiled at him.
“No. No plans, just wanted to go out because the weather was nice. Has the lesson schedule come out?”
“Oh, it’s not about lessons. You’re not busy or have appointments today, right?”
“No, not really.”
“That’s good. The master called the boutique madam because your clothes got stained during the lesson.”
“My clothes… ah.”
Remembering the thick white liquid and strong night-blooming jasmine scent that filled her vision, Felice smiled awkwardly and waved it off.
“It’s alright. I washed it, so it’s fine now.”
“The madam asked if you’d refuse, she might send a bunch of clothes that don’t fit your taste. She suggested you look at the catalog instead.”
“Oh… well.”
Felice looked troubled as she stared at the butler.
“Is Claude… not here today?”
“No. He’ll be busy for a while. He has some matters to attend to.”
Probably the search for the Racliffe maid who stained Lady Elise’s dress.
Felice nodded, knowing she was responsible for the incident.
“I see… Then I’ll tell the madam I’m sorry. And I’ll let Claude know.”
“…Yes?”
The butler tilted his head.
“No matter how busy I am with lessons, Claude has been very accommodating while I’m here. We can’t trouble him further.”
Felice smiled brightly.
Butler Ben stared blankly at Felice’s smile.
“Shall I take you to the reception room?”
“Ah… yes. Please lead the way.”
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