Lady Felice’s Secret Class - Chapter 81

“Felice, come here.”

The command was firm, but something in Claude’s voice softened its edge. It didn’t feel forceful at all. If anything, Felice thought it sounded gentle.

She tucked her notebook back into her bag, exhaled slowly to steady her nerves, and rose from her seat, heart pounding despite all her earlier pep talks.

Claude’s eyes followed her every movement.

Today, without any official engagements, his blond hair was left unstyled, falling gently as he tipped his head back in a relaxed pose. He lounged against the sofa with an easy, almost arrogant air, the picture of comfort—so much so, it made Felice feel even more on edge.

“Should I sit here?”

Felice asked and he just nodded in reply.

As she sat down beside him, Felice reminded herself that, for now, she was supposed to be Elise in this scenario.

If Elise was the kind of woman who would fully embrace her submissive side in a situation like this. If Elise was willing to test a man’s boldness, she’d want to see how much he could take the lead and draw her in.

“Felice.”

“…Yes?”

She glanced at Claude, then quickly dropped her gaze to his collar. Today he wore a navy vest with a wine-red tie, which he’d just loosened, letting it drape down his broad chest. The color stood out so much her eyes kept drifting back to it.

When Claude shifted, the tie slid slightly, and Felice swallowed, bracing herself for whatever command might come next.

“Come up here.”

He patted his thigh.

Felice hesitated, but eventually perched herself gingerly on his lap, wondering what on earth kind of order this was supposed to be.

She kept her eyes forward, trying not to look at him—until Claude let out a sudden, helpless laugh that his head brushed against her back, bouncing a little as he laughed.

“Cl-Claude?”

Felice stammered but Claude just kept laughing, as if he couldn’t help himself, and Felice’s lips twisted in a pout. She turned her head to protest, but he caught her face between his hands and, in one swift movement, pressed a light kiss to her lips.

She stared at him wide-eyed, caught off guard, while he pulled away with a contented smile that made her feel as if dandelion seeds were drifting through the air.

“When I said ‘come up,’…”

Clause spoke softly. Still holding her waist, he turned her on his lap so she faced him. Felice grabbed his shoulder for balance as she was overcome by his force.

“I meant like this—face to face.”

Claude’s arm slipped around her waist as he brushed her hair back behind her ear with the other hand.

Felice fumbled for something to say. Her gaze was lost in the blue of his eyes. His eyes were folded so nearly like crescent moons. The blue irises were so bright and sweet she could almost believe they were honey-coated.

Which was ridiculous. He was supposed to be interested in Lady Elise, after all.

“I-I just… You only said to come up, so…”

“Next time, you should know to sit facing me.”

“…Yes.”

Felice bobbed her head obediently.

“Felice.”

Maybe real submission was about surrendering your heart as well as your actions. If so, then Claude was an expert. Without even giving a command, he could make her heart beat wildly just by saying her name.

A simple call had her heart racing.

“Hug me.”

His hands moved away from Felice’s waist. He opened his arms and looked at her with warmth.

Why did his orders always have to be like this? If he were some hero out of an e****c novel, demanding she strip or do something far bolder, at least then she wouldn’t feel quite like this.

But as it was, Felice felt like her heart was about to leap right out of her chest.