Suddenly, a heavy weight pressed down on my chest. Forcing my eyes open with great effort, I found Sera sitting atop me, a triumphant smirk dancing on her lips.
"Wake up, Theo. I'm not letting you sleep after what you did today."
Damn it. Of all the times she could have chosen, she picked this one. My eyelids felt like lead, yet she expected me to stay awake.
Ignoring her, I tried to slip back into unconsciousness, but she refused to leave me be, prying my eyes open with her fingers.
"You aren't sleeping," she insisted, "not until you wash my hair, brush it, scent it, and then kiss it."
Huh? All of that? I could barely find the breath to speak. "My beloved wife," I managed to mutter heavily, "punish me tomorrow the moment I wake up. I won't just brush your hair; I'll wash your entire body if you wish... but please, not now."
Those words exhausted the very last of my energy. I truly doubted I had the strength to utter another word.
In a flash, I found myself sitting up, Sera's hands gripping my shoulders to keep me from collapsing.
"Have you forgotten your little prank, Theo?" she asked softly. "Where is that husband who loved the scent of my hair so much? He's turned into a rogue who uses it as a towel."
"I'm naked anyway," I groaned. "How do you expect me to brush your hair like this?"
Her smile turned wicked. "I'll consider that my reward. Watching my husband brush my hair while I enjoy the view... lucky me."
Hearing that, I felt like crying. It was clear she wasn't going to let me go; she wanted her revenge. I knew the prank was heavy and I deserved it, but the timing was brutal.
Gathering what remained of my willpower, I took her hand and kissed it. I followed with a kiss to her forehead, her hair, and her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Sera. It's my fault. As an apology, I'll bring you a gift tomorrow after the hunt. Just forgive me."
I kissed her cheek, then let my head fall directly onto her lap.
Closing my eyes instantly, I made sure not to provoke her by looking at her. I swore to myself—never again would I attempt a prank like that.
.....
I had been furious when Theo left the house. Fortunately for him, his absence allowed that fire to burn out quickly.
Once he was gone, the silence of this massive manor felt stifling. Loneliness crept in. Theo is the kind of man anyone would miss; his personality is a strange kaleidoscope of different people.
One moment he is a terrifying, dignified noble; the next, a sharp-tongued cynic; and then, just a bratty teenager with an annoying sense of humour.
I was mostly angry at myself for falling so hard for his charms during dinner. How could I resist? He is unnaturally handsome, with a physique that defies the laws of reality.
The way he showered me with kisses and thanked me for the food had shattered my final defences. A warm glow had settled deep within me.
But then came that laugh of his. I knew something was wrong instantly. I accused him just to see his reaction, and the idiot didn't even try to deny it. If he had lied, I probably would have believed him. That was what truly set me off.
My anger wasn't about the prank; it was about the fact that I had let myself be so vulnerable. My punishment of Theo was just a way to hide my own embarrassment.
I expected him to return in minutes—half an hour at most. But one hour passed. Then two. Then three.
Eventually, I lost count. I could swear those were the longest hours of my life. Fear, guilt, longing, and boredom swirled together, making minutes feel like years.
When he finally appeared, dragging himself toward the manor, I could have stopped him as part of the "punishment," but I chose not to. I watched him, barely able to walk. Several times, I almost ran out to help him, but I forced myself to stay back.
And now, here he is, sleeping in my lap. A sense of pure contentment washes over me.
Am I really this easy? Or is it him? Why does this vulnerability feel so good?
Throughout my life, I have run from weakness. I only married him out of sheer despair. Yet, in just three days, I've started to... love him? Maybe I knew I was like this deep down. Maybe that's why I wore such a hard shell.
I discovered something else, too—I am quite lustful. I wasn't joking when I said I'd enjoy the view. Why should I be ashamed? He's my husband. It is my right to enjoy him.
Is desire really a bad thing? I haven't spoken to myself like this in a long time.
Theo's soft, rhythmic snoring broke my thoughts. He was truly exhausted. Even so, he was the type of person who wouldn't normally skip a bath for anything.
I traced his soft, long hair, his face, his nose. It was addictive—like a mother tending to her child. As I felt the definition of his muscles, a strange, pleasant flutter stirred in my stomach.
I stayed like that for half an hour, unable to get enough.
The moment reminded me of her... Anastasia. If it weren't for that "problem," she might have been the one in my place.
I gently slid a pillow under Theo's head and prepared for sleep. Changing into light clothes, I lay down beside him on the rug.
Are we destined to sleep on this rug? This is the second time now...