Seraphina didn't know if she was happy or scared. All she knew was that she felt like prey to him. Her body shuddered whenever his tongue licked her flesh.
"You are so wet that I can keep doing this, you know?"
"Stop…"
"If you call my name, it stops."
Was he laughing? The subtle movements from his touch made her tremble, and as his tongue explored further, her waist arched higher. Though she tried to pull away, his strong hand kept her in place.
When he touched her clit, Seraphina's waist bent to its fullest extent. The bride's appearance, with her disheveled wedding dress, was more vibrant than ever.
Each time she gasped, the flowers and jewels embroidered on her dress seemed to come alive. Her face, initially as white as her wedding gown, was now flushed red.
Her fluids dripped onto the dress. He might have wanted to drink it, but he couldn't control the flow running down his chin.
"Seraphina!"
The Duke's head jerked up at the shrill voice calling for Seraphina. It wasn't loud, but the sound of approaching footsteps indicated someone was searching for her.
It was only a matter of time before they were discovered. The Duke frowned. Reluctantly, he pulled away from Seraphina.
"I think I have to stop for now."
He replaced her underwear, deliberately pressing his fingers against the wet fabric. Her forehead creased as her underwear became damp with her juices.
"You'd better think carefully about whether or not to call my name until your wet underwear dries."
"What does that mean?"
"It means the bet isn't over yet."
He smiled and extended his hand to her. Seraphina looked at him curiously, and he glanced at her feet.
"Are you going to walk with that foot again?"
"It's bandaged now, so I'll be fine."
"No."
He spoke emphatically. He didn't want her to walk on her injured foot. Before she could protest, he lifted her into his arms.
"It's not my taste to make love with someone who is in pain."
Seraphina's face turned red again at his words.
"Seraphina!"
As the Duke stepped outside, carrying Seraphina, they encountered the Count. Unlike the surprised Count, the Duke's expression remained composed.
The Duke had anticipated this encounter. The Count had been the one calling Seraphina by her name rather than her title.
"Ah, there you are," the Count said, his voice stern but his gaze softening as he saw the Duke. "Today's main couple suddenly disappeared, and now everyone's looking for you. Let's go."
"My wife hurt her foot."
The Duke revealed Seraphina's injured foot. The Count's eyes widened as he saw the bandaged, swollen feet.
Seraphina quickly bowed her head to avoid the Count's reproachful gaze.
"Oh, no, my daughter should have taken care of herself, but thank you for looking after her."
"No, it's my duty as her husband."
The Duke smiled amiably. The Count's stern expression softened into a forced smile.
"Then why don't you return to the ballroom now? The main couple of the day—"
"I'm sorry, but we will be going home now."
The Duke's words cut the Count off mid-sentence. The Count's face hardened, clearly not expecting to be interrupted.
"Why so suddenly? You don't like the arrangements I've made…?"
"No, your arrangements are perfect, Father-in-law."
Unlike the Count, whose smile had faltered, the Duke's face remained calm. However, his eyes, which were fixed on the Count, were not smiling.
The Count sensed a shift in the conversation. The Duke had always been agreeable in their previous interactions, matching the Count's expectations. This was different.