Page 87 of Claimed By the Beastly Duke

Ava did not need anyone to tell her that she was the object of his annoyance.

His anger rolled off him in waves, and she bounded up the stairs in a bid to escape it. But, of course, he did not let up. He was hot on her heels.

She had just gotten to the door to her chamber—and had half a mind to lock herself inside—when he appeared.

“We will talk in your chamber,” he bit out.

With shaky hands, Ava opened the door and stepped inside.

He followed her into the room and whirled around to face her the moment the door closed behind them.

“How could you follow me?” he thundered.

Ava jumped. His eyes were blazing, and his nostrils flared.

Because I assumed you were having an affair.

“I… I was curious,” she stammered instead.

“It is simply unacceptable, having my wife follow me when…” he trailed off.

Ava watched him, waiting for him to say something else. But then she came to a realization—she had done nothing wrong.

Granted, what she had done wasslightlywrong, but it was certainlynotterrible.

He is only angry with me because he cannot express his anger at the person who truly deserves it—the woman who slapped him.

“Edwin,” she said calmly.

Her tone seemed to have taken him by surprise, for he staggered backward.

“I understand you’re angry with me,” she started. “But all I did was follow my curiosity. You’re reacting as though I have murdered your best friend.”

Edwin’s mouth dropped open in surprise.

CHAPTER 21

Edwin could not believe his ears. He had known Ava to be rather defiant, but this was simply unacceptable. How could she justify her ridiculous actions?

“You truly believe you have done nothing wrong?” he asked, stepping towards her.

His heart pounded in his chest, and adrenaline coursed through his body.

Ava, on the other hand, did not seem to be phased by his anger. She simply stood there, her eyes holding his.

She shrugged. “I could argue that I simply wanted to ensure my husband’s safety.”

Ensure my safety? How ridiculous!

“I can ensure my own safety just fine, Ava!” he countered.

“You are my husband! It is my duty to know what you are up to.”

“And this duty includes following me?”

“I did not follow you. I was simply curious.”

“What are you saying, Ava?” He ran his hands through his hair in frustration as he began to pace the room.

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