Page 10 of Vows of Sacrifice

“What if I decided not to join you in your bed?” she inquired. “Ever?”

I didn’t answer right away, because the first thing that came to mind was: “I doubt that. There’s too much carnal attraction between us. It’s almost palpable. I kissed you and felt your body react.”

“That would be a pity,” I said.

She seemed surprised.

“Is that so? That’s your only reaction?”

I was already imagining my head between her thighs, bringing her to orgasm. But rather than confess that I was dying for it, I just shrugged casually.

“Yes. That’s all.”

“So you’d take mistresses to satisfy your baser instincts?”

“Do you think you’re devoid of such ‘base’ instincts?” I retorted quickly.

“I am a woman!” Ashana argued, blushing.

“That’s the poorest excuse I’ve ever heard. I have known many women, and they’ve all loved sex. Men aren’t the only ones who can come.”

“That . . . That wasn’t the point of my question!”

Why was she so insistent on this subject? I dropped into the armchair behind the desk, which was strewn with parchments. I took another puff—my last—of my cigar, which I spat out in annoyance.

“Would it upset you if I did?” I asked, curious.

A strange expression fell over her face.

“Of course! When a lord takes a mistress, it means his lady doesn’t satisfy him!”

Her outraged tone made me laugh.

“Well then, the lady just has to satisfy him!”

This conversation was both incredibly irritating and entertaining. Ashana seemed particularly unhappy. I didn’t even know what I’d said wrong. It seemed to me that I had respected her honour with great thoughtfulness.

Massim chose this precise moment to return with the tub of water.

“My lord, I . . .” he began, before falling silent as he noticed Ashana’s presence. “Excuse me, my lord, am I disturbing you? Shall I come back a little later?”

I shook my head.

“Put it on that table over there and bring me something to eat.”

Massim complied with formidable efficiency. As he closed the door, my wife approached.

“Well, I’ll leave you to your bath,” she announced, trying to withdraw.

I smiled inwardly.

“No, I don’t think so.”

She gasped.

“I beg your pardon?”

“You’re going to help me. I need you to clean my back.”

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