Page 74 of In Service to the Duke

So many thoughts and recriminations slam into me as I ring for my valet. While in the rut, I didn’t have to think too much. All I had on my mind was carnal pleasure. It was a reprieve, of sorts, but now, reality is settling in.

With a heavy sigh, I climb into bed, mussing up the sheets so it looks as if I’ve been in here for a while and not in my dungeon, balls deep inside an omega I have no right to sully. When my valet knocks on the door before entering, I do my best to put on a performance.

“I require a bath. I’ve lain abed far too long and need to cleanse myself. Have one brought up immediately. I’m finally feeling well enough to eat.”

The relief on his face is almost instant, sending a niggle of guilt deep into my soul. Next time, they’ll know precisely what’s going on and be able to prepare for it much better.

“Yes, Your Grace. I’ll have a tub in here instantly.”

“How long has it been since I’ve taken myself to my rooms?”

“Five days, Your Grace.”

“And my mother?” My heart constricts as I await his reply.

Five days isn’t all that very long, but then, anything can happen in a span of a minute or two. Compared to that, five days is an eternity.

“She seems unchanged, Your Grace. I cannot tell if she’s any better, but she is certainly no worse.”

Relief floods my system, making me sag against the bed. “And Miss Gillet?”

“I have not received word on her condition yet, Your Grace. Your mother and the physician have been in and out, but as of this morning, no new news has been delivered to me. From what I understand, she is ill from the same condition as you, but far worse.”

“But my sisters are well?” I know they are, but I must continue this farce.

“They were sent away by your mother with most of the staff. Only those who requested to stay are here.”

Seems as if my mother’s mind is as sharp as ever. I would not have thought to carry out this ruse as thoroughly as she did. For that, I must commend her, even if it’s far more nefarious than I thought her capable of.

“Very well. Once we know Miss Gillet is well, you may send for them all to come back.”

“Very good, Sir. I shall see to your bath at once.”

Pretending to still be weak, I watch as servants shuffle in and out, bringing bucket after bucket of water. My pulse races as I watch the time clock. Too much time has passed. Could Miss Gillet, even now, be awake and frightened when she finds I’m gone?

I do my best to remain calm, not wishing to stir up any inquiry with my agitation. Eventually, all is complete, leaving just my valet. With a nod, I motion for him to leave. I cannot have him here when I bring up Miss Gillet.

The moment the door closes, I leap from the bed and lock it. Racing back down the hidden entrance, I step into the dungeon, my heart pounding. But there she is, still asleep as when I left her.

Breathing out a sigh of relief, I walk over to the fire and stir it to life before lighting additional candles around the room. Soon, it’s a bright, cheery scene despite the chaos in the bed.

More than likely, the nest will have to be burned, but I’ll attend to that later. Right now, there is no rush. Grabbing a rag, I toss it into the basin before stripping off the banyan. I dab my body with water, getting most of the crusted blood and fluids off before tossing it into the fire.

Grabbing a clean rag, I dip it into the water and bring it over to Miss Gillet. It’s far more difficult to get the dried bits of cum off of her, especially her hair. I grit my teeth and go to work, doing my best to ignore my aching cock as I cleanse her.

By the time I get to her thighs, she stirs a bit and stretches. The soft smile gracing her face quickly turns into a frown as she sees me by her side. With a quiet squeak, she brings her hands up to cover breasts, as if it will somehow shield her from my lecherous gaze.

“I- What? How? I- This isn’t a dream?” The fear in her voice cuts me, and I wish I could lie and tell her it was.

“It is no dream. You went into heat.”

Her face pales. “No. That’s impossible. I- The pills. I took the pills. Ask the butler. He gave them to me every day without fail.” Hysteria rises as she becomes frantic, souring the air with her agitation.

“A full inquiry will be made later. But not at this moment.” I keep my tone neutral, doing my best not to frighten her.

Purring, I pull her forward, my cock twitching at the shy, coquettish way she tries to hide her body from me. I do my best to continue wiping her down without taking full advantage of her naked state. When most of the detritus is free from her skin, I scoop her into my arms and carry her into the hall.

She’s silent as I take her into my room. Setting her down by the door, I hold my finger to my lips as I step in first, making sure we’re still alone. When I motion for her to follow, she tiptoes after me, eyes taking in her surroundings.