In the Doghouse - Chapter 64
Unfortunately, the third night had yet to arrive. In the meantime, a few rules had been established between the two of them.
Richard, unlike an ordinary husband, was not allowed to freely enter his wife’s bedchamber whenever he wished. He had tried to broach the subject a few times, only to be scolded for being impudent. Since then, he had refrained from bringing it up. Playful gestures or minor mischief to get her attention were acceptable, but nothing more.
Courtney had her reasons for not calling Richard to the bedchamber, even though she was well aware of his desperation.
It wasn’t that she had been dissatisfied with their last night together—quite the opposite. However, simply repeating what they had already done felt dull.
She needed time to plan and prepare. For that reason, it was essential to quickly appoint a trustworthy aide, as she felt embarrassed every time she had to ask Hanson for favors.
Courtney’s fingers traced down Richard’s jawline, stopping at his red lips. She toyed with his soft lower lip as she whispered in a low voice.
“Are you hard right now?”
“Yes.”
“Do you have to get hard at every little thing?”
“I apologize.”
Richard answered obediently, though he felt a bit wronged. His current state of frustration was largely due to another one of Courtney’s rules—no mxstxrbation. He wasn’t even allowed to dwell on their previous nights together or indulge in fantasies about the future. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to control himself.
Courtney looked down at Richard, who had lowered his head. She had scolded him, but she couldn’t deny feeling a bit excited herself.
There was something thrilling about having a perfectly dressed gentleman kneeling before her. It was a different kind of excitement from seeing him naked. Watching his once-pristine face fall apart never got old.
She whispered softly.
“Open your mouth.”
His lips parted slightly, and Courtney immediately slid two fingers into his mouth. She rubbed against the textured roof of his mouth and the soft underside of his tongue, causing his blue eyes to quickly fill with moisture. When her fingers grazed the inside of his cheek, he gently licked them in response.
He looked up at her with intense longing, hoping that she might touch him further or, at the very least, allow him to touch himself. His eyes betrayed his expectations, but it was a futile hope. Courtney had no intention of indulging him that way—at least not yet.
After playing with his tongue a little longer, Courtney withdrew her fingers, wiping the wetness on his chest. Richard’s face remained dreamy, as if he were in a daze. She patted his cheek lightly and spoke.
“Behave yourself. Understand?”
“Yes.”
He slowly stood up, though his condition was far from stable. His dazed eyes made it seem like they’d just done something indecent in her office. Courtney lazily gestured toward the sofa.
“Sit there and… fix your face. And your… lower half.”
“Yes.”
Richard, still visibly aroused, made his way back to the sofa with a strained gait, his large frame hunched slightly in an attempt to conceal himself. His pitiful state was almost laughable.
“Haah…”
He let out a shaky sigh as his body trembled. Courtney found it hard to tear her eyes away from him. A bit of regret nagged at her—maybe she should’ve teased him more.
But, no. She shook her head, chastising herself. Who’s the crazy one here?
Clearing her throat, Courtney pulled out a fresh sheet of paper and picked up her pen once more.
* * *
The next day was Courtney’s first official outing as the crown princess. The destination was Count Seymour’s estate, as planned. Madam Berricker and two handmaidens would accompany her.
However, there was an unexpected final hurdle before their departure. As she was being dressed by her maids, Courtney glanced toward the partition and spoke.
“I told you already. You’re not coming.”
“I know.”
Richard, sitting comfortably in an armchair, answered casually. He had come to watch her get ready, saying he just wanted to see her prepare, but he hadn’t mentioned wanting to attend the concert again.
Still, Courtney didn’t let her suspicions go. His hair was neatly combed, and he wore a perfectly tailored suit, looking ready to step out of the palace at a moment’s notice. Though he rarely looked disheveled, showing up at just the right time in full attire was certainly suspicious.
“Ugh…”
One of the maids pulled the ribbon on the back of her dress tight, causing Courtney to sway. Madam Berricker nodded in approval at the satisfying shape the dress gave her.
“All done.”
Half-exhausted just from getting ready, Courtney stepped out from behind the partition. Richard, who had been lounging, immediately straightened his posture.
Today, Courtney had chosen a teal dress embroidered with silver vine patterns. She had taken the advice to select a color with some weight to it, as it was her first formal appearance. The color complemented her hair and eyes perfectly, even impressing Richard, who usually wasn’t one to comment on women’s fashion.
