The Duke's Passion

The lips that were dominating mine gradually parted away. Sam rested his forehead against mine while I opened my eyes weakly, inhaling each other's hot breaths. The corner of our lips curled up as we chuckled.

Sam cupped my cheeks while I held the back of his hand, pressing my cheek against his palm. He looked at me without blinking, as if he was afraid that I'd be gone once he did.

"I missed you," I said and subtly smiled. "We should fix our sleeping schedule so we sleep at the same time."

I tried humoring him, but he just smiled weakly. Since he liked to stare, I let him for as long as I could. The plethora of questions could wait. Unlike the eight months that I had waited for him back then, five years was way too long. I couldn't imagine how Sam managed.

I had missed a lot. And when I said a lot, it was a hell of a lot. 

"Say it again," Sam uttered, making my brows raise. "Can you speak more?"

"Uhm... I missed you, Sam," I repeated before pressing my lips together. He looked as if he was waiting for me to speak more, so I cleared my throat. Honestly, I had a lot to say, so I might just say them now that he wanted to hear my voice.

"I remember walking in the dark without a destination for a long time; it was tiring. No matter how I screamed, cry, ask for help, or even whisper, there's nothing but me and the voices. I felt helpless, Sam. I thought I wouldn't get to see you once again. I thought I'd be there forever. It was scary..."

I paused to swallow down a mouthful of saliva. Honestly, I didn't ponder on everything I said just now. They just naturally came out of my mouth as if these thoughts had been at the back of my head all along. 

"Sam..." I sighed and smacked my lips. "I'm really, really, really glad to see you. I don't know what to do if you actually had another wife and son. I thought I will lose my mind."

A dry laugh escaped my mouth as I thought about how foolish I was to assume.

"Me too," he whispered, caressing my cheek with his thumb and smiled in relief.  "I will lose my mind if this isn't you who came back to me."

My frown turned grim. "You kissed me when you aren't completely sure if it's actually me and not the bad Lilou?"

"She's cunning," he shrugged, pulling me into his embrace as his arms wrapped around me once again. "She will do everything. She's the only person who actually terrifies me."

"Sam..." I snaked my arms around his waist as I leaned the side of my head on his chest. I could understand this doubt and longing. Also, it was not like I had the right to condemn him since I had sex with him back then, even when I was thinking he was an imposter. 

"I'm sorry. I will make it up to you, I promise."

Sam only hummed a tune, and we stayed in each other's embrace for a long time. When I broke away from him, he smiled at me, closed-lipped. I could not help but arch my brows, noticing that something was amiss.

"Sam? What are you thinking?" I inquired cautiously, out of instinct.

"Now that I am sure this is you, come with me." Sam reached for my hand and raised them up. The side of his lips stretched into a smile until his eyes squinted into slits. 

"I told you, didn't I? Even if you kiss me, it won't be effective."

"Oh no," I mumbled and shook my head, but Sam already dragged me with him. Although he was dragging me with my hand, his grip wasn't tight to hurt me. Actually, I found myself skipping my steps to keep up.

"Sam... where are we going?" I asked as we turned into the hallway.

"I still have unfinished business, my wife. I won't let you go off on your own again," he replied without looking back. "You and your son just do whatever you want. So, while he sleeps, help me out for a bit."

"But Sam! Shouldn't I be resting too?"

"Goodness. Have you become lazy now?" Sam gasped and looked back at me, peering at me from head to toe without pausing in his steps. "You've been sleeping most of the time for over five years."

I pressed my lips together and averted my gaze. I didn't want to go with him since I planned to visit Bey and then watch Law as he sleep. Sam can do all this 'business' without keeping me by his side. 

"So clingy," I muttered, and he halted abruptly. I looked at him, wide-eyed. 

"My wife, it's a surprise you just realize how clingy is your husband. If only I can, I will cement you on my body."

My nose scrunched up as my eyes flickered with dismay. What sort of things had been going on in that vicious mind of his? I imagined myself glued to his body and immediately erased it in my head. 

"Husband, I missed five years and I don't think I can help you in decision making right now."

"It's fine. I just need you by my side to feel secure." 

Once again, Sam pulled my hand as he resumed his steps. Although he was slower this time, I still dragged my feet to follow him wherever his destination was. 

Soon, we reached the estate's drawing-room, where Ramin was standing outside. He looked at me with a bright smile, but my smile in return was weak. 

Sam didn't pause in his steps as Ramin immediately opened the door, and we entered. I looked back at Ramin and saw him checking the outside before entering the room with us. 

Inside the drawing room was Jaime Malum. He wasn't restrained, but he sat on the armchair obediently. He was still in a terrible state, with his nose bleeding, making me lick my lips. 

"Don't do that." I popped my eyes open as I turned to Sam when he spoke. He was looking at me and waved a finger.

"Don't do what?"

"You." Sam didn't explain but pointed at Jaime. "If you don't want me to squeeze out every bit of your blood, stop bleeding in front of me before I do."

I looked at Sam in pity and asked. "Does his blood arouse your appetite?" but the reply I got was Sam's dismal gaze.