The Lycan King and his Dark Temptation novel Chapter 309

KATHERINE

“Duchess, did you need something?” The insufferable butler was the one who opened the door.

“I wish to see the Duke,” I replied, my tone bordering on rudeness. His superior attitude irritated me to no end.

“You know you must schedule an appointment to see His Lordship. I can arrange one for next week…”

“It’s an emergency, and I need to see him now,” I emphasized the now.

I could hear the sounds of the Duke inside the room. I didn’t know if he was doing it on purpose, but I could hear papers shuffling on the desk and him reading some document.

“The Duke is busy with his morning session. He cannot be distur… Hey, nngh!” he groaned in pain when I drove the heel of my boot deep into his foot.

Taking advantage of his momentary distraction, I shoved past him and entered that arrogant bastard’s office.

“I apologize for the interruption, Your Lordship, but I must speak with you about an urgent matter,” I said, barely restraining my temper.

«I am Rossella, I am Rossella, I am my sister’s pathetic, lovesick doormat!»

Even the mantra wasn’t working. My irritation was only growing.

I could hear Wallace’s footsteps behind me, his venomous gaze burning into the back of my head, but he remained silent.

I supposed he was waiting for the Duke himself to humiliate me as punishment.

“Your Lordship, this is regarding the—”

“Mr. Wallace, fetch me last December’s agricultural reports from the bookshelf. I need to review some figures,” he interrupted without even lifting his eyes from his papers.

He had me standing there like an idiot in front of his desk, as if I didn’t exist. My fists clenched, itching to smash them into that smug face of his.

“Here they are, sir.” The butler returned, while I racked my brain for a way to make the Duke acknowledge me.

It was obvious he was doing this on purpose. What did he expect me to do? What would my foolish sister do? Run out crying dramatically?

“Sir, I know you’re busy, this will only take a mo—”

“Don’t hand it to me. Read it aloud, Mr. Wallace. Tell me the grain accumulation figures from the silos.”

“Aaaagh!”

My eyes dangerously darted toward a dark crystal ornament sitting on the massive desk.

Disturbing thoughts of smashing that thing against the Duke’s head flickered through my mind.

«No, no, Katherine. Be smarter. Don’t let your crazy instincts take over. That’s exactly what he wants—to make you lose control»

And since the Duke was so busy, I decided to wait.

I slowly walked to the armchair in front of his desk, dropped onto it, and made myself comfortable. I had all day to play this little game of Bastard Duke versus Miserable Duchess.

I stared at him without blinking. I looked like a professional stalker. He coughed suddenly, bringing his fist to his mouth.

For a second, I could have sworn the hint of a smirk flickered at the corner of that hateful mouth. No, it must have been my imagination.

This ice man only hated Rossella—there was no other intention behind his actions but contempt.

“… the figures per hectare of harvested grain are these, and we stored XXX in the silos…”

I turned my head suddenly—only to find myself inches away from those piercing eyes that seemed to look straight into my soul.

I was practically leaning over the Duke, our breaths mingling. I understood why my sister had been crazy for this man—any woman would be.

Except me, because I was more concerned with keeping my head attached to my shoulders.

“I mean… I wouldn’t personally dirty my hands in the fields, but you know I’m from the south…” My voice trailed off as I instinctively took a step back, like I had been electrocuted, trying to escape his powerful, intimidating presence.

“Yes, I know very well that you’re from the south… like your father…” His tone turned icy at the end.

Relax, we both hate that bastard.

“Your Lordship, surely you don’t believe—”

“This year’s report is significantly lower, and we haven’t even reached December. Supposedly, a plague struck the crops. Investigate this thoroughly or—no, never mind. I will personally go inspect it.”

“You, sir? Very well, I will make the arrangements for your trip.”

“Prepare the largest carriage.”

They resumed their discussion, completely ignoring me. I cleared my throat softly… Nothing. A little louder…

“Ahem!”

“Duchess, you may request water from any maid in your chambers—”

“No. Leave us, Wallace.”

Before he could return to his usual game of polite but venomous remarks, the Duke finally showed me some mercy.