CHAPTER 911. RULE #1. TrainingIt almost goes without saying that dinner was a complete success. The guests wouldn’t stop praising Mariel, congratulating her on being such a remarkable hostess and assuring her that she would make an excellent countess. Even the earl, always reserved, regarded her with a bit more trust.The only one who kept her expression impassive was Freda, though she couldn’t completely hide her frustration."Mariel, dear," said the Duchess of Briand as she bid her farewell, "I can’t wait to see what you’ll do with your new position. This house clearly needs a fresh touch.""Oh, don’t worry, Your Grace!" Mariel replied with a charming smile. "I have plenty of ideas in mind."When the last couple walked out of the castle doors, Mariel collapsed onto a chair in the main hall, exhausted but satisfied. Leon sat beside her, crossing his arms with a mix of pride and slight exasperation."Can I ask you something?" he said, leaning toward her."Of course, always," Mariel a

CHAPTER 913. RULE #1. What Was I Thinking?That kiss was only meant to be playful, but for Leon, in just a second, it had turned into an unbearable curiosity, as if some invisible force was pushing him to go further. Mariel’s lips were sweet and teasing, and the future count couldn’t help but lose himself completely.He had kissed many women in his life, but this… kissing Mariel was simply something else. His tongue slipped into that small mouth that opened for him, and for the first time in his life, the floral tea’s aftertaste was delicious.He felt Mariel’s soft fingers tangling in his hair, pulling urgently, as if this was real, as if…Leon wrapped her in a possessive embrace and pulled her even closer, nearly lifting one of her legs onto his hip and touching her like they didn’t have an audience—until a low growl escaped his throat, and he heard a soft moan come from his wife’s lips.The magic of the moment shattered when they both opened their eyes at the same time, pulling away

CHAPTER 915. RULE #1. The Man of Her DreamsSeeing her clench her fists, so small and scrunched up, with those little tears of frustration and emotion streaming down her cheeks, made Leon’s knees go weak. Of course, it was obvious she had hormones, but hearing her declare that she had a clitoris like a grown, sensual woman… Well, that was a little more than he could process all at once."Whoa, whoa, whoa…!" Leon pulled Mariel close and wrapped his arms around her, gently stroking her hair while she snuggled against his chest. "What a dramatic girl! You’re on your period, aren’t you?" he asked, his tone soft but curious.Mariel lifted her head, frowning slightly and pouting."What? Nooooo! I still have two weeks to go."Leon raised an eyebrow, a playful smile on his lips."That’s even worse! You’re ovulating!"Mariel huffed, both sad and annoyed."And what does that have to do with anything?""Everything." Leon tightened his hug, his grin mischievous. "That means you’re climbing the Dr