My Bratty Wife
Chapter 169 - Hundred And Sixty Nine

Chapter 169: Chapter Hundred And Sixty Nine

The sky outside Ryan’s study window had deepened to a dusky blue, the last remnants of daylight fading into the approaching night. Inside, the warm glow of the oil lamps cast long shadows across his desk, illuminating the parchment where he scribbled notes.

However, his focus was fractured, his gaze frequently drifting towards the window, his brow furrowed with worry.

He had been growing increasingly anxious about Suzy’s delayed return. He had repeatedly asked Davis and the maids about her whereabouts, but each inquiry was met with the same response: she had not yet returned. The uncertainty gnawed at him, a knot tightening in his stomach. He fought the rising urge to mount his horse and ride out in search of her, reminding himself that she was likely safe, simply delayed. Yet, the image of her carriage being attacked, or something worse, kept flashing through his mind.

He tried to distract himself with work, but his thoughts kept returning to Suzy. He tapped his fingers on the desk, a rhythmic pattern that betrayed his growing anxiety.

Just as his anxiety reached its peak, Davis entered the study, his expression calm and reassuring. "Your Grace," he announced, "The Duchess’s carriage has just pulled into the courtyard."

A wave of relief washed over Ryan. He let out a sigh he hadn’t realized he was holding. "Finally," he murmured, a smile spreading across his face. "Thank you, Davis."

"Should I escort her to her chambers, Your Grace?" Davis asked.

"No, that won’t be necessary just send for the maids to see to her needs. " Ryan replied, his smile widening. "And please, call Noah to my study."

Davis bowed and left the room, leaving Ryan to gather his thoughts. He stood up, stretching his stiff muscles, and walked to the window. He watched as the carriage door opened and Suzy stepped out, her silhouette framed against the fading light. He couldn’t wait to see her. He was glad she was safe. He felt the tension leave his shoulders. He was ready to hear about her day.

Minutes later, a soft knock sounded on the study door. "Enter," Ryan called out, his voice sharp and impatient.

Noah entered, bowing respectfully. "Your Grace," he said, his voice low.

Ryan turned away from the window, his gaze fixed on Noah. "What happened?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Noah hesitated, his eyes darting around the room. "On our way home," he began, his voice hesitant, "Her Grace told us to stop somewhere."

Ryan looked puzzled. " Somewhere?" He asked.

Noah nodded his head. "Yes your grace, she told us to stop at a pond. We stayed there for some hours while she... she silently stared at the still water, playing with her broken fan. We urged her about the time before she agreed to leave."

Ryan’s expression grew serious, his brow furrowed. "What brought about that attitude?" he asked, his voice demanding.

Noah hesitated again, remembering Suzy’s explicit instructions not to reveal the details of the conversation. He knew he was in a difficult position, caught between his loyalty to Suzy and his duty to Ryan.

Ryan raised his eyebrows, his gaze piercing. "Have you forgotten who your employer is?" he asked, his voice cold.

Noah quickly bowed his head. "I’m sorry, Your Grace," he said, his voice filled with remorse. "It was... it was the ladies at the tea gathering. They were discussing Her Grace’s childlessness."

Ryan’s blood began to boil, his hands clenching into fists. He felt a surge of anger, a protective rage rising within him. How dare they? How dare they speak of his duchess in such a manner?

"Where is the Duchess now?" he asked, his voice tight with suppressed anger.

"She should be in your chambers, Your Grace," Noah replied.

"Very well," Ryan said, his voice clipped. He gestured towards the door. "Be gone."

Noah bowed again and left the study, his heart heavy with worry for his lady. He was very worried about her. He had seen the pain in her eyes. He knew he had done the right thing by telling Ryan. Ryan was her protector. He would fix this.

Ryan, his mind filled with rage, strode towards their chambers, his footsteps echoing through the silent hallway. He needed to see Suzy, to hold her, to reassure her that she was loved and protected. He was determined to find out who had said those hurtful things, and when he did, they would regret it.

———————

Ryan entered their shared chambers, his footsteps echoing softly on the polished floor. He expected to find Suzy perhaps taking her bath, reading, or simply resting. Instead, he was met with a sight that stopped him in his tracks. Suzy sat on the edge of the bed, her posture composed, her gaze fixed on him. He had anticipated to find her upset, perhaps even in tears, but she appeared calm, almost serene.

"Duchess?" he called out softly, his voice filled with concern.

Suzy rose slowly, her movements graceful and deliberate. She walked towards him, her gaze fixed on his.

Her silk nightgown, a deep crimson color, shimmered under the flickering candlelight, barely concealing her full breasts and round hips.

She stopped inches from him, her scent filling his nostrils- sweet and inviting. Her hand reached for his cravat, her fingers undoing it slowly, pulling it away.

Her hands moved to the buttons of his waistcoat, deftly undoing them one by one until it fell open, revealing his crisp white shirt.

Her lips found his collarbone, placing soft kisses along its length. A small gasp escaped him as her tongue swirled around the base of his throat, sending tingles down his spine.

His breath hitched as she tugged at his shirt, sliding it over his head with ease. He felt his erection strain against his breeches, aching to feel her touch.

Her mouth found its way lower, tracing the line of his chest with her tongue. His body responded instinctively, muscles tensing, skin prickling. When she sank to her knees, those piercing eyes locked onto his.