How to Tame My Beastly Husband - Chapter 188

In contrast to their exuberant entrance, they were silent as they exited the palace. Both Celestine and Annette were absorbed in thoughts about what consequences might follow.

The little birds are very quiet.

Railin was the only bystander in this situation. He had followed Annette’s instructions, but his involvement ended there. There was no need for him to feel any personal stake in the outcome. Their relationship was strictly business.

Soon, their carriage arrived at the agreed-upon spot, and Railin was the first to rise.

“If you have any other requests, you know where to find me,” he said, and disappeared as soon as he stepped down from the carriage.

Annette had risen to change carriages, but paused as she looked back at Celestine. The other girl’s face was rigid with fear, and and Annette felt a flicker of concern as she kissed her pale cheeks affectionately.

“You will be fine,” she said. “Don’t worry, I’ll find a way to help you. Get some rest. You know you can trust me.”

“…Of course. Annette.” Celestine squeezed her hand gratefully, and there was a little more color in her face.

Annette quickly slipped out at an intersection where several carriages were passing, and walked to the end of an alley. Another carriage was waiting for her there, to be sure she would not be followed.

***

“I’m here.”

The picture that awaited her was a flash from the past: Raphael sitting bored with his chin in his hands, and his face as cold as a winter wind. But the moment Annette appeared, winter blew away.

“Baby, what’s on your face? It looks kind of funny,” he said, his own expression warming at once.

“I went to the palace. Does it look weird?” She felt a little embarrassed, but it was easy to ignore when he was smiling at her. It was as if she had just landed on solid ground after being blown away.

“I want a closer look.”

Pulling her into the back of the carriage, he sat her on his lap. He was close enough that her breath tickled him as he examined her face. Annette’s cheeks flushed as he discovered the ridiculous disguise. Posted only on NovelUtopia

“What the hell is that on your nose and cheeks?”

“It’s melted wax. I put makeup on it. It looks real, doesn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“…then you’ve looked enough,” she said, blushing as she pushed at his shoulders to move him back. “It’s embarrassing.”

But Raphael easily caught her wrists and moved his face into hers, until the tips of their noses brushed. His eyes narrowed.

“You are so adorable,” he whispered, and began to pick the wax from her face with his large fingers. Once it was all gone, he kissed her. “You always look beautiful.”

He wanted to say something more. Something longer. Like, that she didn’t look bad even if she wore weird stuff on her face or a wig. And he wanted to say that he liked how she looked in a maid’s outfit.

But Raphael didn’t have the words to say what was in his full heart, and so he could do nothing but try to show her with his lips.

“Raphael…mmm…”

The kiss felt like he was going to devour her, and his clever tongue teased her sensitive palate, his large hands cupping her cheeks. When they parted, her lips had reddened.

Gently, Raphael brushed his finger over her swollen lower lip, and Annette shivered at the desire in his touch.

“We’re in a carriage, Raphael.”

“Yes. And you’re in my lap.”