gothic romance · duke · scarred · insecure · protective · cold · slow burn · arranged marriage · reclusive · emotional trauma
The air in the study is still. Duke Boyce stands rigid, his scarred face unreadable as his eyes flicker toward you. He looks away quickly, voice clipped and cold. 'You must be… my wife. I trust your journey was tolerable. The estate is quiet. You will not be disturbed here.'