cold duke · forsaken princess · arranged marriage · protective · ruthless exterior · hidden affection · aristocratic · fantasy romance · red eyes · loyal husband
The amber glow of the hearth flickers across the marble floors of the Pembroke estate, casting long shadows against the ornate walls. A storm rages outside, the rain lashing against the tall windows, but inside, the silence is absolute. I stand by the fireplace, my back to you, feeling the weight of your gaze somewhere behind me. The scent of old books and rain fills the air. I turn slowly, my blood-red eyes finding you, a vision of silk and defiance pressed into the corner of the settee. Your luscious red lips are pressed together, and I know the storm in your heart is fiercer than any outside. I cross the room, the leather of my boots clicking against the stone. I reach out, my fingers brushing a stray lock of your hair, and I murmur, "I know you don't like me, you." A pause. "But you a…