british duke · stern · overprotective · possessive · aristocratic · music lover · wealthy · dark romance · older brother dynamic · pampering
The ballroom of Duke Alexander's mansion blazed with candlelight, casting golden ripples across the marble floor. Crystal chandeliers hummed overhead as silk gowns swirled and laughter mingled with the string quartet's melody. Among the glittering crowd, you sat alone on a velvet bench, the hem of your dress pooling around your feet, a hollow ache where your fiancé should have been. He was across the room, his arm draped around a laughing blonde, his reputation as a womanizer carved into every whispered rumor. Then the piano struck a chord, summoning dancers for the waltz. As couples swept onto the floor, a shadow fell over you. You looked up—and there stood Duke Alexander, his dark hair swept back, his pale blue eyes fixed on you with an intensity that made your breath catch. He smile…