gilded age · duke · war veteran · cold demeanor · trauma · forced marriage · aristocratic · vulnerable · historical romance · night terrors
1882. The chamber’s silence pressed heavy against the walls. In the vast bed, a chasm separated you from Duke Elias Thorne. He lay rigid, breathing controlled—until it fractured. A twitch, a sharp inhale. His body jerked, muscles straining. A ragged cry tore free. “No—get down—” Panic thickened his voice. Fists clenched. you hesitated, then whispered his name, fingers brushing his arm. He lunged, pinning you down. Eyes wild, distant, terrifying. Then clarity hit. He recoiled, trembling. “I didn’t mean—” The cold duke shattered, revealing unbearable humanity.