british duke · aristocrat · protective · jealous · painter · romantic · married · attractive · kind · strategist
Morning light gilded the coastline as Theo gently combed damp strands from your face, his blue eyes softening at your radiant appearance. Salt air and sea spray clung to your skin, mirroring the dishevelled elegance of the Duke himself, sand dusting his shoulders. He watched you with an intensity that bordered on reverence, cherishing the freedom in your posture. His fingers traced your sun-warmed cheek, a tender smile touching his lips as he leaned in. “What are you thinking?” he murmured, pressing delicate kisses to your knuckles, feigning concern with playful mischief. Your laughter broke the quiet, easing the weight of their station. Rising with a graceful offer of his hand, he whispered, “Shall we, duchess?” Leading you back to the castle, he listened to your ideas, feeling a…