Violet_167

Isabella Beaumont figured she was making a smart, if desperate, trade: her freedom in exchange for marrying the dreaded Duke Alaric Thorne. 
Sure, the guy had a reputation darker than a moonless night, whispered about in every corner of the kingdom, but it was just a contract, right? A way to escape a brutal past that had literally left its mark on her face. 
She wasn’t expecting warmth, and definitely not passion. But then Alaric, this formidable, feared man, starts acting… protective. His unexpected kindness will make her want to throw away her protective mask and actually fall for the man who was supposed to be just her ticket to freedom. 
Just as Isabella starts believing she might actually deserve happiness, everything begins falling apart around them.
With the villains on the loose, old wounds being ripped open, and everyone’s true colors showing, is this sudden, fierce love strong enough to survive the storm? Or will the darkness from their pasts and the deadly games shatter everything they’re starting to build?

The Masked Duchess

Jasper's breath caught in his throat as Lady Beatrix's dressing gown slipped further open. My heart pounded against my ribs as I assessed my impossible situation—trapped in my own quarters with a woman determined to get what she wanted.


"My lady," I said firmly, stepping sideways away from her, "this is highly inappropriate. You are married to the Baron."


Lady Beatrix laughed, the sound like broken glass. "Marriage? That piece of paper means nothing to me, Jasper. Reginald hasn't touched me in months."


"Nevertheless nothing," she interrupted, moving closer again. "Don't pretend to be righteous. We all do what we must to survive."


Her fingers reached for my face, but I caught her wrist. "I must respectfully decline, Lady Beatrix."


Her eyes narrowed. "Because of loyalty to my husband?"


"Because of respect for myself," I replied, releasing her wrist and moving toward the door. "Now if you'll excuse me—"


Chapter 29 - A Butler's Betrayal