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

I was still finishing my breakfast when Alaric returned, looking considerably more relaxed than when he'd left. His expression was almost smug, like a cat who had successfully cornered a mouse.


"That was quick," I remarked, setting down my teacup. "Did your... conversation with Father Michael go well?"


Alaric slid into his seat with fluid grace. "Let's just say he now has a much deeper understanding of confidentiality." His smile was sharp. "I doubt he'll be speaking to the press again anytime soon."


I raised an eyebrow. "Did you hurt him?"


"Not physically." Alaric reached for a pastry, taking a casual bite. "I merely explained what would happen if he ever betrayed my trust again. Sometimes fear is more effective than pain."


"I see." Though I tried to look disapproving, I couldn't help but feel a rush of appreciation that he'd protected our privacy so swiftly. "And will there be any other clergy members requiring your... educational services today?"


Chapter 67 - A Duchess's Demand, A Mother's Arrival