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

Sunlight filtered through the curtains, painting golden streaks across the bedchamber. I drifted slowly into consciousness, aware of unusual warmth surrounding me. Strong arms held me securely against a firm chest. Alaric's chest.


My eyes fluttered open to find him already awake, watching me with an intensity that made my heart skip. His hair was delightfully mussed, his expression softer than I'd ever seen it.


"Good morning," I whispered, suddenly shy despite our intimacy the night before.


His lips curved into a smile. "Good morning, wife."


The word "wife" held new meaning now. We were truly married in every sense.


"How long have you been watching me sleep?" I asked, nestling closer.


"Not long enough," he replied, his fingers trailing lazily along my spine. "You look peaceful when you sleep. No worries, no mask, just you."


I felt my face warm at his words. "That's because I feel safe with you."


Alaric's arms tightened around me. "You are safe. Always."


Chapter 75 - Morning After, Mother's Ire Rekindled