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Chapter 25

Author: Gracie
last update Last Updated: 2025-05-15 21:35:12

Valerie stood frozen in place, staring at the door that had just closed behind Rick. Her heart was still pounding erratically in her chest, her lips swollen from his kiss, and her body aching with unfulfilled desire. The cool evening breeze that had felt so pleasant minutes ago now chilled her heated skin, raising goosebumps along her bare arms.

"Val?" Karen's voice broke through the haze of Valerie's thoughts. "What the hell just happened?"

Valerie turned to face her friends, who were watching her with shock and curiosity. She quickly attempted to smooth her hair and straighten her dress, though she knew it was useless. The evidence of what just happened was written all over her.

"Nothing happened," she said sharply, her voice betraying her with a slight tremor. "Absolutely nothing worth discussing."

Sophia stepped forward, her eyes roaming over Valerie's disheveled appearance with concern. "Honey, you look like you've been mauled by a bear. A very sexy bear, from what we just witnes
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  • The Duchess's Game of Seduction   Chapter 25

    Valerie stood frozen in place, staring at the door that had just closed behind Rick. Her heart was still pounding erratically in her chest, her lips swollen from his kiss, and her body aching with unfulfilled desire. The cool evening breeze that had felt so pleasant minutes ago now chilled her heated skin, raising goosebumps along her bare arms."Val?" Karen's voice broke through the haze of Valerie's thoughts. "What the hell just happened?"Valerie turned to face her friends, who were watching her with shock and curiosity. She quickly attempted to smooth her hair and straighten her dress, though she knew it was useless. The evidence of what just happened was written all over her."Nothing happened," she said sharply, her voice betraying her with a slight tremor. "Absolutely nothing worth discussing."Sophia stepped forward, her eyes roaming over Valerie's disheveled appearance with concern. "Honey, you look like you've been mauled by a bear. A very sexy bear, from what we just witnes

  • The Duchess's Game of Seduction   Chapter 24

    His mouth crashed down on hers with such force that Valerie gasped against his lips. The sudden intensity of his kiss sent shockwaves through her body, making her already weak legs weaker. This wasn't a kiss of a man who didn't want her. This was pure, unbridled hunger.Time seemed to stop as Rick's strong arms encircled her, one hand still tangled in her hair while the other pressed firmly against her ass, drawing her deeper into him. Every nerve ending in Valerie's body came alive at once. Suddenly she was hyperaware of everything - the rough texture of his stubble against her skin, the heat radiating from his chest, the faint taste of coffee on his tongue.He's not pulling away, she thought with wonder, her mind struggling to process what was happening. The last time they’d shared a kiss, it didn’t last long before he’d pushed her away, treating her like a deadly disease. Yet here he was, devouring her mouth like a man possessed.Before she could fully savor the victory, Rick moved

  • The Duchess's Game of Seduction   Chapter 23

    The moment Valerie turned her back on Rick and his girlfriend - or whatever just happened back there - her friends descended on her like starving wolves."Oh. My. God," Karen hissed, grabbing Valerie's arm and practically vibrating with excitement. "That was him, wasn't it? The mechanic? Rick! He looks so handsome up close, girl..."Valerie kept her face neutral as she walked through the crowd, nodding politely at guests while trying to ignore her two meddling friends behind her. "I have no idea what you're talking about.""Don't play dumb," Sophia chimed in, her voice low but insistent. "That man looked like he wanted to devour you whole. And he's even more gorgeous than I imagined.""First, Joe, your new head of security, and now this walking Greek god," Karen continued, fanning herself dramatically. "You're collecting all the handsome men in the city like they're limited edition handbags."Valerie stopped abruptly, causing both women to nearly collide with her. "Would you two pleas

  • The Duchess's Game of Seduction   Chapter 22

    Rick stilled when he saw Valerie standing across the room, in the midst of two beautiful women and several security guards he recognized all too well. It had been days since he'd last seen her at her garage, and despite everything, his breath caught in his throat at the sight of her. She looked absolutely stunning in a form-fitting black dress that hugged every curve of her body, her blonde hair styled like a halo on her head.Never in his life did he expect he'd feel any sort of emotions for this woman - no matter how little - but right now she looked like he was seeing her for the first time. Was it the dress? Or the fact that she was standing like a goddess? He wasn't sure, but he suddenly felt drawn to her, like that night in the garage when he'd let his fucking guard down.What was she doing here anyway? Had she also contested for tickets? That seemed ridiculous - far below someone of her status. His mind raced with different unholy thoughts as their eyes remained locked across t

  • The Duchess's Game of Seduction   Chapter 21

    After three hours of complete pampering, Valerie felt like a new woman. The massage had worked out all the knots in her shoulders, the facial had left her skin glowing, and the swim in her private rooftop pool had cleared her mind. Even Clara had outdone herself with brunch - fresh fruit, fluffy omelets, and mimosas. Everything turned out quite alright."I needed this," Valerie admitted, checking her reflection in the full-length mirror of her bedroom. She'd chosen a body-fitted black dress that hugged her every curves perfectly, with a neckline that dipped low enough to show a little cleavage. Her short blonde hair was styled to perfection, and she'd kept her makeup simple - just enough to enhance her natural beauty."Of course you did," Karen said, sprawled across Valerie's bed, scrolling through her phone. She'd changed into a bright red jumpsuit that made her look like she'd just stepped off a runway. "All work and no play makes Valerie a very dull girl.""I'm never dull," Valerie

  • The Duchess's Game of Seduction   Chapter 20

    Rick pulled into the parking lot of The Belimar restaurant at exactly noon. He checked his appearance in the rearview mirror - he'd chosen a dark blue button-down shirt and slacks for the occasion, thinking the gallery would likely demand something more polished than his usual jeans and work boots.As he walked toward the restaurant entrance, he mentally rehearsed the story he'd tell Allison today. What parts of himself he would reveal, what parts he would hide. Was this charade even necessary? He asked himself the tenth time that day.He pulled open the door to the restaurant and was surprised to see Allison already seated at a corner table, waving to him with a bright smile. She wore a simple white blouse and dark jeans, her dark hair falling in soft waves around her shoulders. He wouldn’t lie though, she looked pretty, even in casual attire."You're early," He said as he approached the table.Allison's smile widened. "Actually, I'm right on time. You're just exceptionally punctual.

  • The Duchess's Game of Seduction   Chapter 19

    Valerie was in bed, snuggling deeper into the sheets and sleeping very soundly, when her penthouse elevator chimed. Her eyes flew open with a start, but then she relaxed, knowing fully well who it was. She didn't need to check the security monitor. Only two people had unrestricted access to her private residence, and the sound of heels clicking across her floor, accompanied by females chatter, told her exactly who they were."Valerie Calder! Are you still in bed?" Sophia's voice rang through the penthouse, followed by Karen's loud laughter."Maybe she finally found a man worth staying in bed for!" Karen called out.Valerie groaned, pulling a pillow over her head. Her best friends had the worst timing ever, always showing up just when she was enjoying her rare moment of peaceful solitude.The bedroom door flew open just then, and there they stood: Sophia in her crisp white pantsuit, and curly-brown hair falling in waves past her shoulders. Karen in a flowing emerald dress, with her dar

  • The Duchess's Game of Seduction   Chapter 18

    Rick pulled up to Margaret's simple home at exactly seven o'clock Saturday evening, as promised. He sat in his truck for a moment, questioning himself for the tenth time that day, why he'd agreed to this dinner. He wasn't ready for dating. Not with his past. Not with his plans already underway. He couldn’t bring a woman into his life at this time, just to hurt and endanger her.After a moment, he grabbed the bottle of wine and bouquet of fresh flowers he'd picked up on the way and made his way to Margaret's front door. Before he could even knock, the door swung open."Right on time!" Margaret beamed at him, looking beautiful in her long floral dress and her neatly styled hair. "Military punctuality, I love it!""Something smells amazing," Rick said as he stepped inside, handing her the flowers. "These are for you.""Oh, you charmer," Margaret gushed, accepting the bouquet. "Come in, come in. Allison is helping in the kitchen. She insisted on making her special garlic bread to go with

  • The Duchess's Game of Seduction   Chapter 17

    Valerie stared at him. The name does sound familiar. She searched her memory, trying to remember where she’d heard it from... Ohh booosh… she might as well just check his file, but that’ll be later. For now, she needed food. Her appetite had awakened unexpectedly, perhaps stirred by the presence of this eager young man."Have you eaten?" she asked, swirling the wine in her glass.Adrian's eyes widened slightly. "No, I haven't had the chance.""Good. Join me for dinner, then." She turned without waiting for his response and headed toward the dining area where Clara had left her meal warming.The table was already set for two, even though she rarely shared a meal with her conquests - thanks to Clara's thoughtfulness. Adrian followed her like an obedient puppy, his eyes never leaving her figure as she moved around the kitchen, retrieving another plate and serving utensils."Please, sit," she instructed, gesturing to the chair across from hers.Adrian sat down, adjusting his glasses nervo

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