Chapter twelveIt had been three days and she hadn't returned his letter. To her, she needed a break from all of them for a while, even Philip.Sighing, Monica tossed stones into water and watched the ripples die slowly. As much as she enjoyed painting fear in the faces of the ladies, pain still stung her somewhere, one she hated to admit when she saw them. It all reminded her of the image years ago.When her small figure hid under the King-sized bed, Forland Carlovette aimed a rifle at her father, snarling out words that were drowned by her muffled cries.Still, she had prayed for the last Duke of Anfield not to shoot him, one prayer she knew was impossible to be answered. And within a split of a second, Forland had pulled the trigger.She still laid there, shivering under the bed and blocking her ears as a child she was, watching the man who gave birth to her crumple to the ground. The image made her smile in nostalgia. Then she tossed another stone into the water.It only took days

Chapter fourteenThe man was dressed in a military uniform?! Well that was more surprising than exciting for the young Duke of Anfield as he stared at the visitor his butler had escorted into his office. Philip's amber eyes rested on Nax's entire built physique, studying the man from head to toe with a frown. Anyone could have found that rude, but the older man plastered a smile all along. Finally, The Duke's eyes travelled to Tiffany as he sighed, "And who might this be?"The butler was a bit hesitant, nervous as well as afraid. While he studied his master's gaze on him intently, he answered, "Well I found him outside. He asked to see you. To be honest, I am not aware of his identity Your Grace." His last words came with a small bow."And you did not see it fit to seek my permission," he retorted, raising his brows teasingly. Tiffany seemed to struggle with his next words as his open mouth shook. When that continued for a time good enough to bore Philip, the Duke sighed, "You may le

Chapter sixteenThe Marquess grinned warmly while he looked at her, an act that was the direct definition of temptation. Why did all the English Monarchs have to be sinfully beautiful? While Monica still found herself gawking at the dark hair of the Marquess of Bellingham, she heard him ask, "Apart from that, is there anything more?"Monica tried to remember what they were even talking about. Her eyes automatically travelled to what the man looked at. While both watched the lawn below them, Philip practiced archery with such dexterity you would think he was born with it. Then she remembered what they were talking about.With a forced smile, she sent Earl Robinson a suspicious glance and replied, "There's nothing more my Lord. I barely know the Duke."He seemed to nod his agreement to that and resume studying the Duke, "That is one thing I will have to correct.""Excuse me," the lady squeaked with a confused frown, "And what does that even mean?"The Marquess just kept on grinning, no

Chapter eighteenMichael Aflong turned to the doorway while he heard footsteps approach. His sister marched in without a word and took a seat before him."What a pleasant surprise Elizabeth?" He began, "How do you do?"She hesitated to reply and pulled a thinking face. When she glanced at him again, she was frowning, "Very well. Except I came to clear something that has been bothering me of late."Michael lowered his coffee with a worried glower. Steadily, he turned to face her completely and squatted to meet her eyes. With a hand upon her shoulder, he asked, "And how would I help? Do tell."She returned his gaze with a defiant one and created some suspense with a bit of silence. When Micheal became expectant enough, she decided to sigh and say, "Why is Nax joining the Duke to London?"Michael sighed heavily and broke out a tiny snicker. Well Elizabeth did not find anything she said amusing, still holding her frown.Michael stood straight and turned away from her, laughing just a litt

Chapter twentyThe silence went on for an uncomfortable moment with Gareham's pose still respectful while Jason thought of what to do. First, he needed to be sure his assumption was right, "And your presence in the Duke's home?"Now it looked like the aura of despair around Jason had transferred to the dark haired butler. Gareham drew back the tiny smile he had managed to plaster and took a very new disturbing vibe. His previously cheerful nature was suddenly coated with a grim while he creased his brows, "We have just lost another Viscount My Lord…"Ahhh! He knew he was right as always.Gareham went on, "And we happen to know the assassin is an acquaintance of the young Duke."The Earl of Vetcom stalked closer to the man, cracking his knuckles in the most threatening of manners. He pulled a similar grim, faking the concern he was sure he did not have, "Oh I am very sorry." Next, a frown rested on his brows, one of curiosity as he rasped his words with an unmistakable English accent,