All Chapters of The Duchess's Game of Seduction: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

1 AM, and Valerie still couldn’t close her eyes. It was way past her bedtime, and she needed her sleep to maintain a sharp mind tomorrow. But she lay on her bed, staring up at the ceiling, wondering if she’d been a bit harsh on Rick. If she were to be fair, he hadn’t actually done anything wrong, and in a way, he was right about some things - though she would never admit it. Never. She sighed, turning restlessly on the already messed-up bed. If only she could go back in time and stop herself from encountering Rick in the first place, she wouldn’t be going through all this emotional stress. After another hour of finding no solace in her bed, she threw off the covers and began pacing her bedroom in frustration. Should she release him? What was he doing right now in that basement? What if her guards had hurt him? Oh God. What had she done? She grabbed her robe, then on second thoughts, abandoned it and made her way to the elevator. Her heart hammered against her chest as she punched th

Valerie trudged up to her room, glancing at her smartwatch with a sinking feeling. Late. She was going to be late, for the first time in her entire career. All because of a surly mechanic with an attitude problem who clearly couldn't stand the sight of her."This is ridiculous," she muttered, pushing open her bedroom door. She was pissed. Really pissed. And she brought this on herself. Why did she have to be interested in a man who hated her? Of all the men in the world, why him?!From downstairs, she could hear Clara moving around the kitchen, making preparations for breakfast. Food would be ready soon, and maybe it would improve her mood.Valerie was just gathering her towel and robe when the front door flew open with a bang, followed by the sound of heels clicking against the floor."Yoo-hoo! Val! Where are you, darling?" Karen's voice echoed through the house. "And more importantly, who is that absolute specimen of rugged masculinity pulling out of your driveway in that beat-up tr

Rick pulled into his driveway, exhausted after a long day at the shop. Mrs. Collins had stayed for nearly an hour, asking questions about every aspect of her car's maintenance. Not like he minded - he'd always had a soft spot for elderly customers who genuinely wanted to understand their vehicles. But the whole day had just been plain exhausting, that all he wanted was a cold beer, a hot shower, and his bed - in that order.As he stepped out of his truck, his phone vibrated in his pocket. He groaned out loud. If it was another customer emergency, he might just ignore it until morning. He pulled out his phone, squinting at the screen.**Dante:** *YO! BOYS NIGHT @ Ecstasy. GET YOUR ASS HERE ASAP.*Rick sighed. The Gentlemen's Club Ecstasy was the last place he wanted to be tonight. But Dante Riggs had been his best friend since high school - a man who'd been there for him in his darkest moments. Saying no to Dante wasn't something Rick did lightly.He texted back: *Long day. Rain check?

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

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