Midnight Desires: A Taboo Collection のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 61 - チャプター 70

Madeleine Wood stepped out of the carriage. The long journey had tired her body. She looked up at the grand stone manor. This was now her home. Ashford Estate stood tall against the evening sky. Tall windows reflected the fading light. Ivy climbed parts of the walls.A line of servants waited on the wide steps. They stood straight in their neat uniforms. Madeleine smoothed her dark travel dress. She took a deep breath. At twenty eight years old she had become the Duchess of Ashford after her uncle passed away. The title felt heavy on her shoulders.The head servant stepped forward. He was a tall man with broad shoulders. His dark hair was neat and his jaw was strong. Sharp blue eyes met hers for a moment.“Welcome home, Your Grace,” he said in a deep steady voice. “I am Michael Hughes, the butler. It is my honor to serve you.”Madeleine felt a small flutter in her chest. She had not expected the butler to look like this. His uniform fit him well. The black jacket showed his fit frame.

The days after the kiss felt heavy with unspoken desire. Madeleine and Michael moved around each other with care. Their eyes met often across rooms. Each glance carried heat. He continued his duties as butler. She tried to focus on estate matters. Yet every night she remembered the feel of his lips.One evening dark clouds gathered outside. Thunder rumbled in the distance. Rain began to fall hard against the windows. Madeleine sat in her chambers. She wore only a thin white nightgown. The fabric clung to her curves. She felt restless. Her body ached for Michael’s touch.Lightning flashed. The storm grew stronger. She could not sleep. Finally she rang the small bell by her bed. Her heart pounded while she waited.Michael appeared at the door soon after. He wore his shirt and trousers. His hair looked slightly messy. “Your Grace,” he said in a low voice. “Is everything all right?”Madeleine stood up. The nightgown showed the shape of her breasts. “The storm keeps me awake. I need you h

The next morning trouble arrived. A maid found a small item in the garden. It was Michael’s button from his uniform jacket. It lay near the spot where they had met the week before. The maid gave it to the housekeeper. Soon the whole staff knew. Whispers turned into open talk.Lady Edith returned that same afternoon. She brought a letter from a friend in town. Rumors had spread beyond the estate. People spoke of the duchess and her handsome butler. Lady Edith waved the letter in the drawing room.“This is a scandal in the making,” she said sharply. “You must send the butler away at once.”Madeleine’s face went pale. “These are lies.”Lady Edith narrowed her eyes. “I saw the way he looks at you. Fix this before it ruins your name.”After the visitor left Michael came to Madeleine’s study. His face looked serious. He had heard the talk too.“Your Grace,” he said. “I must resign. It is the only way to protect you.”Madeleine stood up fast. “No. I will not let you go.”Michael shook his h

King Takumo sat on his golden throne in the grand royal chamber. The room glowed with soft lantern light. Heavy silk curtains hung from the walls. Servants had lit sweet incense that filled the air. Today marked his first week as king. He needed to build his power. He also wanted pleasure.Three new concubines stood before him. Servants had dressed them in fine robes. The robes clung to their bodies. Takumo studied each woman with hungry eyes.First came Mikashi. She had smooth pale skin and long black hair that fell to her waist. Her eyes looked gentle. Her lips were full and pink. She moved with quiet grace. Her breasts rose and fell under the thin silk. Takumo liked her soft beauty.Next stood Takiari. She had fiery red hair and sharp green eyes. Her body was strong and curved. She held her head high. Her hips swayed when she walked. She looked ready to challenge him. Takumo smiled. He enjoyed wild spirits.Last was Aridoari. She had golden brown hair and soft brown eyes. She seem

The next evening at dusk, King Takumo led his three concubines to the royal gardens. The air smelled of flowers and sweet herbs. Lanterns hung from the trees. Their soft light made everything look warm and secret. He wanted to teach each woman alone before they came together again.“Follow me,” he said.First he took Mikashi to a quiet fountain. Water splashed gently. Takumo sat on the wide stone edge. He pulled Mikashi between his legs. “Tonight I teach you tender touches,” he told her.He removed her thin robe. Her pale body looked beautiful in the moonlight. Takumo poured scented oil from a small bottle he carried. He rubbed it on her shoulders and arms. His hands moved slowly. Mikashi closed her eyes. She breathed deeply.His fingers traced her collarbone. Then down to her full breasts. He circled her nipples until they became hard. Mikashi moaned softly. Takumo kissed her lips. His kiss was gentle but deep.“Touch me now,” he said.Mikashi placed her hands on his chest. She copi