Daphne Bridgerton Novels & Stories

She was not some stranger who would just walk in and leave without an effect. She was more than that. And worse… she was beautiful. Not in the vain, superficial way Lysandra flaunted. No. Delilah had that effortless kind of beauty, the one that didn’t need much to leave an impression. With her long dark lashes, soft voice, and mysterious demeanor, it was the kind of presence that made men stop and look. And Damon… He looked. Even if he didn’t mean to. Even if he didn’t want to. He still looks at her, he still watched, and deep down I knew that he found himself getting lost, admiring even.

Natalie didn't need to turn around to know who that voice belonged to. She glanced over, and sure enough, her guess was spot-on. However, the Daphne Burke standing in front of her looked nothing like the woman from a year ago. She wore a sleek Coach suit, with a classic Hermès bag on her arm. Even her hair was meticulously styled. Dripping with opulence, she seemed even more pleased with herself than when she was Mrs. Spencer. From what Natalie knew, Daphne had managed to hook up with Peter Churlish, a real estate mogul in Grendale, and the news had caused quite a stir in elite social circles. Even Victor couldn't help but mention it during a phone call once.

Home, in a way London never quite managed to be. On the other end of the line, Hannah Hammond’s voice carried that familiar mix of affection and impatience. “So?” she pressed. “What did you think of Daphne Donovan? The photos from the gala were everywhere. You two looked like you were having a wonderful time.” Maverick pinched the bridge of his nose. He’d known this call was coming the second the paparazzi shots hit the tabloids. Daphne, tall, dark-haired, sharp-witted, heiress to a shipping fortune, had been seated next to him at the charity dinner.

Like they were disgusted by me. I let a smile confident smirk curve the side of my lips as I walked on, my eyes scanning the entire length of the room and commiting the faces of everyone present to my mind. That was until my gaze locked on two very familiar faces. My spine went rigid. Daphne was standing near the grand staircase, a flute of champagne in her hand. She was wearing a dress that was far too white and far too tight, looking like she was trying to claim a purity she’d never possessed. And beside her stood Xavier.

When it was my turn, I stepped forward, fishing a note from my pocket to hand it to the person there. “That would be five ninety-nine,” she said, absent mindedly. I froze for a moment as the voice washed over me. It was her – Daphne Curtis. She sat behind a glass, those curly brown hair tucked behind her ears and a red scarf around her neck. It made her eyes look larger and prettier than it usually was. I shook my head. What the hell? Did I just think the plus size omega was pretty? I quickly gave her the note and as she handed me the change, she looked up. “Thank you. Enjoy—”

Who was this person that had the balls to challenge the Harrington Group on home soil? The door to my study creaked open. Daphne walked in, smelling of expensive lilies. She leaned down, her silk dress brushing against my shoulder, and pressed a deep, lingering kiss to my lips. "Still working, honey?" she whispered, her arms wrapping around my neck. "Don't forget about the business gala tonight." I pulled her closer, breathing in her scent. My life with Daphne was everything I had ever wanted. She was beautiful, vibrant, and she made me feel alive. Our eight years of marriage had been happy.

Chapter One. WRONG FEELINGS. Daphne's POV. “Do you like what you see?” Gabriel asked, holding his cock in his hand. My heart shook as I glanced at it. I gulped, my body vibrating to the thump of my heart. “Now, take off your clothes and get on the bed.” he said, stroking his cock. “You don't want to keep this little boy waiting.” “T–This isn't right.” I stuttered, shaking my head. “You are my sister's mate. So, I can't do this with you. Please, let me go.”

"Since you love my husband so deeply, I'm granting your wish now. Shouldn't you be thanking me?" That shut Daphne up. She had nowhere to turn but my mother-in-law, Vivienne Prescott. Her voice went soft as she wheedled, "Vivienne, can you believe her?" Vivienne patted Daphne's hand to soothe her, then turned to me with fury in her eyes. "Elara Renworth, you must've gone mad. How dare you speak to Daphne that way?! Daphne loves Stellan so deeply that she's offered to be buried alongside him. Where else in this world would you find someone willing to do that?

Before my fingers could touch her shoulder, a figure stepped directly between me and Gideon. Daphne stood right in front of my face. She did not back away. She did not flinch from the wild, red glare in my eyes or the cold, suffocating Alpha pressure rolling off my body. She held her head high, her broad shoulders pulled back tight, her fitted crimson dress making her look taller and stronger than ever before. Her silver eyes locked onto mine, and for a second, my heart stopped beating. There was no fear in her eyes. There was no warmth, no love, and no forgiveness. Her face was a cold mask of absolute disgust.

Their second kiss. Making her his personal maid. Checking the bruise on her arm. “Oh my God, Daphne. Get a grip!” How could a grown, wealthy, and famous man like Alexander possibly be interested in a young woman who was nothing more than a maid? He was obviously surrounded by plenty of beautiful and successful women. ***** Daphne held her breath, trying to remain calm as she straightened the collar of Alexander’s jacket. Her wild thoughts from the night before kept making her feel awkward whenever she was around him.