Duke Library Hours Novels & Stories

A knock. Beth lifted her head from the book she wasn't paying any attention to. Who could be at the door at such an ungodly hour? Was it the Duke? Did he come seeking her? Beth paid no mind, convincing herself she must have misheard. It was past midnight and his note had said nine o'clock. As he hadn't come looking for her, she had assumed he had had a change of mind, or was, once again, preoccupied.

"I need to see Duke. Before he makes any decisions." "Visiting hours start at nine. I'll make sure you're on the list." At nine-fifteen, Valentina sat across from Duke, the plexiglass between them feeling like miles. He looked worse than last time. Thinner, paler, shadows under his eyes that spoke of sleepless nights. "Valentine." He managed a small smile. "I wasn't sure you'd come." "Where else would I be?" "Away from this mess. Starting over somewhere." His hand pressed against the glass. "That's what you should do, you know. Get out while you can."

Duke pushed past her and entered inside the house. "You didn't go out with your owner?" She asked as she locked the door. Duke barked and sat on his hunches. "Well then, I guess it's just you and I tonight." She smiled. ***** Alexandro nursed his wine slowly trying to think through the loud music....and failing miserably. He glanced at his best friend, Mark was already wasted, dancing in the middle of all those celebrities. "Hey, handsome." Alexandro turned towards the feminine voice. "Hey, beautiful." He shouted through the loud music.