LOGINShare
Day One
Last Updated:
2024-11-28 11:59:33
Related chapters
Punished by the Duke We Meet Again
~Penny~I sucked in a deep breath and slowly turned the door handle. Another silent prayer escaped my lips. So far so good. Stepping inside, I fought the urge to gawk at the breathtaking mountain vista that sprawled through the expansive windows. Luxurious furniture whispered of wealth and privilege, but my mission demanded focus.I approached the ornately framed mirror, its gleaming surface reflecting a nervous intruder. Mail, neatly stacked on the dresser, awaited my inspection. None of them were opened yet. I retrieved a pen and a scrap of paper from my purse and scribbled down the names of the people they were from.Where did he put the opened letters? These were not what I was looking for. I walked over to the wastebasket to take a peek. Empty...Just as I whirled around, my eyes widened and fear ran through my veins as my body collided with the Duke's. The look on his face made every hair on my body stand on end. Despite my clammy palms and sinking stomach, I couldn't help notic
Last Updated : 2024-11-28Punished by the Duke Hiding in his Closet
~Penny~The clock was ticking. After that embarrassing exit from the Duke's suite, I didn't find the courage to go anywhere near him again. I was still bruised, breathless, and utterly shaken from the experience. Three days have passed since then while I covered zero ground.Crisp autumn air nipped at the base of my neck as I huddled in Aunt Molly's garden, trying to soak in the last few warm rays as the sun raced to hide behind the mountains. My heart rate spiked up as the mail carrier whistled at the gate."Oh, these are for me! Pardon me." I almost stepped on Aunt Molly's foot while trying to grab the two letters addressed to me. They had Ben's name but in Lawrence Campbell's familiar scrawl. I dreaded opening them, fully knowing the threats and disappointment they would brim with."But Penny," Aunt Molly began, "Why on earth are you here if Ben needs you this terribly? He's too dependent for a young man to be writing to his sister so much, don't you think? Does he need money?"Aun
Last Updated : 2024-11-28Punished by the Duke He Is Ruthless
~Penny~"Looks like Trevor's early." The Duke got off the bed while she caught his arm in a panic."Trevor? You mean your cousin Trevor?" Fear seemed to seize her. "I can't be caught like this! He is the top suitor for me. My mother will have my head!" She jumped off the bed and started hunting for her clothes.I felt more panic than she did. What if she wanted to hide in this same closet until Trevor was gone? God, please stop her. I tried to move to the farthest corner, almost knocking over one of his shoes. Barely managing to catch it before it crashed to the floor, I held onto it mindlessly while straining to hear their conversation. "Your cousin is too clueless to figure that I am interested in him." She explained, frantically smoothening the wrinkles of her silk gown. "Every time he sees me, he just tries to send me away."The Duke, clad only in a pair of breeches, arched an eyebrow. He seemed to be unfazed by her beauty."Like the last time, for instance," she continued explai
Last Updated : 2024-11-28Punished by the Duke The Fiery Haired Woman
One week later~Leo~"Mm, this is some strong coffee", my sister mumbled as she slumped back into the chair, taking another long gulp of her hot coffee. I knew Mabel was trying to avoid the topic. She hated it when I stuck my nose into her business. But keeping her away from bad people and any sort of potential harm was totally my business."He should be here anytime now," she spouted when she saw me checking my watch."Isn't this a nice breakfast spot?" She rambled on. "With winter sneaking up on us so quickly, look at those fireplaces in the corner... oh so cozy, I love it!" Taking a deep breath, I shook my head. I wasn't happy with whatever she was proposing to do. She always had to choose the most unconventional or unintuitive options to complicate her life. With the kind of money she had, she could spend the next eighty years lazing around in a bathtub filled with fizzy champagne. But no, why would she just accept the good, easy life? She was fixated on starting some risky ventu
Last Updated : 2024-11-28Punished by the Duke The Blazing Lust
~Penny~Did the Duke pry into my background after that incident? I was worried he might see through my carefully fabricated facade. Nico was fully off-limits now. His Grace and his regal sister both took turns to warn me to stay away from the kid. I was just following instructions. Lawrence told me to get close to Nico. So I did. Now I needed to stay away from Nico and his uncle at any cost to avoid raising more doubts about me.The next few days unfolded in a flurry of needle and thread as I strived to keep busy and avoid running into the Duke. The sewing workstations were a bustling hive of activity today with long fabric bolts and a dozen work tables. The breaks were pathetically short and the head seamstress ensured we didn't dillydally.Despite the strict schedule and watchful eyes, there was often whispered gossip that helped me understand my perilous mission better. Some stories even delved into the Duke's past, his parents, and the choices that shaped him into the man he was,
Last Updated : 2024-11-28Punished by the Duke The Delicious Agony
~Penny~The smell of sizzling butter and breakfast eggs assaulted my nose as I tiptoed from my room past Aunt Molly. It was Sunday morning, and the weather outside was quiet and moody with gray skies. I had plans to curl up in my bed since there was no work to do, but Lawrence's letter and his pressure tactics deprived me of that luxury.Reaching the fireplace, I thrust the letter into the flames and watched the crumpled paper crackle, taking forever to turn to ash. If only I could burn his threats as easily as setting his words on fire. He wanted updates from me on the progress I made so far.What transpired between me and the Duke felt too personal and intimate to share with anybody, let alone with my ex who dumped me like I was a piece of trash. Lawrence was going to be in Mountbatten in two days, and I was sure he would explain the more innovative ways he could use to kill Ben if I didn't move faster.Days bled into weeks as the Duke's coronation day loomed ahead. I peered out the
Last Updated : 2024-11-28Punished by the Duke Unrestrained Woman
~Leo~Mabel jutted her chin in defiance as the carriage rattled down the cobblestone streets. "I could have perfectly managed this meeting on my own, Leo.""With the help of your useless architect friend? If he had an ounce of common sense, he would have asked this accountant to meet with you two in the castle. You are so bent on doing things like a commoner, visiting this sketchy neighborhood after dark.""You exaggerate Leo. You are just upset because I am not using the services of our Royal Accountant.""Look outside for once Mabel." I pulled the curtains of the carriage window apart for her to take a look. "Look at the state of this place. There's a massive surge in immigration and we can't keep up with everyone's records in overcrowded regions. Poverty and under reported crime are rampant here."Peering out the frosted window, Mabel's breath hitched. She was expecting the usual massive elegant brownstones but dilapidated buildings were all huddled together here with rubbish strew
Last Updated : 2024-11-28Punished by the Duke Crest Fallen
~Penny~***Warning: Some readers may find trigger elements in this chapter***I should have been running, but my feet refused to move. I was still in shock, unable to believe that the Duke had left me to my fate tonight. I stayed planted in my spot even when the three men across the street emerged from the shadows and stalked toward me.The Duke was gone. Abandoned. He knew I would get raped and might even be left to die on these streets. And yet he didn't want to take me with him. Was it too much to expect? Even a stranger would have helped me. It wasn't supposed to hurt like this. He merely touched me once, and it was entirely fueled by lust. Why did the weight of his betrayal press me down so badly then?The menacing figures circled me, their hungry gazes devouring me like I was their prey. I swallowed the lump in my throat, slowly stepping back as panic surged through me."I will go first," said the man with a scraggly beard. "She looks so delicate she might break if we pounce on
Last Updated : 2024-11-28
Latest chapter
Punished by the Duke The Endless Delirium
~Penny~My eyes fluttered open, trying to adjust to the dimly lit hospital room that smelled like antiseptic and smoke. "Leo? Where's Leo?" My words sounded like a croak. I tried to sit up but the bandages around my chest tightened, spreading a dull ache across."Hello there, good afternoon," a nurse rushed to my side. "You can't move like that. You've been shot." How could I forget the searing heat of the bullet that tore through my chest? But I needed to know if Leo was okay. Was he shot too? Lucian had pointed his gun at Leo once he was done with me. I tried my best to stop him but failed."Is... Is His Grace----""Penny! You are up," Lucy cried out, her head peeking through the curtains before she stepped forward and occupied a chair by the bedside. "I was getting worried about you.""Lucy, thank the heavens! I am so relieved to see you fine and alive. You fell unconscious---""I feel all good now. It was just a minor contusion, either from the fall or the hard blow.""No concuss
Punished by the Duke The Dirty Secret
~Leo~"A slight detour?" Dad repeated my reply in a murmur as I removed my hat and bowed my head to the envoy. "Your Excellency."The envoy, Sir Llyod, was a tall imposing man with a shock of silver hair and piercing blue eyes. His gaze swept across the room, looking for Lawrence and Lucian. The gripping tension in the room was palpable as I took a seat."I see I'm not the last one to show up," I said, faking my surprise. "The princes are delayed, perhaps?" I exchanged a glance with the King whose face was laced with suspicion.The envoy also turned to the King, his gaze probing, "Any idea what might have happened? We lost fifteen minutes of our meeting time already.""I can only speculate, but His Grace and his father might have a better idea." His voice was almost accusatory.Acting clueless, I waved at the footman. "All I see is tea here. Fetch me a good cup of coffee, please." I tucked a napkin into my collar and got busy eating breakfast."Oh, pardon me, Your Majesty. I assumed y
Punished by the Duke The Dark Revenge
~Leo~Penny's desperate shot, a near miss, barely grazed Lucian's shirt while Lucian's bullet slammed into her chest. The sight ripped a piece of my soul away as the shot sent her to her gasping to her knees. Even as she dropped to the ground, she mustered the last of her strength to put a bullet in his thigh.Before the echo of the shots faded, I leaped to grip my weapon instantly and unleashed two thunderous shots at Lucian, right between the eyes. Ignoring the spray of blood as his body crumpled to the ground, I ran to Penny's side, sweeping her broken form into my arms."Penny? Baby... please, look at me." This couldn't be happening for real. I pulled her to sit crosswise on my lap and cupped her tear-streaked face. She was gasping for breath. Fuck! I ripped a length of fabric from her gown and attempted to seal the wound with the material. The warm, slick feel of blood stained my trembling fingers through the cloth. "Trevor! Carriage, now!" I yelled, scooping Penny into my arms
Punished by the Duke Love & War
~Leo~I was late. By the time I rounded up a reluctant Trevor and some men to cover as much ground as possible, I was too fucking late! Her screams cut through my heart. Lawrence's filthy hands were on her. Tears streamed down her face from the pain of being dragged by her hair. The sight of her stance was so full of pain, it tore apart my soul."No, Leo, wait!" Trevor grabbed my arm as I dismounted my horse, "We can't shoot any of the royals without---"I cut in. I didn't need a voice of reason at the moment. "Who said anything about shooting? That would be too quick of a death." I could feel my pulse as it thudded through my body."We can't hurt them!""I don't fucking care, kill all his guards and take their horses." I peered through the haze of red fury, growling at the motherfucker whose blood was going to be on my hands."Lawrence!" I charged toward him, my hand closed around the concealed weapon I was carrying, ready to shoot his hand if he attempted to reach for his pistol. Th
Punished by the Duke Embers & Echoes
~Leo~Meeting Penny awakened a feeling I had never known before. Fear. The fear of losing her and living in a world without her. It was an all-consuming feeling that fogged my brain and stopped me from thinking rationally.Lawrence wasn't expecting me or Dad until another two hours. I used this time to look for any clues that could lead me to Penny or her brother. While I was away iceberg hunting, I found out she had a brother. I tasked my men with finding him but they had nothing to report upon my return. Now I knew why. He had fled a few weeks ago. His uncle was too terrified of Lawrence to say a word to me.I gripped his arm, my fingers tightening until he winced in pain. This was the man who had made Penny's life a living hell. He had abused his right to guardianship. I wanted to shake him until his teeth rattled. But he looked like a cornered animal, his defeated eyes the same shade of blue as Penny's. Despite the strong desire to inflict pain, I released his arm."Where's your d
Punished by the Duke A Desperate Ride
~Leo~"Numbskulls!" I hissed, my fingers clenching the guard's collar. "Did I say she could leave?"I sucked in a breath when something flashed in my mind. The other guard, where was he? When he said earlier if it was okay to meet Alice, did he mean if it was okay for Penny to meet Alice?"Fuck!" A growl ripped from my throat. "Where the hell is Talbot? Did he---""Leo..." My dad's voice cut through my rage. He stepped into the hallway, and Talbot trailed behind him, his downcast gaze fixed on the floor."The gatekeeper found him lying on the Knight's Path trail. He was drugged and pushed off a moving carriage." Dad told me, signaling Talbot to join the other guards."Was it a Campbell carriage?""Yes, but a stolen one. No valet. The driver wasn't in his uniform. Anyway..." Dad was not interested in finding out who took Penny. He waved dismissively, turning away to leave. "I have more pressing things to do, boarding the two o'clock train, for example. I'm going to tear that thickheade
Punished by the Duke Worst Case Scenario
~Penny~My chest tightened to the point I couldn't breathe in terror. Out of all the possible ways it could have played out with Lawrence, this was the worst case scenario. I fled from Leo and Mountbatten to protect my baby, only to lose it within hours. I jeopardized Mabel's safe return, still had no idea if Ben was alive, and even Lucy's life was at risk now.Lucy tried to free me from Lawrence's relentless grip, but he sent her stumbling over onto a large boulder that jutted out from the side of the path. My heart raced as I watched her arms flail over the moss-covered dark rock. Please God, please... I cried, praying desperately to keep her unharmed. Her kindness toward me could cost her life today. She would have never come to Grafton if not for me. As she attempted to stand, one of the guards slapped her hard across the jaw.She pressed her lips together in defiance, glaring at Lawrence. Releasing me from his cruel grasp, he sneered at her. She was unbothered by his intimidating
Punished by the Duke Hunted Down
~Penny~Pain stole my breath. A sob tore through me as I stared at the crimson, sickening stain spreading across my pale dress. I pressed my forehead against the cold sliding glass pane, praying for the sharp, stabbing pain to soften.Lucy's comforting words were a distant hum, unable to reach me through the wall of my pain. My hand instinctively went to my stomach again, resting protectively over the baby bump that would never be. Would it have been a girl or a boy? My breath caught in my throat as I pictured a tiny Leo with eyes as gray as the storm clouds.I stared at the gloomy winter skies as the train chugged away. Weariness settled over me, and I welcomed the sleep. I could do anything to escape the guilt and grief I felt at the moment. The darkness I saw when I shut my eyes was no match to the darkness my heart was overcome with. As I floated between wakefulness and sleep for what seemed like an eternity, the train lurched to a halt."Penny, this is our stop. Wake up," Lucy sa
Punished by the Duke Losing his Baby
~Penny~"You are with child, aren't you?" Lucy's voice was sharp as I doubled over the train's wash basin, consumed by nausea.She pressed a cool glass of water into my shaking hands. She then reached out, her fingers hovering near my growling stomach. I recoiled, flinching away from her unwelcome touch and probing gaze."Is it the Duke's? Or perhaps the Prince's?"I wondered how she knew about my supposedly secret affair with Lawrence. "I'm not pregnant." My voice was hoarse. "You said you were seasick the entire way back from that cold godforsaken town. Today, you threw up the minute we stepped out of that buggy. And now, ten minutes into the train ride, you are pale and heaving again. Boy, we have a long way to go.""As I said, I am not... with child, I mean. I just feel overwhelmed. I ran away from the man who swore to protect me, and we pushed an unconscious guard off a moving carriage---""You can't fool me, Penny," she said in a firm voice. "I was a nurse for several years befo
