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The Fiery Haired Woman
Last Updated:
2024-11-28 12:08:07
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Punished 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 had made so far.What transpired between the Duke and me 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
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 str
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 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 her al
Last Updated : 2024-11-28Punished by the Duke The Grovel
~Leo~It was three in the morning. Thick flakes of snow drifted down, swirling in slow motion across the impossibly bright night sky. I turned around and pressed my back against the cold window, staring into the warm fireplace and the ticking clock above it.What was she up to? Fast asleep in her bed, probably.Guilt gnawed at me. I couldn't stop thinking about her since that night. Mabel filled me in on what happened, and I had been kicking myself since then. Why hadn't I believed Penny? Even if her story was a web of lies, what harm could have come to me by taking her to the castle or dropping her off wherever she wanted me to?The truth was, even when I didn't want to acknowledge it, I felt like she betrayed me by letting some other guy touch her. Since I was so unreasonably possessive about her, I could have spared her the trauma and taken her home safely with me before anyone else touched her. But I allowed jealousy to cloud my judgment so terribly. This regret had turned into a p
Last Updated : 2024-11-28Punished by the Duke The Sweet Forbidden Taste
~Leo~"What are you doing, Penny?" I asked, tucking a stray strand behind her ear. "When I said breakfast, I didn't mean it literally."Her large blue eyes stared into mine, a flicker of something unreadable swirling in her gaze. Pushing my hand away, she continued looking at me with the same indecipherable expression. Was it anger or mere surprise at what I said? Would apologizing again about the other night help? I couldn't bear the thought that she was trying so hard to stand away from me.Closing the distance between us, I lifted her up and placed her on the prep table, my fingers digging into her thighs as I spread them apart. The rise and fall of her chest from quick, short breaths made the soft fabric of her dress strain against her bosom. Her tongue was too tied to utter a word when I failed to look away from the sexy swell of her breasts.Damn, I desperately wanted her in my bed. I wanted to shred every bit of clothing on her body and suck on those pert breasts until they were
Last Updated : 2024-11-28Punished by the Duke Giving Into Carnal Desires
~Penny~My first day back at work was busy, as usual. The workroom was bustling with activity, with workers feverishly snipping at intricate fabrics and stitching delicate seams. My eyes kept wandering to the door, expecting the Butler to come in and announce again like he did last time, "His Grace wants to see you in the dining hall." But the day was flying by, and there was no sign of the Butler.As the last rays of sunlight faded behind the castle's keep, my mind raced with jumbled up thoughts and emotions."Eyes on the fabric!" The Head Seamstress hissed, tapping my worktable. Her eyes were cold and brimming with disapproval.I stood up from my seat, wanting to look apologetic and get back to weaving the vibrant threads in my hands, but I just stared at her instead, my thoughts elsewhere. I was still upset at myself for how weak and easily swayed I was by the Duke's charms. It was as if he had taken my brain out and put it on the prep table before scooping me into his arms at Aunt
Last Updated : 2024-11-28Punished by the Duke The Sex Glow
~Penny~He seized my waist and pinned me to the wall with his large, rough hands. My gaze darted around, searching for any onlookers. We barely made it up the steps and around the corner. "Your Grace, w---""Leo is my name," he murmured into my ear, sweeping the hair off my shoulders and wrapping it around his fist.I sucked in a sharp breath as he pulled on my hair and buried his face into the crook of my neck. My whole body tingled in anticipation. "Mhmm..." Whimpering softly, I nodded, feeling too shy to utter his name.Before I could say another word, he lifted me off my feet and led us into the empty room. Kicking the door shut, he laid me on the bed, pulling off his belt to toss it on the floor. My heart raced as I watched him kick off his shoes and shed his clothes, revealing his toned abs and muscular arms. I licked my lips at the sight of the hard erection straining against his underwear. "Your turn," he said, planting a trail of hot kisses on my stomach while savagely pull
Last Updated : 2024-11-28
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Punished by the Duke Author's Note
Characters and events in most novels are fictional, but they are usually deeply rooted in the experiences and emotions of real people.The inspiration for this story comes from people who hold onto past relationships a little too tight and for far too long. They pour so much of their wonderful selves into keeping a relationship alive, even if it makes them question their self-worth. Only a few fortunate ones move past it and meet the kind of love that feels like a safe place, a love that accepts all the scars of the past.I did not fully explore this theme by drawing a contrast between Lawrence and Leo because Leo is far from perfect, but, at its core, the idea is to be able to tell the difference between red flags and imperfections before investing our hearts and souls into someone.
Punished by the Duke Epilogue
Eighteen Months Later (Mountbatten, Summer of 1862) ~Penny~ A tear escaped my eye as I gazed at the bright blue skies stretching above the moorland. The wild open space of the moorland opened up to a meandering river. Walking down the gentle slope of the well-worn path to the gushing water, I settled onto the bank. The low resonant hum of the water currents did little to calm my mind. Laying against the comforting heat of a sun-warmed stone, I fondly placed my hand on my stomach, trying to fight the tight knot in my throat as tears pricked at my eyes. It's gone—eight long weeks of emptiness. After carrying a baby for close to six months, I lost it. Just like the first time, but much further along. The pain was so much worse, both emotional and physical. And the bleeding lasted for days. I didn't want to dwell on the loss. But it was a persistent ache that lingered like a shadow. The day was too beautiful to be sad today, and I was here for a mental reprieve. I blinked back the t
Punished by the Duke A Deluge of Love
~Leo~ Long after we settled into bed, I lay awake and restless, my gaze fixed on her sleeping face. I rubbed the red spot on her neck where a hickey had begun to form. What was she dreaming about? I leaned in to graze my lips over the delicate curve of her lashes but stopped myself. What the hell was I doing?She had looked so reluctant to stay with me but wouldn’t tell me the reason for wanting to leave. I think I knew the reason. All that violence, bloodshed, and the Campbell asshole deaths were too much for her to handle. She could have died if I was late even by a few minutes. I almost lost her. It was the price she had to pay for falling for me.Even when she was in my arms, here, in this quiet space, I was consumed by a sense of failure. What was the point if I couldn't make her feel safe and protected? I didn't want to be the guy who just made her toes curl with orgasms. I yearned for her absolute trust that I'd raze the world to keep her from harm."Ready?" I asked her when sh
Punished by the Duke Beg for Pleasure
~Penny~He was punishing me for wanting to leave him. A week had passed since I got discharged from the hospital in Grafton, but he hadn't uttered a word. We were back in Mountbatten, in some tiny town with a strange name, Fludir. I wondered why he wasn't back at the castle.I had no complaints about the town or the lavishly comfortable and cozy log cabin we were staying at. But the warm scent of pine and the soft crackles of the fireplace could only offer so much comfort against his chilling silence.Every night, I watched him return after dark and go straight to his room. I received updates through Lucy, which was infuriating. She told me he was trying to locate Ben.I wanted to be part of this search. I hoped to help ease his workload as he juggled managing his Duke duties and covering up the mess we created in Grafton. With the Campbell Princes gone and the King under probation, their kingdom's succession and the future of the ambitious railroad project hung in the balance.As he e
Punished by the Duke The Tempting Seductress
~Leo~ She melted into my embrace as I pulled her closer. I tightened my grip around her waist and dipped my head, breathing in her sweet scent. “Oh, Leo, I missed you terribly!” she whispered, her words thick with longing as her fingers dug into my back. Her voice was like a soft balm to my heart. But I needed to hold her close for a while to stop the ache in my chest. Stroking her chin with my thumb, I lifted it to make her look me in the eyes. "Did you just lock Lucy up? Who's helping you escape this time?" Her cheeks bloomed a delicate shade of pink as she averted my gaze. Her tongue ran along her bottom lip, tempting me to devour her mouth with an uncontrollable hunger. “Don’t,” I growled, leaning in to cover those delicious lips with mine. She slipped her tongue between my lips, making my breath catch. I clung to her like I would die if the kissing stopped. Lucy's persistent knocking forced me to pull back for a moment. Breathing hard, I rasped out, "Penny is with me, Ms.
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
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 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 and rush
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. The
