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Whispers of Temptation
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-03-13 17:11:08
Bab terkait
The Duchess's Desire The Edge of Ruin
The air in the chamber turned suffocating as the heavy footfalls of Lord Thomas echoed closer. Victoria’s pulse pounded in her ears, her breath tight in her chest.James stood rigid, his darkened eyes locked on her, silently demanding an answer. The Duke of Marlborough, ever composed, barely shifted, though the amusement in his gaze sharpened.“Victoria?” Lord Thomas’s voice rang out again, this time closer—too close.James reached for her hand. “Say the word, Victoria.” His voice was raw, desperate. “Do you want me to leave?”Her fingers twitched against his.The Duke’s lips brushed her ear, his whisper as dangerous as silk. “Be careful, darling. You can only have one of us. Choose wisely.”The heat of his breath sent a shiver down her spine, but it was nothing compared to the fire in James’s eyes.Choose.The weight of it crushed her.The door handle twisted.Victoria reacted on instinct. In one swift motion, she shoved James backward, toward the open balcony. “Go!” she hissed.His
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-14The Duchess's Desire The Noose Tightens
The sun rose over the estate, casting a deceivingly warm glow over Victoria’s gilded prison. The drawing-room curtains fluttered in the breeze, but the air inside remained suffocating, thick with the weight of unspoken threats.Victoria sat still, spine stiff as Lady Fawnshawe’s knowing smirk played at the edges of her lips.“So quiet, dear,” Lady Fawnshawe murmured, tapping her teacup with a delicate finger. “One would think you were hiding something.”Victoria’s fingers twitched around her own cup. “I assure you, my lady, I have nothing to hide.”Lady Fawnshawe exhaled a quiet chuckle. “That, my dear, is a lie.”A chill crawled up Victoria’s spine.Lady Fawnshawe tilted her head, eyes sharp with amusement. “Do not look so pale, child. If I intended to tell your husband what I saw, I would have done so already.”Victoria’s heartbeat pounded in her ears. “Then why haven’t you?”The older woman leaned in. “Because I find this game far too interesting.”Victoria swallowed hard.Lady Faw
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-14The Duchess's Desire Shadows and Seductions
The grand chandelier in the Duke of Marlborough’s ballroom glittered like a thousand stars, casting golden light across the swirling dancers and elegantly dressed guests. The air was thick with the scent of perfume, expensive wines, and the whispers of scandal waiting to unfold.Victoria Windsor stood near the grand staircase, her emerald silk gown clinging to her curves like temptation itself. She knew eyes were on her—some filled with admiration, others with suspicion. But it was the Duke’s gaze that burned the hottest against her skin.“You seem deep in thought, my dear Duchess,” a smooth, velvety voice interrupted.Victoria turned to find Lady Evelyn Ashford standing beside her, a vision of elegance and power. Dressed in midnight blue, the widow exuded an effortless confidence that set her apart from the others.“I was merely admiring the spectacle of the evening,” Victoria responded smoothly, offering a practiced smile.Evelyn’s eyes gleamed with something unreadable. “Ah, but ar
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-14The Duchess's Desire The Duchess of Silk and Shadows
The Sussex Ball was in full swing, with the grand ballroom of Windsor Manor alive with music, laughter, and the clinking of crystal glasses. The golden chandeliers cast their warm glow over the assembled nobility, creating the illusion of a perfect world-a world of wealth, refinement, and carefully crafted masks. At the center of it all stood Lady Victoria Windsor, Duchess of Sussex, adorned in an emerald silk gown that clung to her slender waist before cascading to the floor in shimmering waves. Diamonds sparkled at her neck and ears, but it was her sharp hazel eyes and confident smile that held the true power. She was untouchable, unshakable-at least on the surface. Beside her, Lady Catherine Markham, her dearest friend and confidante, sipped from a glass of champagne, her sapphire gown scandalously low-cut. Her auburn hair glowed like fire under the candlelight, and her sharp tongue was as quick as ever. "Victoria, my darling," Catherine drawled, her lips curving into a knowing
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-12The Duchess's Desire Whispers behind velvet curtains
The drawing room of Windsor Manor was aglow with the warm light of an early afternoon sun filtering through lace-draped windows. Ornate golden frames housed oil paintings of stern-faced ancestors who seemed to disapprove of every hushed conversation and sidelong glance exchanged in the grand house. A clock ticked methodically from the marble mantelpiece, filling the room with its faint, incessant rhythm. Lady Victoria Windsor, Duchess of Sussex, sat poised on a velvet settee, her emerald silk day dress flowing elegantly around her. In one hand, she held a porcelain teacup, though the tea had long gone cold. Across from her, Lady Catherine Markham reclined casually, her sapphire dress a perfect contrast to the gilded upholstery. "So," Catherine said, setting down her own cup with a faint clink. "Are we going to address the rather intriguing figure of James Parker*loitering in shadowed corners, or are we going to pretend your little midnight rendezvous on the balcony never happened?"
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-12The Duchess's Desire A fire in the dark
The servants had long since retired, and the grand halls of Windsor Manor were cloaked in shadows, lit only by the faint flicker of wall sconces. Victoria Windsor paced her private sitting room, her bare feet soundless against the plush rug. Her emerald silk dressing gown clung to her figure, its deep neckline daring even in the privacy of her chambers. The air was heavy with the scent of lavender and the faint trace of wine from dinner earlier that evening.A knock on the door broke the silence.She froze, her heart quickening. It was past midnight-no one should be visiting her at this hour. Crossing the room, she hesitated before opening the door just wide enough to see who had disturbed her solitude.James Parker stood on the other side, his dark hair slightly disheveled, his gray eyes calm but unreadable. He was still dressed in his simple servant's attire, though his cravat was loosened, giving him an air of quiet defiance."Mr. Parker," she said, her voice steady despite the sud
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-12The Duchess's Desire Tangled Lies
The first light of dawn crept into Windsor Manor, casting golden streaks across the ornate tapestries that adorned the walls. Victoria stirred awake on the chaise in her private sitting room. The soft embers of the dying fire crackled faintly in the hearth. She blinked, the events of the night before rushing back to her in vivid detail-James's hands on her, the taste of his kiss, the fire that had consumed them both.She turned her head, expecting to see him still there, but the room was empty. Her silk dressing gown clung to her skin, wrinkled and slightly askew. She rose slowly, her heart a whirlwind of emotions-desire, guilt, and something dangerously close to regret.A soft knock at the door startled her. She rushed to adjust her gown, smoothing her hair before calling out, "Enter."Lady Catherine Markham stepped inside, her sharp blue eyes taking in the scene with unsettling precision. "You look positively ravaged, my dear," she remarked, closing the door behind her.Victoria for
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-12The Duchess's Desire The Price of Desire
The ballroom of Windsor Manor glittered with opulence, a dazzling display of wealth and status. Chandeliers dripped with crystals, and golden candelabras cast flickering light across the sea of silks and velvets. The air buzzed with polite conversation, the occasional ripple of laughter, and the clink of champagne flutes. Yet, beneath the glittering façade, tension brewed.Victoria Windsor stood at the edge of the room, her emerald gown perfectly tailored, her diamond necklace a testament to her station. She was every inch the Duchess of Sussex, untouchable and untarnished. But she could feel the weight of eyes on her-watching, waiting, judging.James was among the footmen lining the walls, his gray eyes lingering on her longer than propriety allowed. It was a dangerous game, one that had already spiraled too far out of control. Victoria felt the heat of his gaze, and her pulse quickened, a reminder of the fire they had ignited in each other just nights before."Victoria."She turned
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-12
Bab terbaru
The Duchess's Desire Shadows and Seductions
The grand chandelier in the Duke of Marlborough’s ballroom glittered like a thousand stars, casting golden light across the swirling dancers and elegantly dressed guests. The air was thick with the scent of perfume, expensive wines, and the whispers of scandal waiting to unfold.Victoria Windsor stood near the grand staircase, her emerald silk gown clinging to her curves like temptation itself. She knew eyes were on her—some filled with admiration, others with suspicion. But it was the Duke’s gaze that burned the hottest against her skin.“You seem deep in thought, my dear Duchess,” a smooth, velvety voice interrupted.Victoria turned to find Lady Evelyn Ashford standing beside her, a vision of elegance and power. Dressed in midnight blue, the widow exuded an effortless confidence that set her apart from the others.“I was merely admiring the spectacle of the evening,” Victoria responded smoothly, offering a practiced smile.Evelyn’s eyes gleamed with something unreadable. “Ah, but ar
The Duchess's Desire The Noose Tightens
The sun rose over the estate, casting a deceivingly warm glow over Victoria’s gilded prison. The drawing-room curtains fluttered in the breeze, but the air inside remained suffocating, thick with the weight of unspoken threats.Victoria sat still, spine stiff as Lady Fawnshawe’s knowing smirk played at the edges of her lips.“So quiet, dear,” Lady Fawnshawe murmured, tapping her teacup with a delicate finger. “One would think you were hiding something.”Victoria’s fingers twitched around her own cup. “I assure you, my lady, I have nothing to hide.”Lady Fawnshawe exhaled a quiet chuckle. “That, my dear, is a lie.”A chill crawled up Victoria’s spine.Lady Fawnshawe tilted her head, eyes sharp with amusement. “Do not look so pale, child. If I intended to tell your husband what I saw, I would have done so already.”Victoria’s heartbeat pounded in her ears. “Then why haven’t you?”The older woman leaned in. “Because I find this game far too interesting.”Victoria swallowed hard.Lady Faw
The Duchess's Desire The Edge of Ruin
The air in the chamber turned suffocating as the heavy footfalls of Lord Thomas echoed closer. Victoria’s pulse pounded in her ears, her breath tight in her chest.James stood rigid, his darkened eyes locked on her, silently demanding an answer. The Duke of Marlborough, ever composed, barely shifted, though the amusement in his gaze sharpened.“Victoria?” Lord Thomas’s voice rang out again, this time closer—too close.James reached for her hand. “Say the word, Victoria.” His voice was raw, desperate. “Do you want me to leave?”Her fingers twitched against his.The Duke’s lips brushed her ear, his whisper as dangerous as silk. “Be careful, darling. You can only have one of us. Choose wisely.”The heat of his breath sent a shiver down her spine, but it was nothing compared to the fire in James’s eyes.Choose.The weight of it crushed her.The door handle twisted.Victoria reacted on instinct. In one swift motion, she shoved James backward, toward the open balcony. “Go!” she hissed.His
The Duchess's Desire Whispers of Temptation
The carriage ride home was suffocating. The tension between Victoria and Lord Thomas was a thick, heavy thing, pressing against her chest like a vice. He hadn't spoken a word since they left the ball, but his grip on his cane was so tight that his knuckles had turned white.Victoria kept her gaze forward, willing herself to remain composed, but she could feel his eyes burning into her profile. When the carriage finally pulled up to the estate, Thomas stepped out first, offering no hand to assist her down.As soon as the doors shut behind them, he spoke."You humiliated me tonight," Thomas said, his voice deadly calm.Victoria removed her gloves slowly, not looking at him. "I don’t know what you mean, my lord."His hand snapped out, gripping her wrist so tightly that she gasped. "Do not play games with me, Victoria. I saw you with him."She jerked her hand free, rubbing her wrist as she stepped back. "You saw a conversation. Nothing more.""A conversation?" He let out a bitter laugh. "
The Duchess's Desire The Duke of Marlborough
The ballroom was still alive with murmurs and stolen glances as Lady Victoria stepped onto the terrace, her pulse hammering beneath her corset. The cool night air did nothing to soothe the fire raging within her. She could still feel the Duke of Marlborough’s touch lingering on her skin, his voice curling around her like silk.Behind her, the heavy drapes shifted, and a shadow emerged.“You left rather abruptly, Your Grace,” the Duke’s voice drawled, thick with amusement.Victoria spun to face him, her mask of composure slipping into place. “Is that a complaint, Your Grace?”His lips curved into a slow, knowing smile. “An observation.”She turned her gaze toward the moonlit gardens. “I found the air inside… stifling.”The Duke stepped closer, the scent of expensive cologne and something distinctly male enveloping her senses. “Or perhaps,” he murmured, “you found our conversation a little too stimulating?”Her breath hitched, but she refused to let him see the effect he had on her. “Yo
The Duchess's Desire Shadows of betrayal
The silence in the room was deafening, broken only by the shallow, uneven breathing of its occupants. Victoria stood frozen in place, her gaze darting between Thomas's livid face and James, whose fists clenched at his sides. The atmosphere was thick with tension, a storm waiting to break. "Explain yourself, Victoria," Thomas demanded, his voice low but trembling with fury. "I'll give you one chance. What is the meaning of this?" "Thomas, it's not what it looks like," she started, her voice weak, unsure. "Then what *is* it?" he snapped, stepping closer, his towering frame casting a long shadow over her. "I walk in to find my wife alone in her chambers with a *servant*, and you expect me to believe it's innocent?" James took a step forward, his expression defiant. "Your Grace, with all due respect, this isn't-" "Do not speak!" Thomas barked, cutting him off. His glare was icy, and his hand twitched at his side, as if restraining himself from further action. "Thomas, please," Victo
The Duchess's Desire The Price of Desire
The ballroom of Windsor Manor glittered with opulence, a dazzling display of wealth and status. Chandeliers dripped with crystals, and golden candelabras cast flickering light across the sea of silks and velvets. The air buzzed with polite conversation, the occasional ripple of laughter, and the clink of champagne flutes. Yet, beneath the glittering façade, tension brewed.Victoria Windsor stood at the edge of the room, her emerald gown perfectly tailored, her diamond necklace a testament to her station. She was every inch the Duchess of Sussex, untouchable and untarnished. But she could feel the weight of eyes on her-watching, waiting, judging.James was among the footmen lining the walls, his gray eyes lingering on her longer than propriety allowed. It was a dangerous game, one that had already spiraled too far out of control. Victoria felt the heat of his gaze, and her pulse quickened, a reminder of the fire they had ignited in each other just nights before."Victoria."She turned
The Duchess's Desire Tangled Lies
The first light of dawn crept into Windsor Manor, casting golden streaks across the ornate tapestries that adorned the walls. Victoria stirred awake on the chaise in her private sitting room. The soft embers of the dying fire crackled faintly in the hearth. She blinked, the events of the night before rushing back to her in vivid detail-James's hands on her, the taste of his kiss, the fire that had consumed them both.She turned her head, expecting to see him still there, but the room was empty. Her silk dressing gown clung to her skin, wrinkled and slightly askew. She rose slowly, her heart a whirlwind of emotions-desire, guilt, and something dangerously close to regret.A soft knock at the door startled her. She rushed to adjust her gown, smoothing her hair before calling out, "Enter."Lady Catherine Markham stepped inside, her sharp blue eyes taking in the scene with unsettling precision. "You look positively ravaged, my dear," she remarked, closing the door behind her.Victoria for
The Duchess's Desire A fire in the dark
The servants had long since retired, and the grand halls of Windsor Manor were cloaked in shadows, lit only by the faint flicker of wall sconces. Victoria Windsor paced her private sitting room, her bare feet soundless against the plush rug. Her emerald silk dressing gown clung to her figure, its deep neckline daring even in the privacy of her chambers. The air was heavy with the scent of lavender and the faint trace of wine from dinner earlier that evening.A knock on the door broke the silence.She froze, her heart quickening. It was past midnight-no one should be visiting her at this hour. Crossing the room, she hesitated before opening the door just wide enough to see who had disturbed her solitude.James Parker stood on the other side, his dark hair slightly disheveled, his gray eyes calm but unreadable. He was still dressed in his simple servant's attire, though his cravat was loosened, giving him an air of quiet defiance."Mr. Parker," she said, her voice steady despite the sud
