Chapter 1

 

'My lord, I wish to leave!'

The duke put his book down slowly on his desk as he raised his head up to watch the comely auburn-haired maid walk into the room and then stand directly opposite to where he was sitting. She stared at him with a look of defiance in her eyes.

'Why the talk of leaving all of a sudden? Don't you think we should discuss the situation of your stay here first?' The duke spoke flatly trying to keep hidden the irritation that he felt due to her open declaration.

'You promised that I would be free to leave when the year was done and I repaid you for my previous wrong doing, so I am asking you now to keep to your word. I want to go, so let me leave!' Catherine would not back down as she appealed to him.

'I will tell you when it is time for you to leave!' The duke raised his voice as he got up and walked over to her.

Catherine stood her ground firmly, willing her knees not to go weak, as the duke deliberately entered into her personal space.

'After all we have shared and all that I have given you, do you really now want to just turn around and walk away from my home and me without a second thought? I don't believe that.' He traced his finger with familiarity down her cheek to her neck, before dropping his hand, as he whispered seductively to her.