Page 52 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

The realization brought her up short. She wanted to spend more time with Alexander. To get to know him more. To care for him.

When had this happened?

Just because they had one pleasant night together did not mean he would feel the same.

“Your Grace?” Abigail’s voice broke through Rose’s thoughts.

“Pardon?” Rose asked, her mind still reeling from her realization.

“I asked if that would be all.” Abigail cast her a subtle look.

“Oh, yes.” Rose flushed. “Thank you.”

Abigail curtsied and left the room.

Rose followed after her, still in a daze. She was barely aware of where she was going and found herself in an unfamiliar corridor. Confused, she tried the door on her left, thinking it was the one that led to the back staircase.

It was not.

The door swung open, and Rose found herself standing in an ornate library. The shelves were a dark, rich mahogany. The ceiling was high. Books lined the bookshelves. Less than in the Western library, but by no means an insubstantial amount.

She was in the library in the East Wing. The place she had sworn not to go. Yet, she was unable to move. She noticed a writing desk in the corner, the only part of the room not covered in a thin layer of dust.

I should leave.

A portrait hung just above the desk. At first glance, Rose thought it was Alexander, but she realized the man was much older than him. His hair was the same dark brown as his sons’.

His eyes were a darker shade than Alexander’s but seemed full of kindness and warmth. The artist had painted the man smiling, and it seemed that he was inviting Rose to join him.

The former Duke. Alexander’s father.

She moved closer, wanting to get a better look at him. Her hand brushed against something cold on the desk. She jumped, glancing down. A small golden box lay beneath her hand.

Curious, she opened it. Inside was a seal. The handle was made of gold, in the shape of a thorny rose stem, though the thorns were placed so as not to cause the user pain. The head was a rose carved out of a beautiful pink stone.

Rose quartz, I guess.

Carefully, she turned the seal over in her hands.

It must be the former Duke’s seal.

It was beautiful,andmust have cost a small fortune.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps behind her. She whirled around. She should not be in this room, she needed to leave. But it was too late.

Standing in the doorway, his face hidden in shadow, was Alexander.

What have I done?

Chapter Eighteen

The Truth At Last

Alexander stared at Rose, his heart twisting as he saw the seal in her hands. Her eyes were wide with fear, and she took a step away from him.

“What are you doing in here?” he asked, his voice soft.

“It was an accident. I was lost in thought. My head was full of…” Rose trailed off, blushing. “I am so sorry.”