Page 7 of Trapped with the Beastly Duke

“A beast, truly. A vile creature. Just look at the scar on his face.”

“Why did he come? Can’t he see how he is holding his sister back?”

“He will be their downfall. What a beast.”

Beast.The word swam in his head, seeming to eclipse everything around him.

Killed his own father.He will be their downfall.

His jaw tightened. That anyone could believe such ridiculous things should amuse him, yet he could feel his anger growing.

Do I truly look capable of such things?

He swallowed hard, digging his fingernails into his palms as he curled his hands into fists.

I must not lose my temper. I will not ruin Olivia’s debut.

“Mother, I shall return in a moment. I am in need of fresh air.” Alexander did not wait for a reply, instead turning sharply on his heel and walking into the gardens.

His anger ripped through him. He wanted to roar his fury, to grab the rumor mongers and shake them. In his mind’s eye, he saw his father shaking his head in disappointment.

I am supposed to keep them safe.

But how was he supposed to save his family from himself?

After all, I am a monster.

Chapter Three

Metaphor Becomes Reality

Rose was utterly transfixed by the newcomers.

At least I am not the only one.

In truth, most people seemed to be watching the group with varying degrees of subtlety. Rose had learned from a young age how to watch people without appearing to watch them. Another gift from her mother.

How is it possible to be so tall?

The Duke of Emberly was the tallest man she had ever seen, towering over everyone else in the room. His stride was purposeful and self-assured. While his clothes were somber shades of the deepest blue and grey, their elegance spoke of their cost. Each item was perfectly tailored, highlighting his powerful stature. He reminded Rose of one of the ancient Greek heroes.

There was something about him that spoke of danger and power. Rose frowned, trying to work out how the man seemed simultaneously a warrior and a gentleman. His face was severe, but his brown eyes seemed remarkably warm.

Like honey on a summer day.

Unlike his sister and mother, the Duke clearly felt no compunction to smile.

I wonder what that would look like?

It seemed ludicrous to imagine anything as gentle as a smile on that sharp face, and yet Rose found herself trying to picture it all the same. She was dimly aware of Felicity whispering something to her mother, but she found she could not tear her attention away from the Duke and his family.

They had moved to the far corner, and her heart ached as she saw the young woman’s smile falter and begin to fade as the dances progressed and no one approached her.

She is a pretty girl, why should she be punished for someone else’s sins?

The injustice rankled Rose, and she felt sympathy well within her. She thought of her own sisters, Jane and Emily. Both younger and full of excitement for the future. She knew too well how her own actions and future could affect theirs.

If I fail, they will suffer. How can the Duke not see that his presence could harm his sister? Is he truly so selfish?