THE DUKE’S DEBT (1)
This novel is exclusive to Web Novel, please contact me through the chapter comments if you find that all or any part of this publication is being uploaded elsewhere (on another site). Thank you.
CHAPTER 17
Alexander was in disbelief as he watched her approach him. He couldn't believe his luck. It was as if fate had finally decided to smile upon him. As she drew closer, he couldn't help but admire her petite yet stunning figure and the eloquent red dress that hugged her curves. Her hair, a dark shade of brown, made him question whether she was truly the one he had been searching for. But as she emerged from the shadows and into the garden lights, he saw her more clearly. She was the one, but she didn't seem to recognize him at first.
She halted in front of him, doubled over, and gasped for breath. He couldn't help but wonder why she was running. Was she practicing for a marathon in the middle of such a momentous occasion? He doubted it. When she lifted her eyes to scan the area, Alexander's suspicions were confirmed. She was running away from someone, and he was determined to find out who.
«Might I gather the reason for which you're fleeing?» Alexander asked, hoping to get some answers.
The woman's head snapped back, and she faced him, her once-tranquil blue eyes now filled with fear and agitation. «How in the world did you come to be here?» she shot back, her tone both firm and unkind.
«It's a ball. Am I not allowed to be here as one of the bachelors on ground?» he teased. But her eyes tensed, and she didn't seem to buy it. Her lashes flickered, and she tried to move past him and back into the ballroom. But Alexander's hand caught hers, and she froze.
«Tell me first who was after you just now,» He demanded, his voice firm and unwavering.
Her eyes turned cold, and she threatened to alert the guards of his harassment if he didn't let her go. Alexander blinked fast and released her hand. «It hasn't come to that,» he said, hoping to calm her down.
Despite his efforts, the woman remained on edge, and Alexander couldn't blame her. He had no idea what she had been through, but he was determined to find out. As they stood there in silence, Alexander couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency. He had finally found the one he had been searching for, and he couldn't let her slip away.
«What do you want?» Evelina asked, her voice weary and cautious. Alexander's heart raced as he watched her walk away from the gardens and towards the lawn of the house. He knew that he had to talk to her, but he didn't want to scare her off again.
«To talk,» he said softly, hoping to ease the tension in the air.
«About what?» she asked, patting her wrist nervously. «If it's about the debt that I owe you, it's good that I can afford to pay you now. I didn't lose my purse again. How much—» she stopped talking abruptly, catching Alexander staring at her hands intently. She had lost her purse again. That pervert of a man who had attacked her tonight was to blame for this.
Alexander stood tall, slipping his hands into his pockets. «Bold of you to think you had the financial means to pay back what you owe, Lady,» he said, his voice low and seductive.
«I beg your pardon?» Evelina asked, confusion etched on her face.
«It's true that you owe me a debt, but that debt cannot be paid back with money. I require something more,» he said, his voice laced with a hint of desire.
«Like what?» she asked, her eyes flashing with defiance as she turned to look at him. She'd stopped walking.
Alexander was pleased by the spark in her clear blue eyes. He could easily tell her what he demanded, but he wanted to get to know her first. «Start by telling me your name,» he said softly.
«My name?» she seemed surprised that he would ask for such a simple thing.
«You cannot make up a name just to dismiss me anyhow, I might add,» Alexander said sternly.
«Evelina. My name's Evelina,» she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
«Evelina who?» he asked, his eyes locked on hers.
«What? You thought you were just going to get away with giving me just your first name? You could be telling a lie right now,» he added.
«Fine,» she spat out. «My names are Evelina Belle Beaumont Huxley. Satisfied?»
Alexander couldn't help but smile at the fire in her eyes. He knew that she was the one he had been searching for. But upon hearing the name Huxley, Alexander's mind raced as he tried to recall where he had heard it before. Suddenly, it hit him. Evelina was the Earl of Longdale's daughter! His eyes widened in shock as he struggled to process the information.
«You're the Earl of Longdale's daughter?» he asked, his eyes wide with shock.
Evelina was taken aback by his reaction but tried not to show it. «Yes, I am. Is there a problem with that?»
«No, no problem,» Alexander replied, trying to mask his surprise. But he couldn't help wondering why a respected Earl's daughter would be visiting the red light district. There was definitely something amiss here.
«Does your father know?» he suddenly asked.
«Know what?» Evelina shot back, her tone defensive.
«That you were at that place and that you had a run-in with the Duke of Burnsbury. I'm asking you right now, does he know?»
Evelina took a step back, her legs barely able to support her. He was the Duke? And she had hit him? Was that why he had followed her here?
«I...I am so sorry for the other night, your Grace,» she stammered, her voice choked with emotion. «I didn't know...I didn't realize... »
Alexander's expression softened slightly. «It's alright, Evelina. But you must understand that raising your hand against a Duke is a serious offense.»
Taking a closer look at the man before her, Evelina noticed the fine details of his attire that exuded a sense of royalty. The intricate embroidery on his coat, the way his cravat was neatly tied, and the polished shine of his shoes all spoke of his elevated status. It was clear to her that this was no ordinary gentleman she had encountered on the streets of the red light district. Now, standing before her, he was looking more impressive.
«But you didn't look like a Duke back then,» Evelina protested. «You looked like...like a rogue, if I may be permitted to say so, Your Grace.»
«No. You are not permitted to call me that,» Alexander snapped. «And please, no more titles. Just address me as you used to.»
Evelina hesitated. «I can't possibly do that,» she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
«You can and you will,» Alexander replied firmly. «Because tonight, you're going to repay the debt you owe me.»
«What debt?» Evelina asked, confusion etched on her face.
«The debt of marriage,» Alexander declared. «I'm asking you to marry me.»
Evelina's eyes widened in shock. «You're what?»
«Before you decline my offer, remember that I can have the guards here in an instant,» Alexander warned. «You are a thief and a common criminal, Evelina. But if you marry me, I'll make sure you're protected and taken care of for the rest of your life. So what do you say?»
Evelina's eyes dimmed as the weight of his words sank in. She had no choice but to accept his proposal if she wanted to avoid being arrested. But at what cost?
This novel is exclusive to Web Novel, please contact me through the chapter comments if you find that all or any part of this publication is being uploaded elsewhere (on another site). Thank you.