11 Years Ago.
Charlie, sprawled across the wide bed, watched with rapt attention as Ruby slowly shed her clothing. She knew exactly how much this teased and excited her lover, and she reveled in it. This had become a kind of ritual for them ever since Charlie had taken her under his protection. And that was nearly two months ago.
They had met in one of the city’s most exclusive houses of pleasure. After just a few encounters, the young marquess expressed his desire to be the only man in Ruby’s life. He rented a modest house for her, provided a maid, and spent nearly every night by her side.
As soon as she stood bare before him, Charlie rose from the bed.
“Turn around,” he whispered hoarsely, his tone somewhere between a plea and a command.
When she complied, he retrieved a piece of jewelry from the inner pocket of his coat, placed it around her neck, and fastened the clasp. Then, he pressed a kiss to her neck just beside the clasp, trailing a line of kisses down her spine.
“Let’s see if it suits you,” he said, turning her to face him. Stepping back slightly, he admired her as an art connoisseur might study a masterpiece.
“What kind of stone is this?” she asked, her delicate fingers brushing against the gem, its cool touch pleasant against her chest.
“A ruby. It matches your name. And it looks stunning on you. It perfectly accentuates these two sweet peaks,” he murmured, his voice low as his gaze lingered. “They even share a similar hue.” With those words, he slowly leaned down to her breasts, first teasing one, then the other. He kissed them tenderly, nipping lightly. Under his ministrations, they grew firmer, heavier. Charlie cupped them in his warm hands, alternating gentle squeezes, stoking the flames of desire anew.
“You drive me wild, darling,” he whispered between caresses. “I wish you could always be by my side.” Her hands, which had been tugging at his clothes, froze. Her already rapid breathing quickened further.
“You’re joking, aren’t you?”
“Would I jest at a moment like this?” Charlie cradled her face in his hands. “I’m entirely serious. And mark my words, I won’t take no for an answer.”
“I wasn’t planning to refuse. But…”
“No ‘buts.’ I can’t outshine my brother, so we’ll wait until Colin marries,” he interjected, noticing she wanted to say more. “Your background doesn’t matter to me. After all, I’m the younger son. My presence at the estate isn’t required. And I can provide for us regardless.” Charlie hungrily claimed her lips, savoring the kiss before adding, just to be sure, “Have I answered all your questions, future Mrs. Norflock?”
“Almost. You forgot the most important one!”
Charlie raised an eyebrow.
“Doesn’t it bother you that I’m three years older than you?”
Norflock scooped her up, laid her on the bed, and hovered over her.
“Am I really making love to such an old lady?” he teased.
Ruby playfully ran her hands over his chest, then slowly slid them downward to unfasten his trousers.
“I’m not that old for this,” she retorted with a mischievous glint in her eye.
“Then you’ve answered your own question. Besides, I’d rather not dwell on trivialities when we could be doing something far more enjoyable.” With that, he entered her swiftly, eliciting a passionate gasp. As he began to move, a timid knock sounded at the door.
“Good heavens, Ruby, don’t I pay your maid enough to keep her from causing trouble?”
“Forgive me, darling. She usually knows better,” Ruby replied, her voice trembling with pleasure. Raising her voice, she called out to the maid, “Kate, unless it’s the end of the world, don’t disturb me!” She meant to sound stern, but Charlie’s unrelenting movements undermined her attempt.
“But, madam…!”
“Leave us!” Charlie barked, and silence fell beyond the door. He quickened his pace, alternating kisses between her lips and breasts. Ruby writhed beneath him, her moans of pleasure growing louder. Charlie could sense she was on the brink of ecstasy, ready to soar over the edge. And soon, he would follow. And then…
Amid their fervent gasps, another knock interrupted them. At first, it was barely audible, and they paid it no mind. They were racing toward the peak of bliss, and nothing else mattered. Whoever it was could wait.
“My lord!” The voice of Williams—his father’s loyal valet—cut through the haze of passion.
“You’re mistaken, Williams. It’s just me here, not my father!” Charlie growled hoarsely as Ruby arched beneath him, surrendering to her climax. Hoping he’d dismissed the intrusive servant, Charlie quickened his rhythm, desperate to catch up to her. His movements grew faster, more forceful…
“I’m not mistaken, my lord!”
In that moment, instead of reaching the heights of pleasure, Charlie plummeted into an abyss. He abruptly pulled away from her. His chest heaved rapidly. The ecstasy that had filled every fiber of his being just moments ago was replaced by a strange buzzing in his ears.
“Darling, what’s wrong?” Ruby asked, alarmed, as she came back to herself. She hadn’t heard Williams’ words, lost as she was in a sea of bliss.
“I think he’s confused,” Charlie rasped, refusing to believe what he’d heard. Without bothering to dress, he strode from the bed and flung open the door. A dual gasp from two women echoed, but Charlie paid no heed. He seized Williams by the shirt, pinned him against the opposite wall, and demanded, “Repeat what you said!”
“You heard correctly, my lord!” Charlie released the servant and stepped back, still unwilling to accept it. “Are you certain? But Colin…”
“I’m sorry, my lord,” Williams said mournfully, bowing his head. “The Duchess has asked me to find you urgently.”
Charlie started to leave, but the wide-eyed stare of the maid reminded him of his state of undress. He returned to the room. Ruby sat on the bed, a sheet draped over her, utterly bewildered by what was unfolding.
“Forgive me, love, I have to go. I’ll send word tomorrow.”
“What does this all mean?”
“I’m the new Duke of Egerton.”
“But… how can that be?” she exclaimed, unable to hide her shock. But there was no one left to answer. Charlie, dressing hastily as he went, stormed out of the room.