The Duke And His Desire

*****Excerpt***** “Don’t,” she whispered, her words shaky and desperate. “Please, Raph, don’t.” “Don’t what?” he murmured, his lips brushing her collarbone now. “This isn’t right. We shouldn’t…” “But we have,” he countered, his voice unwavering. Her knees threatened to give way, her strength faltering against the onslaught of sensation. She felt his hands on her shoulders, firm but not unkind, as he turned her to face him. Her heart hammered wildly as he lifted her with ease, placing her on the edge of his desk. He parted her legs with his hands and stepped between them, his large hands bracketing her waist. Their faces were inches apart, his breath warm against her lips. Her senses were drowning in him, in the heat of his body and the sheer magnetism of his gaze. “Tell me to stop,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “And I will. I’ll let you go and never ask this of you again. But it’s your choice, Natalie. Only yours.” Her mind screamed at her to end it, to take the out he offered. But her body betrayed her, leaning into him, craving his touch. He held her steady, his patience unnerving, as though he knew she would falter. “I’m waiting, Nat,” he urged, his voice softening, though his grip on her remained firm. “Raphael…” Her voice was a breathless plea, her will crumbling. “Yes, sweetheart?” Her hands found their way to his shoulders, clutching at the fabric of his shirt. She couldn’t stop the words that slipped from her lips, nor could she deny the truth in them. “Make love to me.” A dark smile curved his lips as he claimed her mouth in a kiss that stole her breath. “Good choice,” he whispered against her skin. “Because I wasn’t planning on letting you go.” *****Synopsis***** Raphael Emberlin, the Duke of Barrington, and his maid, Natalie Scott, are kidnapped while on a journey. After escaping their captors, they find themselves in a strange, unfamiliar land far from home. Everything around them is different, from the language to the people, and they must find their way back, all while learning to navigate the challenges of being stuck with each other. Raphael, used to being in control, struggles to trust anyone, especially Natalie. However, as they travel together, he begins to see her in a new light—her strength, courage, and ability to handle tough situations. On the other hand, Natalie has to deal with Raphael’s arrogance and pride, but she also notices his vulnerability and starts to understand him better. As they journey through this unknown world, their relationship starts to change. What began as a forced partnership slowly grows into something deeper. They each discover new strengths within themselves and each other. By the time they finally return home, they are left wondering whether they can go back to their old lives or if the journey has changed them forever.