—If she could please him.
Then he would forgive her this once.
It was a deal.
The full moon hung high in the sky, hazy and enchanting. The thin mist from the pool was blown over by the night breeze, carrying a warm humidity.
A golden birdcage, embroidered with blood-red roses.
The corners of the young woman's eyes were red. She tilted her head back, her throat tight.
A soft, broken, trembling moan escaped her, as if she were desperately trying to suppress something. Her vision gradually blurred.
Before her, a pair of cold, golden vertical pupils looked down at her with a hint of amusement. A large palm pressed against the back of her head, and a faint flush appeared on the Duke's face.
A muffled groan came from the man. He took half a step back, his cold eyes hiding a deep-seated lust. The Duke glanced at the young woman's wrists behind her back as a black snake quickly slithered away, disappearing into the bushes.
