IX. June 22nd, 1989

I don't know which is scarier.

The fact that I slept with a stranger or the stranger is a Duke.

The second part is scarier since I've had one-night stands before.

I'm not sure how long I've laid in bed and stared at the window, but I did. When I glanced back, on the other side of the bed lay a sleeping Lucianus. For some reason, no matter how many times I look back, he wouldn't disappear. I turned my head back to the window. My breath got caught in my lungs as a large muscular arm wrapped around my body. His fingers curled on top of my hand.

I tried to stay as still as a stone when his morning wood pressed against my butt.

Did I think about leaving quietly when I woke up?

Of course, I did.

Until I looked out the window and noticed a large garden instead of the city street. It means I'm in the middle of nowhere. Even if I manage to escape what looks like a large mansion, how will I get back?

My stomach growls.

I can't help it, I had a rough night.

"Mira," his raspy voice calls for me.

I shouldn't respond.

He kisses the top of my head, "Are you hungry, my love?"

My love?

I'm sweating.

When I become his love?

I met you last night!

I made a sound because I was too scared to do anything else.

His arm moved away from me, and soon, my back was exposed. Footsteps made their way on the floor, and then a bell. The double door spread open as if the people were waiting outside for his order. It's a good thing I didn't try to sneak out.

When I heard more footsteps, my body sank further into the blanket.

I'm naked.

"When Mira wakes up, make sure she's comfortable."

"Yes, Your Grace."

How many people are here?

The door closed, and I could feel another kiss on my cheek. When I heard another door close, I sat up and found myself in an empty bedroom. I looked around and saw a total of four doors.

I'm not sure which one is the exit.

Cautiously, I got off the bed and searched for my clothes. It's not there. With the blanket around my body, I walked around the room and pressed my ear against the door to see if I could pick up anything.

The first door is quiet.

Second door, footsteps.

The third door is quiet.

Fourth door, shower.

The fourth door is the bathroom. When I could feel liquid dripping down my thighs, I wanted to go to the bathroom, but I knew Lucianus was in there. I fought against the urge and opened one of the quiet doors.

Behind the door was an office. Large window to allow natural light, dozens of books on the wall, two couches, a coffee table, and a desk across the room. When I spotted tissues on the desk, I rushed to it and pat it between my legs. When that was over and done with, I quickly closed the door and went to the next quiet door.

The door opened, and a closet made its appearance. I looked up at the beautifully designed ceiling and whispered: "Thank you." I'm not really thanking anyone. Frankly, I'm very upset it's not the exit.

"You're welcome?"

"Oh my-" My back smacked against the door when I heard Lucianus's voice, "You scared me!"

Lucianus crossed his very muscular arms - the suit he wore last night did not do justice - and smirked. "Maybe, if you woke up when I kissed you, we wouldn't be in this predicament."

Of course, he knows.

Lucianus passed me and grabbed a pair of normal clothes.

"Shower is open."

He drops the towel.

I tried to look away, but clearly, I didn't.

When Lucianus noticed I saw staring, he walked to me - fully cleaned but still naked. "Would you rather I'd help you?"

If I wasn't filled with anxiety due to my current situation, I'd be more aware of my surroundings. Such as, why is Lucianus acting like he's familiar with me? He seems like he's an entirely different person from last night.

Lucianus grabbed my hand and kissed it gently to bring my attention back to his grey eyes.

Then, he kisses my palm, "Looking at how you're able to walk finely, I'm guessing last night wasn't enough."

Wait, what? Last night wasn't - what?

I was speechless.

I need to say something - quick.

Lucianus grabbed my butt and lifted me to his hips. I squealed and wrapped my arms around his shoulders to make sure he couldn't drop me.

What's wrong with him?

"Let's go get you clean up."

"I...I can clean myself." Please put me down.

He smiles, "Nonsense."

He opened the bathroom door, and my eyes widened at the sight. With my face against his shoulder, he couldn't see me drop my jaw all over his clean white tiles.

When we got into, what I assume was the shower, I was still captured by the size of the bathroom. I know I came from money, but this place makes me look dirt poor.

The water came on and I squealed in surprise. Lucianus laughs softly before he lets me down.

I cannot believe the Grand Duke is personally cleaning me up.

Past my wet hair, I stare at Lucianus as he cleans my body with soap.

I'm still very terrified.

"Next time-" he says, "Don't dance with all those men."

When he looked up at me, I nodded.

Whatever response he wants me to give, I'll give it to him. If it means, I get to keep my head over my shoulders.

"Were you jealous?" I asked.

No way, he's jealous.

His hands were soft, but his eyes were sharp, "Very much so."

When his hand hits the center of my legs, I bite my lower lips. I closed my eyes and waited for his hand to pass through, but it didn't. Instead, it stayed there longer than needed. He grabbed one of my legs and lifted it over his shoulder. With my back pressed against the wall and the water still spilling above us, Lucianus moves a finger inside.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Cleaning you," he responded. "Your insides are dirty from me cumming in it all night."

My eyes widened when I heard those words. Is the Grand Duke dirty talking?!

Call the media!

One finger turned into two fingers, and now his face is shoved between my legs.

Lucianus ate me like it was his last meal. I grabbed a handful of his hair, and fuck it - let's enjoy this.

My mouth - like my legs - spread open, and soon, the sound of moaning stretched into the bathroom.

And that's not the only thing that's stretching.

After he finished, I knew I had a smile on my face. Lucianus kisses me deeply, then grabbed my hand and leads it to his hard cock.

With one look on his face, I knew what he wanted.

I went down on my knees and opened my mouth. His fingers sink into my hair. When he pushes my head in, my hands grip his thighs. I'm not sure how long I was giving him a head, but my mouth hurts.

"Shit-" Lucianus grabbed my arm and pulled me up. He closed his eyes for a brief moment and then looked at me with a grin, "We wouldn't want it to end there, would we?"

He kissed me again, and then turned my body, "Bend over."

I did as he commanded, and soon, he was inside of me. I didn't hold back the moan.

"Looks like you're still loose from last night."

My face feels hot.

How could such an gentlemanly-looking face have a mouth that dirty?!

Lucianus grabbed my waist and began thrusting. My toes went on its tips, and the nails clawed against the tiles.

I don't recall much from last night since I was fairly hammered, but fuck, he's really good at this.

It's like he knew exactly where my sweet spot is.

Lucianus leaned down and grabbed a handful of my breast, his waist still working its magic.

Honestly, I don't care if I died, I'm being fucked by the Grand Duke and it feels crazy amazing.

As you can see, it's my lower half talking right now.

Lucianus tilted my head and kisses me, one hand still on my breast and the other on my clit.

I move my head away to breathe.

"I love you," he whispers.

What did he say?!

"I love you so fucking much Mira."

I turned my head towards him and saw his wet face. He smiled, and the beating inside my chest intensified.

"You don't love me?" He asked in a teasing voice. His lips travel to my ear, "Or is it you love this dick more?"

I said I was going to die earlier, and that's not a lie.

My soul just left my body.

Lucianus increased the speed of his thrust and soon, I was basically yelling blood murder inside the bathroom.

When I could feel him cumming inside, I released a shaky breath. His face fell on my shoulder, and he inhaled a sharp breath. He kisses the side of my neck multiple times before saying: "You don't remember anything, do you?"

Oh, I'll remember this for the rest of my life.

In the near future, when I'm on my deathbed, I'll make sure to tell my grandchildren I had a really good time with the Grand Duke.

He could've been their grandfather.

After we finished the deed in the bathroom, Lucianus's maid escorted me to the dining room. While I stepped down the hall, I took in everything I could from the large glass windows to the chandeliers and then to the paintings.

My body didn't move according to the maid's instruction, rather it felt like it knew where the dining room was located. When we got there, the door spread open and I automatically sat beside Lucianus.

I was the only one shocked by what I've done.

Why did I sit right next to him?

There are a thousand other chairs, and I chose this one.

The chef places a plate in front of me, and I stare at it.

"Please, don't make me send you back hungry." Lucianus cut up the eggs and I watch as the yolk splatter out. He grabbed a piece of the meat, laid the eggs on top, and offered it to me with his fork.

Doesn't this violate some sort of etiquette?

I lowered myself and ate the food.

Of course, I didn't.

I got off the chair.

"And there it is." Lucianus places the fork down and watches me amusingly.

"I'm sorry Grand Duke," I move closer to the wall, "I think you've mistaken me for someone else."

He tilted his head slightly, "Oh? And if I'm not mistaken?"

"Then, we had a great time last night, plus earlier, and I would like to ask for the breakfast to go," I tried my best to not sound shaky.

Lucianus stands up, then crosses his arms. "And if I don't allow you to leave until you ate breakfast?"

My eyes narrow, "Is this your way of saying, I can leave after I eat breakfast?"

He pulls out my chair, "That's a possibility."

Hesitantly, I sat back down and ate the food he cut up for me.

Lucianus sat back down, "Or I may be imprisoned you for defiling me."

I spit out the food. When I looked at Lucianus, he had a naughty smile on his face.

"That's not funny."

Lucianus chuckles before he returns to eating the food in front of him. While I was eating, I noticed that there was a painting on the wall. It's something I've never seen before.

I want to ask about the painting, but I know I shouldn't.

"You painted that for me."

I tried my best not to think of him as a madman or show that thought on my face.

"It's terrible," I play along with him. "What was I thinking?"

"You were thinking, I don't love you enough to hang up that horrible painting."

I turn my head to Lucianus, "Clearly, you love me too much." To the point of insanity.

Lucianus smiles again. It was kind of weird. Last night, I barely saw him smile at the ball and now, all he does is smile.

"It's nice," he says.

"Love?"

I mean, love is good.

"You do not understand how much you have me wrapped around your finger."

But, there's a fine line between romantic love and creepy love.

I need to finish breakfast and blow this lunatic popsicle stand.

The door opened, "Sire, you have a guest waiting for you."

"Who?"

"Baroness Elena Norton."

"Let her in."

I did a double take to Lucianus.

Is he exposing our affairs?!

I mean, for God's sake, I'm the other woman!

Knowing I slept with an engaged man is killing me but I was thinking after this, when I get back, I can shut myself in the room and cry.

Elena stepped into the room, and her eyes wandered for a brief moment before she said: "Grand Duke Lucianus." She turned to me, "Lady Mira."

I gave her a shameful smile.

"Permission to settle?"

"Permission granted," Lucianus responded.

The butler pulled the chair open for her and she sat down, her eyes still on me. She smiles, "You sadistic man," she says. "Look at how she's trembling."

Lucianus held my hand, and I tried not to gasp. He moves it to his lips.

"She must be thinking, how much trouble she is in. Sleeping with the Grand Duke who's rumored to wed soon."

I internally cry.

Why does this have to happen to me?

I'm not supposed to be in this pickle.

"The King's decision is not mine," Lucianus responded.

"Yet, the subject must follow the King's proclamation."

"He hasn't proclaimed."

"That's a reason to ease your love's conscience."

What the fuck are they saying?!

Lucianus tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, "I love only one," he says. "And even a King can't change where my heart belongs."

"Your heart can yearn as much as it wants," Elena responded. "You can't change what is predetermined."

Lucianus's sight went from me to Elena, "Must you be so cruel?"

"Must you take such a difficult route?" She responded. "Your marriage does not need to involve your heart. Marry Lady Lilith, and continue this affair if you desire."

"Elena-" Lucianus's voice drops.

"Do what you've been doing, and fly in and out of her life." She grabbed the teacup in front of her, and her eyes traveled to me. "Even if it breaks her heart, she would not know."

Wait, are they talking about me?

I may not know what's going on, but I can read between the lines 65% of the time and I can also read body language 35% of the time. Together, it's 100%.

I remove Lucianus's hand and stand up.

"Mira-"

"Hold on," I tried my best to analyze the situation, "Are you guys talking about me?" I asked. I looked at Lucianus then Elena, and back to Lucianus, "Did you do something to me?"

Lucianus stands up, "Mira, let's not be hasty."

"Hasty? It's a yes or no question," I said. "Did you...Did you...put some sort of spell on me?"

He stepped forward and I inched back.

"Um-" I closed my eyes and shook off the weird feeling. When I opened them, I saw Lucianus with a sad look on his face. My tightened hands relaxed, "Can you just take me home? I promise I won't tell anyone about what happened here."

Lucianus walked to me again, and I moved back.

"Please, don't touch me."

Elena exhaled, "Lucianus, she's clearly afraid."

"Mira...please." Lucianus extended a hand to me.

I stared at his open palm, the invite to his arms. Slowly, I extended my hand and- psyche!

I ran to the exit.

"I'm sorry!" I shouted.

I didn't make it far from the dining room before the guards caught me. It was scary and embarrassing.

Now, I'm back next to Lucianus with my sad face staring at the half-eaten plate in front of me.

"I remember," Elena says calmly, "When I first met her; she also ran. What did you do to the poor girl to always have her running away from you?"

I didn't dare look at Lucianus's face.

Elena exhales, "You know better than to take her here without her memories."

"I promise her," Lucianus says, "That I wouldn't let her wake up naked-"

I almost choked on my tongue.

"and alone in a hotel room."

"What is your next step?" Elena asked. She exhaled, "You can't be thinking of returning the girl's memory."

"Let's not overstep our boundaries," Lucianus responded.

"Overstepping boundaries is what nannies do." Elena smiled wickedly, before she looked at me, "Ungrateful young one, isn't he?"

Young one?

I glance at Lucianus.

If I wasn't so confused, I'd laugh.

"And to think, I breastfed you."

Lucianus exhaled, "Let's continue this conversation in another room." Lucianus got up and kissed the side of my head, "Finish your breakfast and I'll meet you in the front."

"May I go back to my friends?" I know my place, especially with what happened earlier.

"Of course, my love."

When the doors closed, it was only me and a dozen other maids and butlers. I can't run away even if wanted to.

Quietly, I ate breakfast and tried my best not to cry. The faster I eat, the faster I can get out of here. When I swallowed my late bite, I chugged down the water.

When I placed down the glass, they cleaned up the empty plate in front of me and placed a small cup with a white pill in front of me.

I look at the butler, "This-"

"Sire asked me to give it to you."

I stare at the white pill.

"After this, we will escort you back to the Celeste's residence."

I grabbed the pill and threw it in my mouth. He handed me a new glass and I drank it. I stood up so fast, the chair squeaked. "Let's go."

I'm ready to go back, enjoy the rest of the vacation, and go home.

When we got to the hallway, I asked: "Is it okay if I use the bathroom?"

"Of course."

When the bathroom door closed, I released a deep breath and rushed to the toilet. When I got there, I spit out the white pill and flushed the toilet.

Can you blame me for not trusting a stranger?

Near the entrance, Lucianus was there. He smiled when I got closer. His hand moved to my cheek, "I understand that this must be frightening for you, but thank you for not trying to pepper spray me."

What the sitting duck.

I smiled, "The ride?"

His thumb runs across my cheekbone, "I'll see you next time."

Please tell me that's a joke.