Hazel was sweating profusely as she panicked in the corner she was standing. She didn't know if she should be happy that he had saved her or sad that she was going to be caught in such an embarrassing moment and in all people, him!!
"I am from the justice league offices and viscount Audry informed me that he gave you the- " Duke Raven paused for a moment when his eyes fell on the girl in company of Rufus. "That he gave you the list of the magistrates who are involved in embezzlement. I decided to personally come and pick it," he spoke, as his eyes didn't leave the girl.
"Oh, of course. I will bring it real quick," he said before giving Hazel a warning look and he left the place. Her eyes followed him and she saw him lock the door again before he left.
The Duke's eyes left the girl and looked at the bottle and two wine glasses that were on the table. Seeing her disorganized hair, he could tell what was happening. He clearly remembered the girl the moment he saw her. He recalls the moment when he was going for the masquerade ball and his carriage nearly knocked her. He couldn't deny the fact that he was disappointed finding her in this place because back then, she looked to be innocent. He didn't expect her to be the type of girl who sleeps with men for money but then he knew best that sometimes looks could be deceiving.
He walked to have a seat at the sofa and leaned his back.
Hazel stood in the corner as she watched Duke Raven. She had never imagined their next meeting to be like this. She couldn't tell how he had perceived the situation.
The room was eerily quiet and the only sound that could be hard was of his fingers tapping on the armrest. Realizing that she hadn't greeted him and it was rude on top of being an offence, she left the corner and took small steps to where he was like a scaredy cat.
Standing a number of steps away from him, she bowed her head and said," Your grace. It's a honor meeting you." He raised his eyes to look at the girl and said," You finally recognize me." Bowing again, she replied," I'm sorry your grace. I-I was..." "Ashamed?" he asked. "Yes," she replied because it was the truth. "You don't have to be," he replied before adding," You can go."
She took a while staring at him and after, she walked back to the corner. She didn't know if she should be happy or sad that he didn't recognize her.
"What is your name?" Hazel heard him ask her and she looked at him. "H-Hazel," she replied. "Hazel," she heard him repeat the name and she nodded. When silence reigned between them, he asked," Hazel, what are you doing here?" He couldn't help but ask. "I-I came to deliver some clothes to Mr Rufus," she replied. "And then? You decided to make some quick money?" he asked.
Hazel was offended by his words and she looked at him. Did he think she could do something like that? But then she remembered that he didn't recognize her at all.
"No. Mr Rufus was forcing me. I was sent by my boss to deliver some clothes to him. I-I didn't want to- "
"It took me a while to get them," came Rufus and Hazel swallowed her words.
He glared at her as he passed by and handed the sheets to the Duke. Looking at the them, he stood up and said," I will be taking my leave now. But not before the lady leaves."
Rufus looked at the Duke before his eyes went to look at Hazel. He looked at the Duke again and chuckled before saying," Duke Raven, she is my visitor. She is not leaving now."
"She doesn't seem to like being here," he said and looked at Hazel then asked," Do you?"
She immediately shook her head and replied," No." Looking at Mr Rufus, he said," See?"
The Duke looked at Hazel and said," After you." As she began walking towards the door, she heard Rufus say," This is not fair Duke Raven. You come at my house and start dictating rules?" "I care less about who you mess with Rufus. But I won't walk away and let you force a lady," he replied.
"If she dares to leave, let her be sure to lose her job and go back to the streets," he threatened.
"You shouldn't worry about that," he replied and Rufus' eyes narrowed more. Raven walked to the door and Hazel followed him to say," The door is locked." He turned to look at Rufus before gesturing for him to open for them. He remained standing in the spot for a moment before hesitantly getting the key from his breech pockets and walked to the door then opened it. As the Duke was getting out, he turned to glare at Hazel and she quickly followed him.
As soon as they were out, they heard the door close with a bang and she released a sigh of relief. She realized that it was dark and the coachman had left then turned to see the Duke whose eyes were fixated on the sheet in his hands.
She was worried about losing her job though.
Remembering that she had stood up Lucas, she released a low frustrated sigh. She had missed on the opportunity of visiting the theater.
"Where do you work?" she heard the Duke ask and she turned to see him looking at her.
"I work in Peekers valley at Hemm's tailors," she replied. "Who is your boss?" he asked her. "She's lady Lauren," she answered.
"Come, I will help you," he said and she inwardly rejoiced hoping that he was going to help talk to her boss. "I will give you a job in my house," he stated and she halted in her steps.