Katherine lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, as her husband, Thomas, slept beside her. It had been years since they had shared any semblance of intimacy or affection. She could feel the growing distance between them, like a chasm that threatened to swallow her whole. Her heart ached for his touch, for the love they once shared, but she knew that his heart was still tethered to Helena, his previous wife.
In the dim candlelight, she could see the shadows of the past that haunted their marriage. She noticed the lingering glances Thomas cast towards Helena when he thought no one was watching, the softness in his eyes that had long since disappeared from their own interactions. Katherine felt a wave of jealousy wash over her as bitterness and resentment swelled in her chest.
As she lay there, Katherine tried to break the silence. "Thomas, are you awake?"
Thomas grumbled. "What is it, Katherine?"
"Do you remember when we first met?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
"Of course, I do," he replied, his voice distant and detached.
"I loved you from the moment I laid eyes on you," she said, yearning for some semblance of connection. "It broke my heart when you married Helena."
Thomas sighed. "Katherine, that was a long time ago. We're married now."
But the words felt empty, devoid of any real emotion. She reached out to touch his face, hoping to reignite the spark that once burned between them. But he gently pushed her hand away, turning his back to her as he tried to sleep.
Katherine was left alone with her thoughts and hatred was slowly growing in her heart. She had seen Thomas first. She had fallen in love with him before Helena took him away from her. And now… that woman's daughter wanted to take away the future her daughters deserved. She was not going to let that happen!
Meanwhile, Daisy didn't think she had a chance with Lord Blackthorne. For the past two days, she had found peace in going back to her normal life and trying to think of a reasonable way to get away from this family without marrying a powerful man who was surrounded by secrets and dangers. It was said, "better the devil you know than the devil you don't."
Watching the handkerchief he lent her, she folded it nicely and decided to return it during their meeting tomorrow. She would not act so foolish and
nervous this time.
But why did they even have to go back? Her father should have discussed the dowry during their first meeting and save her from the misery of this trip. She didn't want to be there to witness Lord Blackthorne's change of interest once he realized it wasn't exactly a mistake that he had been looking for Cassandra.
Katherine was oddly busy with preparations for the meeting with Lord Blackthorne, as if it was Cassandra's proposal they were attending. She spent good money on buying her a nice dress and shoes.
Wasn't she the one complaining about her dowry? And did she change her mind about Lord Blackthorne because it seemed as though she was trying to impress him?
Her father was now also acting strangely and in the opposition to Katherine. At night, he came to her room as she was ready to go to bed. He had bought her a very nice dress, with gloves, and also brought the jewelry that Lord Blackthorne had sent her.
"Here, wear these tomorrow," he said curtly, his eyes avoiding hers.
Daisy hesitated, feeling a mixture of surprise and confusion. She mumbled a thank you, but her father simply nodded and left the room without another word.
As Thomas walked back to his room, he found himself questioning his decision to marry Daisy off to Lord Blackthorne. He couldn't deny that he had noticed the look in Lord Blackthorne's eyes, one he recognized as a fellow man. It was a gaze of hunger. Somewhat predatory and… famished. But as a man, Thomas also knew that a husband held the right to do as he pleased with his wife. They would be married, so it shouldn't be a problem.
Still, he wrestled with his thoughts, torn between concern for his daughter and the potential benefits that would come from marrying her into such a powerful family. The dark undercurrent of Lord Blackthorne's gaze gnawed at him, but he ultimately convinced himself that it was Daisy's fate to become the lord's wife, for better or for worse, and that gaze would serve him since he was certain that dowry wouldn't be a problem. Lord Blackthorne wanted her.
As Daisy prepared for her second meeting with Lord Blackthorne, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in her chest, and as she looked at the beautiful dress her father had bought her, she couldn't help but wonder if wearing it would be wise.
With a sigh, Daisy put on the dress, and her mother's face lit up when she walked into the room and saw her in it. "You look beautiful," Helena beamed.
"Thank you," Daisy smiled.
Perhaps by having her mother meet Lord Blackthorne, she could gain some clarity and know whether it was all in her head or if her mother would feel the same.
"Let me help you with your hair," Helena suggested.
Daisy sat in front of the old dresser and allowed her mother to gently comb through her long, warm-brown hair. Then she gently gathered half of Daisy's hair, skillfully twisting and weaving it into a soft, delicate bun. She secured the bun with hairpins, allowing the remaining tresses to cascade down her back like a silken waterfall.
Daisy stared at herself in the mirror, thinking she looked elegant, and even more so when she put on the jewelry that Lord Blackthorne had gifted her. The emerald stones on the necklace and earrings highlighted the green flecks in her brown eyes.
"Ready?" Helena asked.
Daisy nodded.
Hand in hand, they went downstairs, and as Daisy descended the staircase, her stepsisters and stepmother looked on in barely concealed jealousy. Their gaze turned into one of spite as Daisy stepped gracefully into the hallway.
"Is everyone ready?" Thomas called, coming to the hallways.
He looked at all of them, and when he found everyone, he nodded for them to follow him.
The family traveled in two separate carriages to Lord Blackthorne's estate and when they neared their destination, the grand, imposing structure of the manor came into view, and again, Daisy felt the same feeling of foreboding.
Helena, Katherine, and her daughters seemed to sense the same as they stepped out of the carriage. Her mother's hold on her arm tightened, her eyebrows furrowing deeply.
Cassandra shivered and wrapped her arms around herself. "Why does he live here?" She muttered, not looking jealous anymore until they stepped into the garden.
It still had the same dark, eerie feeling, but there was no denying its beauty. It was a dark kind of beauty, and Daisy remembered Lord Blackthorne's words. He had spoken of dark desires and inner virtues.
Cassandra and Lila murmured among themselves, while they were led inside by a stoic servant.
"Why is it so dark?" Lila asked.
The grand foyer was dimly lit, with tall, flickering candelabras casting shadows that danced upon the walls. The windows were covered with heavy red and black curtains that blocked out the light.
"Remember, he doesn't tolerate the sunlight," Cassandra whispered.
Katherine looked around with hawklike eyes, her gaze lingering on the intricately carved ebony furniture, the rich velvet upholstery, and the exquisite paintings that adorned the walls. It was as if she was accessing Lord Blackthorne's taste and wealth.
Helena looked rather concerned, her eyes darting around the room as if searching for something out of place. Daisy could see her brows furrowed, and her fingers fidgeted with the hem of her dress.
"It is strange here," Helena whispered. She didn't say what she thought was strange, but the tension in her posture and the apprehension in her eyes spoke volumes.
As they were led into a grand sitting room, Lord Blackthorne appeared, his tall, dark figure seeming to materialize from the shadows. His eyes instantly found Daisy, and she could feel the heat of his gaze as it swept over her from head to toe.
"Welcome," Lord Blackthorne said, his voice low and smooth. He was dressed in a finely tailored suit of deep black, the fabric appearing to swallow the little light that made its way into the room. A blood-red cravat adorned his neck, the vibrant color standing out against his silvery skin. But it also highlighted the red shift in his eyes, that she hadn't noticed before, or was she mistaken. "I trust your journey was pleasant?"
Katherine, eager to impress, stepped forward and spoke in her most charming tone, "Yes, my lord, it was quite comfortable, thank you for asking."
Daisy's stepsisters, Lila and Cassandra, offered nervous curtsies, their eyes wide with a mixture of awe and fear as they took in the imposing figure of the mysterious Marquess.
"And you, Miss Daisy," Lord Blackthorne continued, his gaze returning, although it felt like he never stopped looking at her. "You look absolutely enchanting."
Daisy felt a blush creep up her cheeks, and she curtseyed gracefully, her voice barely more than a whisper as she replied, "Thank you, my lord."
No! She told herself not to be like this! Straightening herself she decided to introduce her mother. "This is my lovely mother, Helena."
Lord Blackthorne's gaze shifted momentarily to Helena, a brief flicker of interest crossing his features. "Ah, Lady Helena, it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," he said, offering a polite nod. "I can see where your daughter gets her beauty from."
Helena, sensing the tension in the room, offered a gracious smile and curtsied. "Thank you, my lord. It is an honor to be welcomed into your home."
Lord Blackthorne gestured for his guests to follow him, leading them through the grand corridors of his estate toward the dining room.
As they entered the room, everyone's eyes widened in awe at the grandeur of the space. The room was adorned with rich tapestries, golden accents, and elegant chandeliers that cast a warm glow upon the beautifully set table. A lavish assortment of dishes awaited them, expertly prepared and presented with artistic flair. The scent of the exquisite cuisine filled the air, making mouths water in anticipation.
Cassandra and Lila exchanged envious glances, while Katherine's eyes narrowed as she took in the splendor of the room.
As they approached the table, Lord Blackthorne pulled out chairs for Daisy and Helena, helping them to sit with grace and ease. As they settled into their seats, the conversation began to flow.
While Lila and Cassandra asked their foolish questions, trying to engage in conversations they believed high society engaged in, Katherine had more pressing things to discuss.
"My Lord," she began, "we have been truly honored by your proposal. Our dear Daisy's lack of experience in society might be... limiting. She has not had the opportunity to develop the social graces and connections that a man of your station might expect."
Lord Blackthorne looked at Daisy, the intensity in his gaze steadfast. "Miss Daisy's charm and sincerity more than compensate for any lack of experience. True grace comes from within, and it is evident to me that she possesses an abundance of it."
Katherine forced a smile. "You are very generous, My Lord. Daisy is very lucky."
Daisy tried not to roll her eyes.
Then she changed the subject to get back into Lord Blackthorne's graces. "My lord, I've heard whispers about your travels. Can you share any stories of your adventures abroad?"
Lord Blackthorne replied with polite restraint, "I have indeed traveled to many places, Lady Katherine, but I prefer to keep the details of my journeys private. I believe that some experiences are best cherished in one's own heart."
Throughout the meal, Lila and Cassandra continued to fire questions at Lord Blackthorne, hoping to catch him off guard or reveal some hidden truth. However, he remained courteous, expertly sidestepping their probing inquiries.
As the lunch continued, Daisy couldn't help but feel admiration for Lord Blackthorne's wit and charm, and unease at the secrets he seemed to keep locked away. She also noticed that he ate much less than everyone else.
When dessert was being served, Lord Blackthorne turned to Thomas and said, "Mr. Winters, with your permission, I would be honored to give Miss Daisy a tour of my estate."
Thomas gave a curt nod and said, "Of course, my lord."
Daisy couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves in her stomach as she rose from her seat, trying her best to appear calm and composed. Lord Blackthorne offered his gloved hand, and she placed her gloved one in his.
As they left the dining room, she could feel the eyes of her sisters and Katherine burning into her back.
Lord Blackthorne led Daisy through the dimly lit corridors of his mansion, her heart rate accelerated with each step away from her family. She was aware of how his thumb caressed her gloved knuckles while holding her, making her stomach coil with heat.
No. No. NO! Wake up, Daisy!
"Daisy?"
"Yes!" She replied almost too loudly.
A smile hid in his lips. "What do you think of my home."
"It is dark, my Lord," she admitted.
"It is. I can't spend too many hours in the sun, but we can modify it to your taste, if you don't like the darkness."
"I don't mind it," she said, ignoring the "we". She refused to be overwhelmed by him.
"I hoped not. The darkness allows you to rely on your other senses," he said as they continued further down the hall that got darker and darker.
Daisy felt her senses stand on alert. The subtle pressure of his thumb rubbing gentle circles against her silken glove raised her temperature. The velvety timbre of his voice, both seductive and commanding, became more prominent as the darkness enveloped them. The scent of his cologne, a mix of musk and spice, filled her nostrils, intoxicating her senses and stirring a growing desire within her.
"I shall show you where I spend most of my time." He told her.
She wondered where it could be when a voice in her head said, "His chamber".
Her heart skipped. Where did that come from? He would surely not take her.
They eventually found themselves in a dimly lit study with no windows. The walls were lined with shelves filled with books, and a large, ornate desk sat in the center of the room.
As Lord Blackthorne released her hand, Daisy looked around the shelves, her nerves jangling now that they were alone in this small space. She approached his desk, attempting to concentrate on the objects there, all the while acutely aware of his watchful gaze. With each step he took towards her, she sensed the distance between them narrowing. Her heartbeat quickened, and she felt a heightened sense of vulnerability, as if she were in some kind of unspoken danger. This intense sensation sent a shiver down her spine, and she tried to maintain her composure as she turned around to face him.
Daisy's eyes widened as she realized how close Lord Blackthorne was, his proximity sending a thrill of danger and excitement coursing through her veins. The soft glow of the flickering candles cast shadows that danced across their faces, enveloping them in an intimate and forbidden embrace.
"It looks even more beautiful on you than I had imagined," he whispered, reaching out to touch the emerald pendant he gifted her. His fingers brushed her collarbone, and she inhaled at the sensation of his bare skin against hers.
When did he remove his gloves?
Her breath hitched as his touch lingered, his fingertips tantalizingly tracing the delicate line of her collarbone. Every nerve in her body awakened, and she struggled to steady the rapid beating of her heart.
Lord Blackthorne's gaze followed the path of his touch, eventually settling on the curve of her neck. He traced a finger along her pulse, and his eyes seemed to smolder with a hunger that both terrified and intrigued her.
She wasn't sure when he had come so close or when her hands had instinctively gripped the desk behind her for support. But close he was, and closer still he approached. He leaned in, his warm breath ghosting over the sensitive skin on her neck.
She tensed, her mind a whirlwind of questions and conflicting emotions. What was he doing?