The Duke And His Desire
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.
*****Excerpt****
"Are you mad?" she exclaimed, her eyes wide as she stared at him. "What do you think you’re doing?"
Raphael narrowed his eyes, his jaw tightening. "Don’t speak to me like that again."
"And if I do?" she shot back, her voice laced with defiance.
"Have you lost your wits? You are speaking to your Duke. No matter the situation, I am still your lord. You will speak to me with respect. Do you understand?"
Natalie studied him for a long moment, her gaze unwavering, before a sharp laugh escaped her lips. Raphael’s face darkened, his fists clenched at his sides, ready to strike.
"Oh, that was a good one," she said, her voice dripping with mockery. "Keep thinking with that brain of yours, and you’ll get us both killed."
"You will regret this when we reach the estate," Raphael growled, his voice low, dangerous.
"If we make it to the estate. We won’t get very far if you keep using that foolish brain of yours. Why on earth would you announce to everyone that you’re a duke? What if we get kidnapped again?"
"Did you just call my brain foolish?" Raphael's voice rose, his patience fraying.
"Yes," she replied, unflinching. "What are you going to do about it?"
"You’ll beg for mercy when we return, I'll make sure of it." he warned, his words cold. "You will regret your actions. You will be relieved of your duties and sent back to the slums where you belong."
"That’s unnecessary," she muttered, a bitter edge to her voice. "I quit. I’d rather die than spend another moment in your presence. I hope you know how to brew tea because I am no longer your maid, Raph."
Raphael’s eyes widened, his face a mask of fury. "What did you call me?"
"Raph," she said simply, her lips curling into a smirk. "What are you going to do about it?"
Raphael froze, his entire body tense, as though he were about to strike her. But then, with a visible effort, he turned away and sat near the fire, his fists unclenching.
Natalie smirked, watching him closely. "Yeah, that’s what I thought. Here, you are nothing. So the sooner you drop that arrogance, the better for you."
