Chapter 16

"Esther, you look pale," Harriet said when she found her hidden in the shadow of a pillar near the ballroom. "Whatever happened?"

"It was Richard. He found me again," Esther spoke in a hushed tone. No longer shaken, she sounded emotionless.

"Oh, that scoundrel!" Harriet hissed. "He is a monster, and if I were there?—"

"William saved me."

Harriet paused, her jaw falling open slightly in surprise. "Oh…" She exhaled. "Then does he know?"

"I am worn down," Esther said abruptly to avoid the question. "I will take my leave for tonight."

"I could go with you."

Esther shook her head. "Stay. Trust me, I just want to go home and rest."

Harriet nodded slowly, and Esther left her behind and found her brother near the refreshments table, letting him know that she was more than ready to leave. He immediately left his wife in the care of their parents and escorted her home without any resistance.

The ride home was a quiet one, and the vibrant sounds of the ball gradually faded into the quiet solitude of the night. The soft glow of gas lamps illuminated the streets, casting long shadows around her.

"This might be the end, after all," she whispered to herself.

William was probably going to announce the end of their engagement soon, no doubt driven by the secret she'd revealed.

She arrived home and made her way straight to her room. Though she felt a strange fear of undressing herself, she did so while reminding herself that she was safe.

Once in more comfortable clothing for the night, she slipped into bed and tried to drift off to sleep.

It was difficult. Every time she closed her eyes, she could see Richard's face behind her eyelids as he towered over her with a menacing glare. She could feel the ghost of his inappropriate touches from years ago when he tried to kiss her in a hidden corner at one of the last few balls of her first Season.

At that moment, she wished so ardently for William's protective and warm embrace. She imagined what it would be like to lie in bed with her back against his chest, knowing that no one could attack her from any side in his presence. The imagination only stirred the agony of his physical absence, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Was it too much to ask to be loved and protected?

But just as she began to drift off, a faint tapping sound broke through the silence. Her eyes flew open, and she sat up in bed. Looking at the curtains, she wondered if she'd simply imagined it, until she heard a sharp tap.

Cautiously, she slid out of bed and approached the window. With trembling hands, she pushed aside the heavy curtains, revealing the moonlit night beyond.

And there, standing under her windowsill, was William. His silhouette was bathed in the silver glow of the moon, his features cast in shadow as he peered up anxiously at her.

Esther's heart skipped a beat at the sight of him as she struggled to process his unexpected presence. She blinked in disbelief, wondering if she was merely dreaming or if he was truly standing before her. She didn't think she could simply think him into existence.

For a moment, they simply stared at each other. Esther felt a rush of conflicting feelings wash over her, uncertainty warring with longing in the depths of her soul. He was right there, and all she wanted was to jump out and fall into his arms.

She unlocked the window, allowing it to swing open with a soft creak as she looked outside. To her surprise, he started to climb up the ledges and bricks that jutted out the side of the wall.

Esther gasped in shock as she watched his ascent.

"What are you doing?" she demanded. "You'll fall!"

He said nothing as he hoisted himself onto her windowsill, heaving slightly as he looked at her with the softest gaze. She stepped back in surprise, her eyes never leaving his as he followed her in.

"Just what are you thinking?" she chided him. "You're not a child climbing a tree."

"My physical prowess allows for more, do not worry," he said quietly with a tinge of humor. "I just wanted to know if you were all right."

As he stood before her, she became acutely aware of how the air between them grew charged. There was something magnetic about him that pulled at her bones and skin, making her fingers clench as she stopped herself from stepping closer to him.

"You could've simply sent a letter," Esther murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "What is this about?"

He met her gaze with a solemn intensity, his eyes reflecting the turmoil that churned within him. "I couldn't stay away," he admitted, his voice tinged with regret. "Not after everything that happened tonight."

Esther's heart fluttered at his words, a mix of hope and apprehension swelling within her. She couldn't deny the rush of emotions that flooded her at the sight of him, the longing she felt to reach out and touch him, to feel the warmth of his presence close to her once more.

"You should not be here, Your Grace," she said softly.

"Esther, please, I have to speak with you." William looked at her with a solemn expression.

Esther watched him carefully, her heart pounding in her chest as she waited for him to speak.

"Esther," he began, his voice thick with emotion. "I couldn't bear the thought of leaving things unresolved between us."

William reached out to her, and his fingertips brushed against hers, his touch gentle and tentative. She felt a rush of warmth flood her senses.

Esther's lips curled into an amused smile. "A duke sneaking into a lady's chambers through her window," she mused, her tone teasing yet tinged with a hint of disbelief. "What would the ton say if they caught you in such a compromising position?"

"For once, Esther… I truly do not care." William smiled at her.

Despite her playful words, there was a warmth in her voice, a flicker of fondness that belied her playful demeanor. She couldn't help but feel a rush of affection for William, even in the midst of their lighthearted banter.

Here he was, the man she had once thought so distant and unattainable, standing before her, vulnerable and real.

But even as her heart soared with joy at his presence, she couldn't shake the lingering weight of uncertainty that clouded her thoughts. What did his unexpected visit mean? And what would become of their fragile bond in the days to come?

Pushing aside her doubts, Esther met his gaze with a playful sparkle in her eyes. "Well, my dear Duke," she teased, her voice light with amusement, "I suppose we shall simply have to be very careful not to get caught, won't we?"

"I suppose so." William held her hand.

"I cannot believe you followed me all the way here." Esther shook her head.

"What? I was encouraged by Lady Linfield." William shrugged, feigning innocence.

"Oh, that woman." She put her hand on her hip.

As Esther's smile faded, a solemn expression settled on her features, her gaze dropping to the floor as she withdrew her hand. There was a weightiness to her words as she spoke.

She shook her head. "This is so unlike you."

William opened his mouth to protest, but Esther raised a hand to silence him, her eyes pleading with him to understand.

"Please," she implored, "I-I appreciate your concern, but I fear it's too late for me. My reputation is already tarnished, and I cannot bear to bring further disgrace upon your name."

A pained expression crossed William's features as he listened to her words.

"Esther, you are not ruined," he insisted, his voice firm with conviction. "None of this is your fault. It was that cursed Baron who sought to harm you, not the other way around."

But Esther shook her head, a bitter laugh escaping her lips as she turned away from him, her shoulders slumping with defeat. "It matters not whose fault it is," she murmured, her voice heavy with resignation. "The damage has been done, and I cannot undo it."

There was a moment of tense silence between them, the weight of their shared sorrow hanging heavy in the air. Then, with a heavy sigh, William reached out to gently grasp her hand, his touch light and reassuring.

"Esther, listen to me," he said, his voice gentle yet determined. "I refuse to let his vile actions dictate your fate. You are strong, resilient, and deserving of happiness. I will stand by your side, no matter what challenges lie ahead."

Esther's eyes widened in surprise at his words, a glimmer of hope flickering to life within her heart. Slowly, she turned to face him once more, her gaze meeting his with a mix of gratitude and uncertainty.

"William, this isn't—" She paused, searching for the right words to express the tumult of emotions swirling within her.

But William didn't let her finish.

"Esther," he began, his voice filled with a depth of emotion that sent shivers down her spine. "I cannot deny the truth any longer. I love you."

Her breath caught in her throat, her heart pounding erratically in her chest as she searched his eyes for any hint of insincerity. But all she found was a sincerity that touched her to the core, a vulnerability that laid bare the depths of his feelings.

"I love you, Esther," he repeated, his voice unwavering. "I admire you, I respect you, and I cannot bear the thought of letting you go. Even if it means being selfish, even if it means defying convention, I want you by my side."

Esther's mind whirled with conflicting emotions, her thoughts racing as she struggled to process the magnitude of his confession. She opened her mouth to speak, to argue, to deny, but no words came forth. Instead, she found herself speechless, her heart torn between the fear of what could be and the longing for what she dared not hope for.

Before she could form a coherent response, William closed the distance between them, his hand reaching out to gently cup her cheek as he drew her closer. Her breath hitched in her throat as she felt the warmth of his touch, her heart pounding in her chest as she met his gaze with a mix of disbelief and longing.

"William, I…" she began, her voice barely above a whisper as she struggled to find the words to express the tumult of emotions swirling within her.

But William silenced her with a tender kiss, his lips meeting hers in a silent vow of love and devotion.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in the sweetness of the moment, their hearts beating as one in a symphony of love and longing. And at that fleeting moment, Esther knew with a certainty that defied all logic and reason that she was exactly where she belonged.

As they broke apart, breathless and exhilarated, William looked into her eyes with a fierce determination that took her breath away.

"For once in my life, Esther," he whispered, his voice filled with a quiet resolve, "I am not afraid. I want you, and I will do whatever it takes to make you mine. I do not want anyone between us… not people, not my mother."

At that tender moment of vulnerability and raw emotion, Esther's tears flowed freely, a silent testament to the overwhelming weight that had been lifted off her heart. As William's arms enveloped her in a protective embrace, she felt a sense of solace and reassurance wash over her, his comforting presence a balm to her wounded soul.

With each gentle stroke of his hand on her back, she felt the walls she had built around her heart begin to crumble, the barriers that had kept her emotions in check now giving way to a flood of unbridled feelings. And as William's whispered words of love echoed in her ear, she knew with a certainty she had never felt before that she was truly loved and cherished.

"William," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion as she raised her tear-streaked face to meet his gaze, "I love you, too. With all my heart, I love you."

As their lips met in a sweet and tender kiss, the world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them lost in the depths of their shared passion and desire. For in each other's arms, they found a love that transcended the boundaries of time and space, a love that would endure against all odds.

As they broke apart, their breaths mingling in the quiet stillness of the room, Esther felt a sense of peace settle over her.

She opened her mouth to speak, but William hushed her with a gentle thumb on her lips, drawing her closer to him, while his other hand slid around her waist.

"Esther… would you…?" he whispered, wiping her tears as he smiled. "Here I am… you are in my arms, and God, I cannot think."

"Your Grace…"

"But I am already here, and there is no way I will leave without showing you how much I desire you."

Esther blinked, giving him a questioning look, only to realize when his grip on her waist tightened.

She held back a moan. This was not the William the world knew. He could only be this vulnerable with her, and the feeling of being alone in a room with him made her stomach flutter, especially when she knew what was about to come.

The fingers of his other hand drew circles on her waist. The crimson red on her cheeks was enough to let him know that she was ready to finally give herself over to him.

He sighed, bringing his face closer to her ear. His breath fanned her neck. Esther licked her lower lip, trying to keep her focus on him.

"Will you do me the honor of being mine tonight, My Lady?"

Esther could feel him smiling, and she hated and loved the fact that he made her feel this flustered so easily. If she tilted her head even the slightest bit, she would end up kissing him. That was how close their faces were.

She finally looked up at him. "Maybe. You will have to earn it, Your Grace."

That challenge alone was enough to excite the Duke because Esther was the one person who could drive him over the edge and make him feel so much at once.

"Oh, I will."

Their faces were so close, their noses rubbing against each other, teasing, playful, and soft, while their eyes saw through each other's darkness, pain, and excitement. Their breaths mingled.

"God…" William paused and gave Esther a final look, before his palm cupped her face and he pressed his lips to hers.

There was nothing soft and light about that kiss. It was all passion and excitement of being in each other's arms.

Their lips danced in harmony as Esther closed her eyes, not resisting the urge to explore his mouth through and through. The kiss deepened as the Duke leaned in, wanting to kiss all of her. His hand trailed down her dress, finding a cut in it, and he took that opportunity to slide his hand between her legs. Esther gasped, and he took this chance to thrust his tongue into her mouth.

Esther let out a loud moan when she felt his palm pressing against her sex while his tongue ravaged her mouth. She wanted nothing more than to be consumed by him at that moment.

They were all over each other, ripping each other's clothes. Their mouths never parted, as they both craved more and more. William picked her up in his arms, his mouth only leaving hers when he explored the column of her neck.

"William," Esther moaned. "I cannot wait any further."

William carried he to her bed before gently lowering her onto the edge.

The sound of their heavy breaths filled the room, and Esther let out a surprised gasp when he dropped to his knees in front of her.

William, the Duke, was on his knees for her. Just because he craved her.

"My thoughts, my lips, and everything that am crave you."

Esther could die for this man at this moment. He was the man she had always dreamt of. He was the impossible, yet he became so possible for her.

"Can I have you? Claim you the way I want to?"

It only took one nod from Esther for William to slide her dress up, revealing her bare legs, his fingers making their way up to her undergarments to remove it. As he expected, he found her undergarments soaked.

His eyes grew dark, and in a matter of seconds, he tore the piece of cloth, making her let out the biggest gasp.

"Oh my God… William, please touch me."

And with that, his head disappeared beneath her dress. Esther moaned and gasped as his tongue flicked against her sex, exploring every inch of her.

"William, please." She felt the heat coil in her lower belly and threw her head back. "I am so close…"

She suddenly climaxed, and William licked her more vigorously, tasting every drop.

There was a moment of silence as he raised his head, only to growl with satisfaction when he saw the love of his life lying on the bed, covered in sweat from the heat of passion.

The moment Esther's eyes met his, she didn't waste a moment and pulled him on top of her with his shirt. Both let out a laugh.

"Let me, my love." William helped her undo her corset while he helped her get on top of him.

The corset soon dropped down on the bed as the two indulged in another passionate kiss. William then undid the buttons at the back of her long dress.

"You make me feel…" He kissed her shoulder as the sleeve of the dress slid down her arm.

Esther felt a shiver run down her spine as the cold air kissed her bare body. William's eyes roamed over her as his fingers touched a bare breast. She closed her eyes, holding back moans, and leaned into him.

"Give me your everything," she whispered, and it was like a command that William could never deny.

He got up and removed all of his clothes, and in under a minute, he was naked.

Esther tried to get away from him only to tease him, but he grabbed her legs and pulled her to him "Where are you going, huh?"

He lowered himself between her legs, the tip of his manhood poking at her entrance.

He was driving her crazy.

Esther had to hold onto the pillows because all she could see was black, and all she could feel was heat and messiness.

Her arousal coated his length, lubricating it.

She moaned and whimpered breathlessly. As William gently slid inside her, the pillows were no longer enough. She held his shoulders for support because otherwise, she would lose her sanity.

"Are you all right?"

He thrust into her a little faster.

She nodded, biting her lips as she tried to hold back her moans.

"Look at me while I consume all of you." His voice was low and dark.

Esther's eyes snapped open. William was inside her, in her room, and if people saw them… No, right now, all she cared about was how good the pleasure felt.

William started thrusting into her deeper, never breaking eye contact. It was his way of claiming her as his.

"William! I…" Esther panted when her arousal built in her lower belly.

She dug her fingers into his hair, her mind swirling, and all she could think about was tumbling over the edge.

William nipped her bottom lip. "Let go, my love," he growled.

Instantly, she climaxed, just as he finished inside her.

Silence filled the room, occasionally punctuated by their pants as they tried to catch their breaths. William pulled out of her and drew her closer to him as they both got comfortable under the sheets.

Esther rested her head on his shoulder, their legs entangled, their minds and bodies becoming one.

"Esther, I want our engagement to proceed if you wish."

"William…" she trailed off.

He sat up after a while and started to button up his shirt. "This is a real promise, Esther." He smiled at her.