Pushing the door open and feeling exhausted after a hard day of having to work as an assistant to Mr Presley; the town's must irritable man, in his home, all Evangeline wanted to do was take a bath and rest before it was time to make dinner. She however did not anticipate what she saw when she pushed the door which led to the living room of the small house she shared with her young brother and their invalid mother, open. Evangeline gasped at the sight in the living room when she entered the house.

Ingrid and Boris broke apart hurriedly, a guilty blush staining both their cheeks as they stared at the shocked woman. Then Boris hurriedly got to his feet, pulling up his pants and throwing Ingrid's discarded gown to her.

"Sister, I did not think you would arrive home early". Boris said as he hastily closed the buttons on his shirt before helping Ingrid to her feet.

Evangeline gasped in shock, taking in the sight before her, dread filled her every inch as she watched the duke's betrothed wear her wrinkled gown over her naked body.

"Boris!. Have you taken leave of your senses?!". Evangeline screamed at her young brother. "What are you doing?!. Do you want to get us both killed?. And mother too?!".

"Forgive us Evangeline. We did not think of our actions". Ingrid pleaded.

Evangeline ignored her, glaring daggers at her young brother instead. "Do you wish to get us all killed. He will ruin us if he discovers you".

"I am not afraid of him. Duke or not, I am ready to fight him for the woman I love".

Evangeline stared at her brother in utter shock. She wondered if the lady had bewitched him in anyway. He was clearly out of his mind. Boris did not stand a chance fighting the duke. There would be no fight, the duke would simply have him killed and thrown into the sea for the creatures there to feast on him.

She remembered the rumours that had been whispered about the Duke, by the people who worked for him. Of how cruel and cold hearted he was and how the people he did business with mysteriously vanished when they dared to double cross him. She felt cold dread sweep over her.

"You are risking our lives for the sake of this infatuation?. This is foolishness!. The duke is a cruel man with power, no one questions his actions. He owns the town and it would be easy for him to get rid of all of us overnight!".

"I love her. Why can you not understand it!". Boris seethed.

"Please. End this. You are still young. I am certain you will find another love as you grow into a man, if not more. Leave this idiocy and save our lives". Evangeline begged.

"I can not. I love her". Boris insisted stubbornly.

Evangeline, unable to reason with her brother turned towards Lady Ingrid. "Please spare us this scandal. It is no news, that it is your uncle's wish to wed you as soon as you come of age. Please stop this folly. You know how powerful he is and the length he can go. I beg of you, leave my brother alone". She pleaded, close to tears.

Ingrid began to sob. She knew what Evangeline was saying was true but she loved Boris. "I only wish there was a way out of all this". She sobbed even harder.

Boris glared at his elder sister then moved to embrace Ingrid, rubbing her back to soothe her. "Hush now my love. Do not fret. I shall not let anything come between us. I do not fear the duke and I will be damned if I let him take you away from me". Boris gritted through his teeth.

Ingrid shook her head. "You do not understand. My uncle has been the one taking care of my father's estate ever since my father died. Without him, my father's estate would have been lost. He has catered for us ever since my papa died and if I refuse to wed him, he will take away all that he has given us, leaving us desolate. I do not care for that, but I worry for my mother".

Evangeline let out a sigh of relief, thankful that Lady Ingrid had seen reason. "Thank you for understanding. You have no idea how relieved I am to hear those words".

"Enough!. I will not end this. I love you too much to just hand you over to him. I will not succumb to this man and his threats". Boris suddenly flared up.

"Boris, you must not do this, listen to your sister. Think about your mother!". Ingrid insisted.

"I know this is not what you want. Do you love me so little that you are willing to give up our love so quickly?!". He questioned Ingrid.

"Boris, I love you and I forever will, but we can not put our families in danger for our own selfish needs".

"No!". Boris was seething. "I refuse to let you go!. Come what may, I am willing to fight for my love. You are mine and mine alone!".

Evangeline slapped her brother hard across the face, hopping that would snap him out of this madness he called love. He was treading on dangerous grounds and she would be out of her mind should she stand by and do nothing.

"Enough of this madness!. I forbid you to see her again!". Evangeline scolded her brother.

"You can not do that!".

"I am your elder sister. I can do so". Evangeline said to her brother then turned to Lady Ingrid. "Forgive me your grace but I will beg of you to leave this house and never step foot here again". Ingrid nodded in understanding and grabbed her things to leave but Boris stopped her.

"You can not throw her out. This will soon become her home when I finally wed her".

Evangeline almost laughed at her brother's pathetic behaviour. "You fool!, you are only calling for your death!".

Just then, the sound of horses approaching could be heard. They all paled, including Boris who had felt brave a while ago when they turned towards the entrance and saw a carriage with the crest of the duke of Castor on it coming towards the house in the dim of the night.

"Hide. Quickly". Evangeline hissed at Ingrid.

Grabbing her hand, Boris led her through the back entrance where they stayed hidden near the small vegetable garden his sister kept.

Looking around the living room to ensure that nothing suspicious was left behind, Evangeline composed herself and grabbed a lit lantern as she made her way to the door just as the carriage came to a halt. She had never set eyes on the Duke before but had heard of how handsome he was from almost every drawing room in the town, despite his cruel nature.

She held her breath, wondering what the Duke of Castor was doing in a place like this for their house situated in the poorest part of the town. She hoped and prayed the man had not found out of her brother's affair with the woman he intended to wed; his niece.

The footman quickly dismounted the horse, going over to open the door of the carriage. A man of about six foot in a crisp black suit and eye blinding black shoes got out of the carriage, nodding briefly to the footman who in turn smiled at him. This action confused Evangeline. The man then stood by the carriage for a while, looking about him as if memorising the place. Evangeline wondered if the man could see anything in the dark. He then took steady steps towards where Evangeline stood in front of the house.

As he got closer, Evangeline studied him, lifting the lantern to study his features. His shoulder length dark hair was wildly unkempt and a few stray locks fell across his face. He had icy blue eyes which were framed by thick long lashes. His lips were dry but Evangeline noticed the soft pink in them once he was standing right in front of her. He smelled like the sea, a freshing scent, Evangeline thought to herself and felt a blush creep up her cheeks. He stood over her, towering over her small frame.

"Your grace". She bowed.

From afar, Philip had noticed her perfect curves. As he got closer, he felt his breath hitch when he gazed upon her beauty. She was a simple girl, no doubt about it, but her plain face, without the adornment of jewels or cake powder was a sight to die for. Her deep blue eyes stared at him and he realised she was studying him too as a blush crept up her cheeks. He wondered what she was thinking.

Philip chuckled a little when she bowed to him, she had mistaken him to be the duke. His eyes sparkled as he chuckled at her, causing Evangeline to blush even more.

"No need to bow miss...". He trailed off, waiting for her to give him her name.

"Evangeline. I'm Evangeline Lockwood". She curtsied.

Philip noticed how her nipples poked at the thin fabric she had on for a dress, the soft swells of her breasts were plump above the plain edge. Her skin was pale and creamy most assuredly silky to touch. Realising his wayward thoughts, Philip instantly scolded himself.

"My name is Philip". His voice came out deeper than he had expected, giving away how affected he was by her. He cleared his throat uncomfortably. "I am Lord Lancelot's assistant". Philip smiled sweetly.

"Oh", Evangeline exclaimed letting out a breath she did not know she was holding. She now understood why the footman was bold enough to smile at him. He was not the duke, but rather his assistant.

"Shall I come in, I need to discuss important matters with your parents".

Evangeline's smile suddenly disappeared and this made Philip furrow his brows at her.

"My papa is late and mother has been unwell for a year now. She is an invalid and can not speak".

"I am very sorry. I did not know. Forgive me". Philip apologized, mentally kicking himself for not knowing this. He had assigned the duke's men to do the research on the said lad but what could he expect, even their description of Evangeline was wrong. She was beautiful beyond what they had described her to be.

"Tis fine. Come in". She offered, leading the way into the living room".

Philip watch her as she walked in front of him. He groaned inwardly, feeling his manhood throb and press painfully against his trousers, threatening to rip it. The simple dress, wrapped seductively around Evangeline's body was more alluring on her than any woman Philip had set his eyes on. If he had not come here on request of the duke, he would have taken the time to woo this little temptress. Her small backside wiggled in front of him as she led him into the living room and offered him a seat.

"Thank you". He said in a low whisper, fearing his voice would fail him.

"Shall I offer you something?. Tea, coffee?-".

"A cold drink would be much preferred". He cut her off. He was beginning to feel heat rise within him and he was certain a cold drink would soothe his bothered body.

"Very well, I shall be back with it". Evangeline told him.

Hurrying out of the hall, Evangeline went into the kitchen and made the man a cold drink. Upon her return, she noticed how his eyes lingered on her body hungrily as she served him his drink, feeling uncomfortably, Evangeline picked the sofa furthest from him and settled on it.

"What did you wish to speak to my parents about?". Evangeline inquired without wasting time. She wanted the man to leave as soon as possible. His lust filled eyes were unsettling.

Philip took a sip at his drink before speaking. "I think you know why I am here Miss Evangeline". He sounded and looked more serious now, his earlier lust for her disappearing only to be replaced with a blank look.

Evangeline raised one fine brown at him. "I assure you Sir Philip, I know not what you speak off". She lied clean through her teeth.

Philip smirked. He liked how the corners of her lips twitched when she spoke. Taking another sip at his drink, he cleared his throat. "The duke has heard of your brother's frolicking with his betrothed and has issued a warning to him. Should this continue, he would not be held responsible for his actions". He informed her, as if reading the words from a book.

Evangeline shivered in fear. He knows!. Trying not to show her fear, she cleared her throat and looked Sir Philip in the eyes "Are you threatening my brother?".

"Take it as you may Miss Evangeline, but be warned. You know how powerful the duke of Castor is. He is also unforgiving of those who cross him".

Evangeline stood. "I think you have over stayed your welcome sir". She glared at him.

Placing the almost empty glass down, Philip stood. "Very well miss Evangeline. Thank you very much for your hospitality. I hope you and your brother will heed to my advice. I would hate for a pretty woman as yourself to become food for termites at such a young age when you are yet to discover the varies pleasures of this world".

The hunger in his eyes returned and Evangeline felt bile rise in her throat at his suggestion. Holding her tongue to keep from saying something she would regret later, Evangeline briskly walked towards the door and held it open.

"Get out!". She all but screamed, surprising the man.

Philip seemed to be amused by this. Making his way towards where she stood by the door, he intentionally brushed his hand against her arm. He was right, her skin was silky to touch. Leaning down to her ear level, he whispered.

"I can protect you and your brother. I am willing to do this for the two of you if you are willing to become my mistress". Philip had not expected the slap that came after he said this.

It sent him stumbling backwards, nearly crashing into a vase behind him. He held his jaw, massaging it as his icy blue eyes turned cold. Never in his life had any woman dared to go against him let alone raise her hand at him. He was the duke's right hand man. He was feared just as much as the duke of Castor.

"You are going to regret this!". He spat, before storming out of there.

Evangeline waited until the carriage was out of sight before she hurried to the back of the house and called for her brother. When Boris emerged without Ingrid, Evangeline inquired of her whereabouts.

"She left whiles you were speaking to the duke's assistant". He told her.

"The duke knows of your affair. He has issued a warning. And I fear what he will do-".

"I know". Boris cut Evangeline off. "That is why Ingrid and I have decided to elope. She has gone home to pick up a few things. We can not stay here. It is not safe for us. She is already carrying my seed".

Evangeline paled.

*****

Evangeline stumbled into the living room, her hand pressed to her chest as she struggled to keep her breathing regulated. Her eyes stung with unshed tears while her body trembled with the fear of what was about to befall them should the duke hear of this matter. Fighting the urge to crumble and give in to the crippling fear of the duke's brutality, Evangeline forced herself to look at her brother who was now standing behind her. His pained expression broke her heart but she was angry at him.

"I am sorry. I did not mean for this to happen". He touched her arm.

"Where are you going to go?. How are you going to survive?. You have no money!". Evangeline began to pace the room.

"I will find a way". Boris said bravely.

"He will find you from whatever rock you are hiding under and he will kill you. Both of you!". Evangeline felt her fingers twitch. A part of her wanted to scream. To open her mouth and let out her frustration.

"We shall leave for London. He won't find us there".

"How could you do this Boris?. Is our situation not pitiful enough?. Why would you endanger our lives in this manner?!". Evangeline cried out.

"Ingrid and I will go away from here. He will never find us". He closed the gap between them, rubbing her back at soothe her.

"And I?. Mother?. What do you think will happen to us once you are gone?!. What of uncle George?!".

"Then come with us". He shrugged.

"How do you suppose I carry mother with me?!".

Boris huffed. "I love her Evangeline. When I am with her I feel like nothing can go wrong. She makes me happy and I would rather die then loose her to that cruel man. He can not make her happy. He will only ruin her with his dominant ways".

A frustrated groan escaped her lips as she flung herself on to the sofa. Evangeline was about to speak again when someone suddenly started banging on the door.

"Let me in, open this door this instant!". The person shouted from behind the door. "Let me in quickly!".

"Who is it?!". Evangeline, who had rushed to the door from where she was, demanded, just as her brother joined her at the door. It was pitch black outside.

They were both quivering with fear. The urgency in the voice scared them. Evangeline feared the worst and the look on her brother's face mirrored hers.

"It's George. Your mother's brother!".

Evangeline quickly unlocked the door, letting the man push pass her and her brother into the house.

"Close the door quickly". He commanded.

"Whatever is chasing you uncle?". Boris asked.

"Why is the duke asking questions about you lad?!". He demanded furiously.

Evangeline's fear heightened.

"Answer me boy!". His uncle demanded.

"I... Uncle...We... I mean". Boris stuttered.

"Speak already. Why would the duke be asking questions about you. What did you do to get his attention?!. You know better than to mingle with the likes of him!".

"He is having an affair with his betrothed". Evangeline spoke when her brother could not find the words to tell their uncle the truth.

"Ingrid?". George gasped. "His niece?".

"Yes". Boris nodded.

"Have you gone mad?!. Have you taken leave of your senses?!". He demanded from Boris then turned to Evangeline. "And you sit idle and allow your young brother to entangle himself in the snares of the devil?!".

"I tried to stop him uncle".

"Oh hush it. Your father will be turning in his grave!".

"Uncle tis no fault of Evangeline". Boris defended his sister.

"I do not care his fault it is. I have a family and mouths to feed. I demand you end this affair this instant for the safety and sanity of our families".

"It's too late uncle". Evangeline began to cry.

"Why do you say that". George paled.

"Ingrid has taken seed". Boris informed him, a hint of pride in his boyish eyes.

****

Ingrid prayed no one would recognise her as she and Boris hastily boarded the ship due for London. She had escaped Lancelot's men unnoticed with the help of her mother after she had told everything to her. Her loving mother was more than happy to aid her in her escape from her cruel uncle who was determined to wed her. Her mother had given all the gold coins and expensive jewelry she had been saving, wishing her all the best in her journey.

She had left the house on foot, arriving at Boris' house later than expected but it was necessary in order for her not to be detected. Upon reaching Boris' house, she found his sister and uncle waiting in the living room. Ingrid thought they would try to stop them but to her suprise they were ready to aid them in eloping. Giving them the little gold coins they had left even after Ingrid had refused and said she had enough.

Purchasing a private carbin, once they had boarded the ship, they crossed their fingers and held their breath praying hard to the heavens that the ship would take off before they are discovered. After an hour, the whistle blew and the ship's engines came to life.

Letting out a sigh of relief as the ship left the docks, Ingrid turned to Boris who was smiling warming at her. She could not wait to start a new life with him and their unborn child.

Picture of Ingrid and Boris is below ⬇️