Evil Duke, Please Be Gentle!

"What are you looking at?" She lowered her head and noticed the shirt was falling off her shoulders and even turned transparent due to the drop of water and a smirk forming on her lips.

She should have known that Ethan likes innocent girls with no makeup and those who did not take the initiative.

But this was just perfect. She was looking at an innocent girl who was helpless. Just the way he liked!

He looked away from her towards the food but didn't reply.

He knew that even if he would explain she would not understand.

"You can leave if you are done. You should rest on time since you have worked hard all day and tomorrow will be no better." her hands on the pie halted and her smile froze.

It was still just an hour since she had come here. If she had known that he would throw her out as soon as she was done, she would have taken a longer time than usual.

She looked around, trying to find a reason to stay when he stood up.

He picked up the napkin and touched his lips softly. His long and thin fingers holding the napkin looked like a piece of art.

Even after spending his life in slums. There was no doubt that he was handsome. The genes of his family had done wonder with his green eyes and golden locks.

He had such a striking resemblance with Evangeline. She should hate him yet she found herself staring at him for more than required.

If only they had met in different circumstances and he would not have been a noble she wanted to kill.

Would she have fallen in love due to his gentleness or his love had touched her heart already.

They could have a simple and happy life. They could have two kids together. They would have enjoyed the simple happiness of life.

But now.. They were enemies standing on the cross roads.

So, even when she knew that he loved her, she could not reciprocate it.

Loving him would mean her defeat. His majesty would kill her and her father would continue to rot in that dark place.

Her mother would die while waiting for both of them.

His family had to die for the survival of her family! Her hands clenched under her dress with that thought.

She could not give up after coming so far. She had to kill his highness and control him so that the powers could go to his majesty.

The family of Thawyne had to end so that her family could flourish.

She could not betray her mother and kill her.

"Are you okay?" she felt his face inches away from him and his long fingers were touching his cheeks. "Why are you crying?" he asked in a soft voice.

His voice was full of worry and fears when she touched her face.

She didn't realize when tears started to come out but why in the world was he looking at her with such gentleness.

"I am fine. There must be something in my eyes.`` She looked away and blinked her eyes a few times trying to control the leakage when she heard him sighing.

He held her face and pulled her back to his side when her eyes faced him again.

"If you think that coming closer and giving yourself to me would make me forget that you have changed the papers and lied to me about your expenses then you are wrong." fear filled her and she raised her eyes to meet him with trepidation.

But his eyes were still warm and there was no anger or hatred in those obsidian eyes.

"Because I was never angry with you. I know I must have failed to assure you that you are precious to me and all the money that belongs to me is yours only.

You do not need to worry so much, Hannah. I know that you love me. I know that there is more to it.

But.. All I want is you to plead that you do not need to hurt my family for that.

You can ask me whatever you need and I will fulfill your every demand but you have to trust me for that.

You have to ask me and tell me why you are on edge.

And you have to treat yourself with respect. Your innocence is not something you will give to me out of obligation." he cupped her cheeks and rubbed his thumb on her cheeks gently.

He could see a mix of emotion passing though her face. Her eyes looked surprised, confused and in the end burdened but there was no relief in them that confused him.

Did she still not trust his promise? Was that because he asked her to be his maid that she felt so insecure?

Had he known it, he would have made sure that he came here as his fiance but his father was still not well and he did not have the right to announce his marriage on his own accord.

And he couldn't leave her alone now that Adele had gone missing.

What if she was cornered by the ruffians again?

"It would have been better to bring you here as my love. I just did not want others to see you as a chef woman. But I think I was wrong there.

So, tell me what you want. I will do as you say but I beg you to not burden yourself with negative thoughts." he leaned his forehead on hers as he took a deep breath and waited for his words to sink into her mind.

He could feel the slight tremble of her body as she tried to pull away but he held her tightly. He had no intention of letting her go tonight without knowing the truth.

What is worrying you so much? You can confide in me. I promise you to forgive your every mistake and love and cherish you all my life."