No one knows my secret, but everyone knows the Duke

His overbearing presence fills the room.

He is impossible to ignore.

The duke is a head taller than most men.

His dark visage is countered by his bright blue eyes.

I find myself fighting the urge to squirm beneath his gaze.

I am a companion for his aunt. The duke visits regularly.

He and I are complete opposites. We avoid one another.

We both want what’s best for his aunt, we just don’t agree on what that is.

Then he changed. Now he’s finding ways to keep me in his presence.

Flirting. Taking an interest in me. I began to see a softer side of him.

I remind myself that I would lose my job and my social standing,

if he finds out my secret. That can’t happen. I can’t have it all.

Or can I…