Annabel's father has gambled away her innocence, wagering her virtue on a hand of cards. Now she must make good his sinful wager and prepare herself for one night of total submission.
The lucky winner is the Duke of Lighthorne, a man who likes to inflict pain as much as he revels in giving pleasure. Annabel soon finds herself on the receiving end of his firm discipline.
~~~~~ PG Excerpt ~~~~~
“Annabel, I gambled again.” My father mumbled. This was no surprise to me — I had assumed that he'd done so, judging by the look on his face. “But this time…I owe somebody something far more precious than any heirloom we may own.” He spoke, his voice as tense as his faces as he finally turned to meet my gaze.
My heart skipped a beat — I knew not what he meant. Perhaps he'd gambled away our entire manor? My body was crumbling under the suspense, and as quietly as I could, I urged him to continue. I wanted to know.
“I gambled with a man of great power tonight. A Duke, as a matter of fact. I was trying my best to get as much money as I could out of him, but-" My father said quietly, as if stating what he'd done aloud made it more real somehow. “That man — he was one hell of a poker player. In the end, our bets were so high that I knew I couldn't possibly repay him.”
My heart sank — perhaps we were to sell our manor after all. It was a good thing that I had been friendly to our neighbours all these years — perhaps they would grant us permission to stay with them, however long we may need it.
“Annabel, I-" came my father's voice as he choked back sobs. I was horrified — I didn't remember ever having seen my father cry, save for at my mother's funeral. I wrapped an arm around him comfortingly, regretting my decision to let him travel into the city today. “Annabel, he wanted you.”
