He pulled her closer to the warmth of his body as if he could pull her even closer.

Her legs tangled with his, their sweaty naked bodies rubbed against each other as he kissed her sweet lips, savoring her taste of love.

The tranquil glow of the moonlight spilled through the parted curtains, illuminating his striking features with a soft, ethereal radiance.

"Oh Ernest, you make me so happy," she mumbled with glee, her eyes closed with her arms wound around his neck.

He simply chuckled, pressing another hot kiss to Scarlett's mouth as he pounded into her wet heat, her moans driving him crazy.

"And you make me insane, my love," his voice was deep and sweet beside her ears, the music of her vocals flew around as he placed his hand on her mouth to conceal the noises.

The mahogany bed creaked and hit the wall behind them, the tall headboard moved along with the motion of their bodies.

Her second orgasm hit her hard, her body trembled in his arms while his hands held her in place. She moaned into his mouth as their tongues danced together.

Scarlett sat on top of him now, his dick still inside of her as his huge hands clutched her heavenly waist. She smiled as she started moving up and down, the movement being slow and deep, her insides feeling him drowning within her.

He watched her bounce on top of him, her boobs jiggling in front of his face, her sweaty face being so angelic and graceful.

She arched her back as he thrust upwards, his groans moving her faster, her skin prickled with need and want. Everything felt so magical and divine.

Sitting upwards now, he guided her movements, encouraging her to move on her own. Kissing her forehead sweetly, Ernest peppered kisses down her jaw and to her neck. "Mhm your breasts are so soft and plump," he whispered on her chest, taking his tongue and running it across her pretty nipples.

Her head leaned back, giving him more access as he plunged into her again and again. Her hips bucked, flowing over the edge as the night went on and on.

But he didn't let her go. For the whole night, her body was his home. He locked his warm dick in her, fucking her till sunrise, eating her out, doggy style, missionary, on the floor, on the wall, and the nth time in the shower. He couldn't get enough of her.

Would anyone believe that the duke was having sex with one of his maids? Or maybe he had already fallen for her and it wasn't just about sex anymore.

....

Scarlett moved around the large fancy kitchen, her pace fast as she cooked the evening food. She had been assigned to kitchen duty for the day while other women worked elsewhere.

"Scarlett, can you go and deliver this to the duke's room?" it was the future duke's mother, Catherine, who seemed to be in a hurry.

She stared at the letters in her hand, contemplating what the duchess had said. "Scarlett, can you hear me? I'm in a hurry right now."

The older woman glared at the nervous woman making her bow. "I'm so sorry lady duchess, I will deliver it," she apologized.

Catherine left the room making Scarlett sigh and take a peek at the letters.

'The future duke of Ashbourne is to be wedded to Lady Jasmine of Everswick.'

Her breath faltered, her head swirled as hot tears brimmed in her eyes. Clinging to the wall for support, her mind clouded with the tormenting thought of him being with someone else.

What was this? How could he betray her?

She walked toward the wooden spiral stairs, her steps the only sound resonating in the hallway as she managed to walk up.

Passing by some old pictures and antiques, she finally reached his study room. Taking a deep breath, Scarlett knocked on his door. Not knowing what else to do anyway.

"Enter," his deep voice reverberated from within the room as she bit her lip and opened the door.

Scarlett entered the too-familiar room, the walls staring at her as if they knew her very well.

"Oh lady Scarlett, what an unexpected surprise," Ernest remarked, his tone laced with evident teasing.

Scarlett placed the letters on the plain wooden table beside the door before bowing and starting to leave. It would be too hard to stand in front of him.

But before she could leave, Ernest grabbed her waist and prevented her from moving. "Where do you think you're going?" he asked beside her ear, his breath making a shiver run up her spine.

Scarlett enjoyed his hands on her body, keeping her to himself but she immediately remembered everything she had read.

She gasped, trying to remove his hands but he didn't budge. "Let me go," she responded coldly, her tone making him raise a brow.

"Stop it!" Scarlett finally yelled. Ernest immediately pulled his hand back and stared at her in shock.

Ernest's confusion deepened as he watched Scarlett's flushed face. "Scarlett," he began, his tone softer, more concerned. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

She shook her head, stepping further away from him, keeping her back to the door. "It's nothing, my lord," she replied curtly, her voice strained as she avoided his piercing gaze.

"Don't call me that," he stated, his brows furrowing as he took a step closer. "I know you, Scarlett. Tell me what's wrong."

"I said it's nothing!" she snapped, the sharpness of her tone surprising them both. Her hands trembled as she folded them against her chest, trying to mask the whirlwind of emotions inside her.

Ernest's eyes fell on the letters she had placed on the table moments earlier. His jaw tightened as he recognized the crest of his family seal on the envelope. Without a word, he reached for them.

Her heart raced as she realized what he was about to do. "Don't—" she started, but it was too late.

Ernest's expression darkened as he read the words. His grip on the letter tightened, the fine paper crumpling slightly in his hands. "Is this why you're upset?" he asked, his voice low, a mixture of disbelief and hurt.

Scarlett turned away, unable to meet his gaze. "Why wouldn't I be?" she whispered. "You're marrying someone else. What am I supposed to think?"

"You should know better than to trust gossip dressed up as formalities," Ernest said, his voice rising slightly. "Do you honestly believe I'd make such a decision without seeing you first?"

"Why wouldn't I?" she shot back, her eyes blazing now as she turned to face him. "You're a duke, Ernest. I'm just a maid. It's what everyone expects."

His expression softened as he closed the distance between them. "Scarlett," he said quietly, cupping her face gently despite her resistance. "I don't care what anyone expects. I care about you."

Her resolve wavered as his words sunk in, but the pain in her chest didn't fade. "Then why is there even a letter like this?" she asked, her voice breaking.

He sighed, his thumb brushing away the tear that slipped down her cheek. "It's my mother's doing. I didn't approve of this. I had no idea this letter even existed."

Scarlett looked up at him, her anger giving way to doubt. "You mean that?"

"I swear to you," Ernest stated firmly, his eyes locking with hers. "You're the only one I want, Scarlett. The only one I'll ever want."

Her heart ached at his sincerity, but the weight of their situation still lingered. "It's not that simple," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

"It doesn't have to be simple," he murmured, pulling her into his arms. "It just has to be us."

With a sigh, he held her hands in his. "I love you my Scarlett, I should've said this earlier but you're my only love," he said, his voice soft and warm. "I've only loved you, never have I ever met someone as kind and beautiful as you. You're the only one."

For a long moment, Scarlett simply stared at him with tears in her eyes, her heart warring between fear and the undeniable truth of his words. And then, as if something inside her broke free, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a kiss, pouring all her love, all her doubts, and all her hope into that single, searing moment.

Ernest pulled her closer, his forehead still resting against hers. "I love you too," she confessed, her eyes filling with tears.

Ernest froze, his breath catching as if he hadn't expected her to say the words back. "You..." he started, his voice trailing off.

"I love you," Scarlett said again, louder this time, the weight of the words making her voice tremble. "I always have. I just... I didn't think I was allowed to. You're meant for someone so much more than me."

Ernest shook his head fiercely, his hands cupping her face again. "Don't you dare say that," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "No one is 'more' than you, Scarlett. No one could ever be. You're everything I've ever wanted, everything I've ever needed."

"Are you sure, Ernest?" she asked, her voice small but steady. "Are you sure you're ready to face what comes with this?"

Ernest smiled softly, his thumb brushing her cheek. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life," he said. "We'll face it all—together."

And for the first time in what felt like forever, Scarlett allowed herself to hope that everything will be okay.

A/N

The two places mentioned in this story don't exist in real life, just something I searched up.

Anyway, what do you think? I wanted this oneshot to be more towards the fluff side than smut but hope you enjoyed.

Btw as I was posting series earlier on, for a while I'll post oneshots and twoshots. I'll update a series after one more oneshot.

Please vote and comment.

See you on ember of enmity soon.

xoxo

-lily