How to Return a Lady's Slipper

She trusted once. It nearly cost her everything. Emma hides behind routine, behind careful silence, behind a life shaped by shadows. Once, she let someone in—and paid the price. Now, as a governess in London’s glittering society, she’s mastered invisibility. Until a certain duke returns, with a past of his own and eyes that seem to see too much.

He’s sworn off feelings. She’s afraid to believe. Ash—Hugh Ashford to the ton—is no ordinary nobleman. Years of work for the Crown have taught him to question everything and trust no one. Still, something about Emma reaches past every guard he’s ever built. Her quiet grace. Her careful distance. Her strength that flickers even when fear fights to dim it.

Together, they stand at the edge of something risky—and real. She’s been threatened before. He’s faced danger more times than he can count. But love? That’s a risk neither knows how to survive. Yet, not trusting is its own loss. It means staying safe, but alone. As Emma becomes entangled in the investigation that brought Ash home, trust soon becomes their only currency. And choosing each other may be the most reckless—and most necessary—move of all.

Her heart remembers what it cost to believe. This time, she just might decide it’s worth it.

🔐 If you’ve ever been afraid to trust again—and still longed for someone who sees your fear and stays anyway… this story is yours.