Page 13 of The Duke's Vice

The familiar refrain sounded throughout the ballroom, the song was coming to its end.

“Lady Beatrice, I have seen and experienced more in my twenty-seven years than most men have in their entire life times. I have seen and done things that would make you, yes, you, the daring little vixen that you are, blush in desire and in derision.”

With each word he slowed his steps and lowered his head and voice. They were barely swaying to the music now as he leaned in to whisper in her ear.

“I have tortured men with the same hands I use to play Beethoven. I have seen death, destruction, beauty and passion all within moments of each other. I think it is safe to say that I have embraced all walks of life and take very little for granted. I know pain and pleasure go hand in hand very nicely.”

Beatrice’s chest quickly rose and fell against him. Her eyes were wide, unblinking as his words penetrated her shield.

“And something tells me you are more curious about that side of life than you care to admit.”

Ezra refused to move until the right moment. The song had ended and common decency be damned. She needed to know who she was playing with.

“And how could you possibly know that? Because you saw me out one night?” Her words did not fool him, her voice shook with fear.

“Because I have your list.” His whispered before he placed a soft kiss on the shell of her ear. He stepped back to see the reaction he was waiting for. Triumph and victory sang in his blood. Her facial expression changed from confusion to shock, then horror, to defeat before finally settling on his favorite one, absolute fury.

Her eyes fired at his as she pursed her lips. He dipped at the waist and turned on his heel. He had a feeling he’d been seeing Lady Beatrice again and, if their interaction would be anything like last night’s or today’s, he couldn’t wait.

CHAPTER 4

Beatrice stood with her heart beating in her head. The world spun around her as she watched the midnight stranger, this Duke of Graham, walk away from her. Colors and shapes blurred around her.

He had her list.

Reality crashed down on her when a hand grabbed hers. “Mama said you were dancing with the Duke of Graham but I didn’t believe it. Imagine my surprise when I look out and not only do I see you dancing with him, but enjoying yourself!”

Beatrice turned and tried to focus her eyes on her sister, Sarah. She shook her head. “I was not enjoying myself?” Beatrice tsked, ignoring the parts of her body that were still tingling from his touch.

Sarah tilted her head. “Well, when I arrived I heard him laugh, I’m sure the whole room did. Then your laugh…” Sarah stoppedto look at her sister. “Beatrice? Are you well? You have the strangest look on your face?”

Beatrice was back to staring in the direction the Duke walked. “What? Oh. Yes. I’m fine.”

Sarah tried to step in front of her line of sight and Beatrice pushed her out of the way. “Actually, I need some air. Will you excuse me?”

She didn’t stay for Sarah’s response. Beatrice picked up her skirts and marched past the refreshment table and onto the veranda when the Duke was leaning on the railing with a glass in his hand. He was looking right at her with a blasted smile on his face.

“What do you mean you have my list?” She placed her hands on her hips to stop herself from swatting at him.

The Duke stood and set his glass down on the nearest table. “Would you care for a walk, Lady Beatrice? Perhaps where prying eyes are not?”

He nodded to a group of giggling girls in the corner of the veranda who were currently doing a piss poor job of pretending not to be eavesdropping.

Beatrice huffed and took a step closer, lowering her voice. “I’ve been alone with you previously and I wish not to repeat that mistake.”

Graham smiled a devilish grin. “Ah, something tells me you’re lying.”

Beatrice shifted her weight and crossed her arms over her chest. “How could you possibly know that I’m lying? You barely know me. This is only our third conversation.”

Ezra’s eyes drifted over to where the giggling girls had settled down and had now focused their attention on an equally annoying group of young men.

“You’d be surprised what I’ve gathered about you in the few moments I’ve had the pleasure to be in your company.”

His compliment shook Beatrice’s resolve. Why did he have to be so charming? She inhaled and pushed out the intrusive thoughts. She tried grabbing ahold of the anger that propelled her out here, but to her dismay, it was quickly dissipating.

“Regardless of any common traits you think you have picked up about me, the truth of the matter is you know nothing about my true intentions or desires.” She glanced at the girls who were now fully invested in the group of young men. Still, she lowered her voice again.

“You have my list, you know what’s on it, you were merely a checked box to me.” She lifted her nose in the air.

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