Page 70 of The Duke's Vice

Stubbornness had her wanting to knock again, even kick the door, if need be. But the etiquette that was ingrained in her, or perhaps it was just her fatigue, had her stepping away from the stoop.

She heard a giggle squeal from the back of the house. Beatrice picked up her skirts and tiptoed to the side of the house where she saw a valet and maid flirting. The back door opened causing the couple to laugh. The young woman was pulling at the man’s arm while he stood and talked to whomever was in the doorway.

There was a little voice in her head daring her to follow them. Beatrice had flashes of the party Graham took her to and how watching that couple that night made her feel. Butterflies began to swarm in her stomach.

“Leave the door unlocked, Sam.. We’ll try not to be too long.” The valet called out with a wink.

Leave the door unlocked?

Beatrice held her breath as the couple scurried away into the darkness. She watched them as until disappeared down the darkened alley. When they were out of sight she quietly made her way to the door. She looked around and found no one so she turned the knob, praying for a quiet hinges.

To her great luck, the door opened quietly. She peaked through the door to find the hallway empty. She slid her body through and held her breath as she closed the door behind her.

She gingerly stepped down the hallway, past a darkened kitchen and a pantry. She found the steps and made her way to the first floor. There were no lights except from one doorway a few doors down.

Graham’s study.

A wicked smile curved her lips. This was better than her original plan, that would have had her being introduced. Now, she can sneak up on him and surprise him.

Heavens, her heart was beating so quickly she could hear it in her ears. If her steps didn’t give her away, her pounding heart would.

She stood in front of the study door debating on whether or not burst in and shock him, or just casually open the door, step in and see if and when he notices her.

A creak sounded behind her. Her head snapped around to find no one.

Must be the house settling.

Beatrice took in a deep, cleansing breath. If she stayed out in the hallway any longer she’d lose her nerve, and she’d come too far to turn back now.

Without knocking, she opened the door and walked in.

“I thought I told you to go to bed, old man. No need to stay up tonight.” Graham’s rough voice came from the sitting chair next his fireplace. His shirt was unbuttoned at the top where his cravat laid open. His sleeves were rolled up showing off those delectable forearms and he had a tumbler of what looked like whisky on the side table next to him.

Beatrice’s eyes lit up when she saw the cover of the book he was reading. It was one of her favorite mystery novels.

“Did you get to the part where they have a carriage race through the streets of London yet?”

There were no words that could describe how quickly the air changed. Without moving, or looking at her, not even acknowledging her, Beatrice felt the world shift and she was now in his sights.

She swallowed hard, trying to keep her wits about her. She caught him unaware, she needed to stay on top of her emotions if she was going to accomplish what she came here to do.

For a moment more he didn’t move, but Beatrice could see his eyes began to lift towards her. Inch by inch he rose his eyes, then his head, and met her gaze.

Her body reacted to those emerald eyes and her feet begged to take a step towards him. She remained still. She currently had the upper-hand and she didn’t want to give it up so quickly.

“Lady Beatrice,” his voice hummed, sending shivers down her body. If only she could hear him say her name every day for the rest of her life.

Focus, Beatrice! We’re not here for love!

“To what to do I owe the pleasure of seeing you tonight?” His voice was calm but she could see him shift in his chair.

A small smile broke free. She had bested the ominous Duke of Graham. She wanted to sit in this feeling a little while longer, but she had an item to cross of her list.

“My list. It seems you are reneging on your end of the deal.”

Graham slowly closed his book, set it on the table next to him and picked up his tumbler of whisky, swirling the liquid in the glass.

“How so?”

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