Page 91 of The Duke's Vice

“Please, Your Grace.”

“Ezra.” His voice cracked under the weight of the word. “If we’re going to do this, you’re calling me by my God-given name.”

“Please, Ezra.”

CHAPTER 24

The carriage jolted to a halt and Ezra pulled her from her seat. Her feet barely touched the ground as he rushed her into the house. When they reached the bottom of the stairs he picked her up and took the steps two at a time.

Beatrice’s heart was racing as she tried to wrap her head around the last twenty minutes of her life. She was determined to end her maidenhood tonight, she just didn’t expect to be in Ezra’s arms when it happened.

Ezra kicked the door closed behind him and placed her down in front of him.

They both stood, caught in each other’s gaze. Afraid to move, Beatrice held her breath. Was this real? Is she really in his bedchamber about to give herself fully to him?

Anticipation and nerves coursed through her veins as her eyes searched his. His eyes were nearly black as he loomed over her, his chest rising and falling rapidly.

Ever so slowly he raised his hand and ran a finger along her jaw down to her neck, ending at the neckline of her dress. Goosebumps erupted across her skin as electricity ran from his touch to every fiber of her being.

A slow wolfish grin widened his lips at her reaction to his touch.

“Always so responsive, Mouse.” His words slid across her skin like velvet causing her exhale the breath she was holding.

Her eyes fluttered shut as she instinctively tilted her head back, opening herself up for his kiss.

She felt him shift as his breath tickled her neck when he whispered, “I will take you but only for tonight. Do you understand?” He pulled the bow where her cloak was tied and let it fall around her feet.

Her body was thrumming with expectation and need she could barely control her motions. Her head bobbed in acknowledgement as she whimpered against him. Only his one hand was on her but she felt his touch all over her body.

“I need words, Mouse.” He commanded.

“Yes, yes, yes. Only tonight. I can have you for only tonight.” She opened her eyes. “For God’s sake, Ezra, give me tonight.” Her eyes pleaded as her hands climbed up his chest and grabbed hold of his vest. “Now, Ezra. If I only have you for tonight I don’t want to wait any longer..”

Her words ignited something within Ezra. His hands wrapped around her waist and he pulled her in for a crushing kiss.

His tongue pushed through her lips and captured hers in a war for dominance. Both wanted more than they were willing to give. As Ezra pulled at her dress, Beatrice yanked at his cravat. After too much fumbling from both of them Ezra picked up Beatrice and carried her to the bed, tossing her on the oversized mattress.

He stood over her, chest heaving, eyes dark, body humming with barely controlled emotion. Beatrice laid with her dress half off, exposing her one breast, her hair wild around her, yet, within his gaze, she felt like the most beautiful prize.

Within his dark eyes she saw amazement and wonder. She bit her bottom lip to stop it from quivering. Not out of fear, or chill, but out of anticipation.

Ezra was a large man and she knew he was known for certain proclivities in the bedroom. He could do anything he wanted to her and she could do nothing to stop it.

Her eyes locked in onto his.

Not that she would want to.

She watched as Ezra reached up and deftly removed his cravat, vest and shirt. Standing before her with just his pants on, Beatrice’s eyes washed over his lean, yet muscular, frame in front of her. Her fingers stretched, wanting to reach out. She licked her lips, wanting to know what those hard muscles felt like under her touch.

Her eyes widened when his fingers opened his pants and shucked them off with his boots.

Standing in his glory she drank him in. Suddenly her own state of undress wasn’t enough. Sensing her displeasure with her clothing he leaned over and tugged her dress off over her head.

Ezra’s eyes lit as they took her naked body. Beatrice’s body came alive under his perusal. She found empowerment and strength in being watched with such reverence, yet she desperately wanted him to stop looking at her and start kissing her.

“Eager for me, Little Mouse?” His devilish grin had her blushing, which considering her current state was a bit amusing.

“And if I am?” Her voice but a whisper.

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