Page 20 of The Duke's Vice

Ezra’s cheeks reddened, which he hoped he could still blame on the exertion from their match.

“I did not. It does not affect my assistance in helping her complete hers.”

Frederic just stared at his friend. Ezra has had that particular stare thrown in his direction many times before. Frederic was calling his bluff and most likely adding a few choice words on the end.

“What? I am steadfast in maintaining my own list and I don’t see this changing.”

“I think you misunderstand me. I would love to see you throw that deuced list away.”

Ezra stood and walked to the pitcher to more water into his glass. He hated talking about his own list. Instead of goals, his was one of personal limits and rules. It gave him structure, a clear mindset. If something fell outside the limitations he set forth, he didn’t do it. It was easy as that.

Ezra ran through his list in his mind. He repeated it to himself before every social gathering. Although, it has been on constant repeat in his mind since two nights ago.

1. No ladies of the ton

2. Nothing indecent in public

3. Only dally once with a woman, no repeats

4. No falling in love

“Other than drinking, gambling, and some mysterious opera scene, what else is on her list?” Frederic asked.

Ezra reached into his pocket and pulled out the tiny square of paper. He rubbed his thumb over her handwriting and felt a bolt of electricity run through his finger. He balled his other hand into a fist as he gave it to Frederic.

He snatched it from his hands causing Ezra to take a step forward, but he stopped himself from going further. He had a peculiar sense to take the piece of paper back and inspect it for any tears.

Frederic snorted. “You’re going to help her with these? What about her number six? It goes directly against your number four?”

Ezra took a sip of his water. “There’s nothing to worry there. She said she has no desire to fall in love with anyone. Perhaps she is destined for spinsterhood?”

Frederic looked up to him questioningly. “Is there something wrong with her?”

Ezra’s eyes flew to Frederic’s. “Of course not, you dolt!”

Frederic dropped his hands to his lap. Ezra couldn’t take his eyes off the piece of paper. Why did it bother him that it was no longer in his possession?

“Are you seriously considering helping her complete all of these?”

“Well, I already helped her with the first one and my mother always taught me that I should finish what I’ve started.” He winked.

Frederic shook his head in disbelief.

Ezra scoffed. “It’ll be fun.”

“Are you willing to break your rules for a little fun?” Frederic joined his friend at the table of drinks.

“As long as I don’t break that last one I think I’ll be ok. And it’ll only be this one time. I think I could handle messing around with one lady of thetonif she’s destined for spinster hood.” A corner of Ezra’s lip quirked up. “I rather like thinking I will be the only man a woman has been with. She can spend her whole life with only me as her experience. Kind of thrilling if you think about it.”

Frederic stood, staring at the list in his hand.

“You’ve had your list for a while.”

“I have.”

Frederic pursed his lips. “I’ve never really asked you about it. We all have our rules when it comes to dealing with women, but yours always interested me more than others.”

His friend was pulling on a thread Ezra did not want touched. He stayed silent hoping the conversation would surprise him and go another way.

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