Page 89 of The Duke's Vice

Ezra stood dumbfounded as he watched as another man reached out and caressed her cheek.

Did she sigh into his hand?

“You’re too kind, sir. But I think I will just sit here and acclimate myself to the surroundings a bit more before I join in any fun.”

Ezra was torn between being proud of his mouse being able to ward off unwanted advances, and wanting to reach across her and toss the louse out of the house.

“Come now, puppet. The night is young and so are we. Why wait when the fun can start now?”

The man leaned over here causing Beatrice to lean away from him. “If you would like to have a fun night I suggest you back up or you won’t have much to participate with.”

Ezra quirked an eye brow. His eyes looked over the scene in front of him and it was then he noticed Beatrice was holding something long and sliver against the man’s groin.

The man’s face drained of color as he stepped back with his hands raised. “No need for a problem, mistress. I was only suggesting…”

“So was I.” Beatrice said with a bright smile.

The man dipped his head and retreated back to the group in the corner. He knew he didn’t like those people.

He returned his focus to the two women at the bar who were know sharing a laugh. Beatrice turned in her stool and hopped off. She raised her head and within seconds their eyes connected.

“Your Grace!” Her voice squeaked.

“Mouse.”

Beatrice’s eyes flew open. “What are you doing here?”

Graham cocked his head to the side. “I could be asking you the same question, but I think we both know the answer to that.”

Beatrice’s cheeks heated but she refused to drop her eyes. She was a grown woman, on the verge of being married, she had every right to claim something for her own before she took her vows. Men did it all the time, why couldn’t women?

“We do. So, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be on my way and you can be on yours.”

Beatrice refused to acknowledge the thought of him being here with another woman hurt her, especially since she was here to be with another man.

Another fact she refused to acknowledge was the small part of her was hoping he would be here to intercept her night and finally give her what she wanted from him.

However, instead a night of passionate lovemaking with him they were currently in a heated staring contest, with both of them refusing to be the first to flinch.

“You’re not going anywhere, Mouse.” He snarled.

Beatrice clucked her tongue. “You’re no longer in charge of me.”

Graham licked his lips as he cracked his neck. “Is that a challenge?”

Beatrice’s whole body came alive in response. Colors became more vivid, sounds were more acute. Her body temperature rose and her clothes began to itch.

“And if it is?” She quirked an eyebrow.

Her world was turned upside down as he hoisted her over her shoulder and carried her out of the house.

He placed her down when his carriage pulled up.

“You know, you need to stop carrying me around like that here. People are going to think I don’t know how to walk.”

Graham ignored her as he pulled her into the carriage and hit the roof signaling his drive to go.

“So is this it then? You carry me out here like a cave man and say nothing?”

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