Page 106 of The Duke's Vice

He rubbed his thumb on the back of her hand as he leaned down.

“Eager for me, Mouse?”

His words wrapped around her and caused her body to flash with white heat. He said those words to her the night they spent together. The night that changed it all for her, and apparently, him. She should remember to mark that date and celebrate it every year.

It was because of that night they both learned what they were willing to live with, and what they couldn’t live without. Or more importantly, who they couldn’t live without.

“I am very eager, Your Grace.” She whispered. “I kind of wish no one else was here so I could show you just how eager I am.”

Ezra’s eyes darkened. “Careful, Mouse. We are in a house of God. We don’t want anyone fainting because the bride is eager to start her wedding night.”

Beatrice dipped her head to hide her giggle.

As the vicar began to speak Beatrice couldn’t help but steal glances at her soon-to-be husband. He stood, towering over her, his lean and muscular frame filled his suit perfectly. Her eyes drifted to his arms and she licked her lips at the memory of them holding her.

The vicar said something that had the congregation responding in kind. Beatrice’s cheeks heated at missing the response.

“You’re not paying attention, Mouse.” Ezra murmured as the vicar began speaking again. Ignoring the fact that neither one of his participants were paying attention.

“Sorry, my mind is elsewhere.” She offered.

Ezra looked down just as she looked up to him.

“I know.” He said with a wolfish grin that had her insides igniting.

Beatrice took a deep breath to try to steady her racing heart. Were her sister’s ceremonies this long? Did it suddenly get hot in here for everyone or just her?

She shuffled her feet.

“Patience, Little Mouse. It’s almost over.” Ezra whispered.

Beatrice licked her dry lips again. Her patience was running out. She needed out of this church, out of this dress, and into Ezra’s arms.

“Beatrice?”

The vicar’s throat cleared. “Lady Beatrice wilt thou have this man to thy wedded husband, to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of Matrimony?”

Beatrice swallowed. “I will.”

Her voice rang out clear throughout the chapel. She had never been more sure in her life.

She looked up to find Ezra looking down at her with love and pride in his eyes and she felt the final piece fall back into place.

She was whole again.

Beatrice looked up at Ezra hoping for a kiss but the vicar began to talk again. Her eyes flew to the parish priest in confusion.

“How long are these ceremonies?” She muttered.

Ezra did his best to hide his laughter but it echoed throughout the church. “Haven’t you been to several of these before from just your sisters?”

Beatrice grimaced. “I brought books to read and if you have forgotten, you interrupted my last one.” She said cheekily.

“Now, now, little Mouse. If you don’t behave, I may have to punish you later for that tongue.”

Now years of etiquette lessons and rules of propriety taught her that she should have been appalled at his comment. Instead, her blood heated and her eyes became hooded.

“Is that so?” She challenged.