Page 107 of The Duke's Vice

Ezra dipped his chin ever so slightly. “Absolutely. I may not be a man of much faith, but I know when and how to behave. I expect you to do the same.”

His lips were turned up slightly as he laid down his challenge. A challenge Beatrice couldn’t ignore.

Finally the vicar gave the go ahead for the kiss. Ezra turned to Beatrice and took her hands.

She looked up into his eyes, so reverent and kind. He lowered his head to capture her mouth in a chaste, perfectly suitable kiss for a religious ceremony.

But Beatrice had other plans. She ripped her hands from his and threw them into his hair. She pulled him down with such force he lost his footing.

Her lips captured his in an all consuming kiss.

Gasps and murmurs erupted around them and Beatrice didn’t care. Let the whole congregation know how much she loved this man.

She was proud of her accomplishment as she pulled away.

“You’re going to pay for that.” Ezra laughed as he turned her to face the congregation. Most were sitting shocked in their seats, while a select few, mostly her family, along with Frederic, Harriet, and Amos with Lady Catherine, looked on with smiles while they clapped their hands.

“Lucky for me I can afford whatever punishment you deem necessary.” She said with a wink.

Ezra’s pupils dilated at her response. She pulled on his hand to bring him back from whatever fantasy just popped into his head and they began their walk to the back of the church.

For the first time in her life Beatrice was looking forward to what her future held. She knew her story with Ezra was just beginning and she was determined to make it one for the ages.

The End?