Page 35 of The Duke's Vice

Her steps halted as curious eyes turned to face her.

“Umm…” she brought her hand up as to wave and Ezra grabbed it and put it back at her side.

“No touching, and no talking.” His whispered into her ear, loving the shiver his words caused her.

She nodded once and allowed him to guide her to the couch directly in front of the couple. Beatrice looked at the other occupied chairs, all of them were off to the side or even behind the open couch. Her face said it all.

Why must we sit here?

Her features were painted with worry and confusion. Ezra said nothing but sat on the couch. With one look, Beatrice plopped down onto the couch with more emphasis than she probably intended. She dipped her head and squeezed her eyes shut.

There was an unfamiliar tug inside of Ezra. As much fun as he thought this would be, ruining an innocent, and even at her own behest, he found himself wanting to make it slightly easier for her.

Taking pity on her, he placed his arm around her shoulders and pulled her back into him as he leaned back onto the couch. Her body was stiff and rigid underneath his touch.

This won’t do.

“Relax, Mouse. We’re just here to watch.” He nodded to the couple on the opposite couch as he spoke.

Beatrice dipped her chin. “Watch what?”

A low moan from the woman on the opposite couch halted Beatrice’s next question.

Beatrice lifted her gaze to see the woman, who was also dressed in only a nightgown leaning back onto the couch. Her one hand gripped at the cushion while her other one played with the ribbon at her neckline.

Beatrice’s breath caught and she leaned forward a little. Ezra watched as her eyes took in the scene before them. Her eyes displayed her emotions perfectly; curiosity first, then confusion, back to curiosity before understanding finally dawned on her.

Her breathing increased as her eyes traced over to the man sitting next to the woman. His lips were on her neck with open-mouthed kisses. His one arm laid across the back of the couch while his other one was underneath the woman’s nightgown.

Ezra bit his lip to stop from smiling when Beatrice’s expression turned from understanding to indecision.

Ezra leaned into Beatrice. “Enjoying the show, Mouse?”

Beatrice’s brows furrowed. “I don’t understand what we’re watching.”

Ezra cocked his head to the side, to which Beatrice rolled her eyes.

“I obviously know what we’re watching, but why?”

Ezra let the smile he was holding back free. “Some find it entertaining.” He nodded to a man who was sitting off to the side with a drink in his lap, just watching. “Some find it arousing.” He gestured to a couple sitting on a chair to their right who were kissing and quickly undressing each other.

Beatrice gasped and dropped her eyes, shielding herself from both couples.

“This is highly inappropriate.” Beatrice’s words rushed out.

Ezra worried that for all her bravado, she really was an innocent girl. He had found that the most sheltered society girls say they want danger and adventure but when the opportunity actually presented itself they turn back to what they know.

He took in her huddled frame as disappointment settled within him. He had hoped she was one who truly wanted adventure.

A slight movement caught his eye. Beatrice had shifted in her seat and while her head was still down, her eyes kept flashing up to the scene in front of them.

A jolt of electricity shot through Ezra. She does want it, she just doesn’t know how badly she wants it.

Ezra relaxed against her and once again pulled her to him. With his arm around her shoulders he whispered into her ear.

“There is nothing to be ashamed of here. Why people come to watch, or participate, or do anything is not for us to decide. It’s only for us to become inspired.”

Beatrice brought her eyes up to his. “Inspired?”