Scandalous Deception (Russian Connection 1)

The dark gaze never wavered from her flushed countenance. “Leave us,” he commanded the hovering maid.

Predictably, Janet refused to budge until Brianna gave a slow nod of her head.

“It is fine, Janet.”

Janet offered Edmond an evil glare as she strode toward the door. “Oh, aye. It had best be fine, or you’ll be answering to me,” she muttered.

A dark brow arched in genuine astonishment. “Did your maid just threaten me?”

“Yes, I believe she did.”

“And just what does a female half my size and weight believe she can do to me?”

“Do not underestimate my maid, Edmond. Janet is not only cunning, but she happens to be the daughter of one of the most feared criminal lords in all of London. I do not doubt she could call upon any number of ruffians to do her bidding.”

He appeared more curious than terrified by her dire words. “Then why did she not call upon them to do away with Thomas Wade?”

Brianna wrapped her arms around her waist, shuddering at the mention of her stepfather, remembering how terribly tempting it had been to give in to Janet’s urging to have Thomas murdered in his sleep.

“Because I refused to allow her to do so,” she confessed, her voice hoarse.

“Why?”

“If I desired Thomas Wade’s head mashed in, then I should have done it myself. Why should someone else risk the gallows for me?”

“So independent, ma souris?” he drawled, prowling forward.

Her chin tilted at his hint of mockery. “I have discovered that it is far too dangerous to be anything but independent. Thankfully I will soon be able to claim my inheritance and I shall never be under the authority of another again.” Her gaze was steady. “I cannot wait for that day.”

“Your inheritance?”

“Yes.” She gave a lift of her shoulder. “My father left a portion of my dowry in funds that could not be touched by my mother. I shall be able to access the money when I turn three and twenty. ’Tis not a large amount by the Duke of Huntley’s standards, but it will be enough to allow me to rent a modest home and keep a staff.” She sucked in a deep breath. “Janet and I will at last be safe.”

The hint of amusement vanished from his dark eyes, almost as if he were annoyed by her response.

“That is absurd,” he gritted. “Not everyone intends you harm.”

“Perhaps not harm, but everyone is certainly anxious to use me for their own purpose.” She deliberately paused. “You included, Edmond.”

The aquiline nose flared, the dark eyes smoldering with a dangerous emotion.

“Ah, yes, my nefarious purpose.” He pointed a finger toward the chair directly before her dressing table. “Have a seat.”

“Why?”

“You are here to do my bidding, are you not?” He stepped closer. “Now, have a seat.”

“Fine.” Refusing to indulge in a struggle she was destined to lose, Brianna turned to the chair and sat down with an angry flounce. “Someday, Edmond, you are going to encounter someone you cannot bully and—” Her words were wrenched away as Edmond moved directly behind her and she felt a cool weight gliding over her skin. Glancing in the mirror, her breath tangled in her throat at the brilliant flash of gemstones that encircled her neck. “Good Lord.” Her gaze lifted to study Edmond’s reflection. “These are the Huntley emeralds.”

His face was unreadable as his fingers stroked the bare slope of her shoulders.

Her hand lifted to touch the priceless jewels, her heart giving an odd twist of pain. Deep in her soul, she knew that the gems and all they represented were intended for another woman. The sort of woman who could offer the grace and poise that the position of Duchess of Huntley demanded. The sort of woman she could never be.

“No, this is not right. I cannot wear these,” she whispered, not comprehending why she should be battling an absurd desire to cry.

His stirring temper flared at her soft refusal. “The setting is a bit old-fashioned, I will grant you, but they are still the finest collection of emeralds in all of England,” he said, the lethal edge in his tone stirring the hair on the nape of her neck. “There are few women who would balk at wearing them around their neck. Quite the opposite, in fact.”

She grimly refused to wilt beneath the smoldering displeasure. Even as a young gentleman, Edmond had made a habit of bending others to his will by the simple force of his personality. The only way to keep from being swept along the tidal wave of his power was to dig in her heels and refuse to budge.