Scandalous Deception (Russian Connection 1)

“Not particularly.” He battled to keep his expression from revealing his smoldering annoyance. “In truth, it would be difficult for me to be any less pleased with myself at this moment.”

“Good,” the older woman announced with a faint smile. “I am pleased to hear it.”

With a humorless laugh, Edmond returned his attention to Letty. “Is this just an overall pleasure in seeing me tortured, or is there a more specific reason to wish me ill?”

Lady Aberlane lifted a silver brow. “Brianna did not tell you?”

“Brianna is barely willing to be in the same room, let alone tell me anything,” he muttered.

“Not surprising, I suppose, considering the circumstances.”

He stiffened, his eyes narrowing at his aunt’s mysterious manner. It was bad enough to endure Brianna’s aggravating, unpredictable behavior. He’d be damned if he would tolerate any more.

“If you have something to say, Aunt Letty, then simply say it. I am weary of puzzles.”

The older woman sniffed at his clipped demand. “You desire plain speaking?”

“It would make a refreshing change.”

“Very well. As Brianna and I returned from our shopping trip this afternoon…”

“Shopping?” Edmond interrupted, a chilled fear twisting his gut. Taking Letty’s arm, he tugged her into a nearby alcove, well aware that not even his considerable control was capable of disguising his furious disbelief. “Do you mean to tell me that less than a day after she was nearly killed, Brianna Quinn was prancing through the streets of London as if nothing had happened?”

Letty’s stern expression became one of wariness as she realized the true extent of Edmond’s anger.

“Hardly prancing.” She frowned. “We visited a few shops and returned home.”

“She knows that she is not to leave the town house unless it is in my company, or that of Boris.”

Letty searched his harsh expression with a hint of confusion. “For goodness sakes, she is not your prisoner.”

“She might very well be in danger, and I will not have her risking her bloody neck with such reckless stupidity,” he rasped. “Obviously, she needs a reminder that my orders are to be obeyed.”

Edmond turned, intent on reaching Brianna and informing her that she was to be locked in her chambers when he was forced to an abrupt halt as Letty darted directly in his path.

“No, Edmond,” she said, her tone low but firm.

“Letty, move aside.”

“No.” She poked his chest with a bejeweled finger. “You have already humiliated Brianna enough for one day. You will not create a scene among those who will decide whether or not she is to be accepted among society.”

Humiliated Brianna enough for one day? What the devil did that mean? Surely the chit had not told Letty of their passionate encounter? And even if she had, it was hardly humiliating. It had been…earth shattering.

He gave a shake of his head. Whatever slight Brianna thought he might have given her would have to wait until later.

First, he intended to make sure she never risked her foolish neck again.

“Society, be damned,” he growled. “Brianna will not be allowed to disobey me. Not when I very nearly—”

He abruptly cut off his words, knowing that they would reveal more than he was prepared to admit. Even to himself.

Letty, of course, was too intelligent to have missed his telling admission.

“What? When you very nearly lost her?” she demanded softly. With a sad smile, she lightly touched his arm. “It was not your fault that Brianna was wounded. The guilt lies squarely upon the shoulders of whoever it was that pulled the trigger.”

“It does not matter who is at fault, Aunt Letty.” He cut off her words, grimly banishing the guilt that festered deep inside. “Not so long as Brianna understands that she will not be allowed to leave Huntley House until I am certain that the danger has passed.”

Something that might have been pity rippled over Lady Aberlane’s face before she was heaving a sigh and stepping back.