Scandalous Deception (Russian Connection 1)

“I am shamed to admit that you were nearly killed for no other reason than to lure me from Russia,” he admitted, revealing all they had discovered in London.

Stefan listened in silence, shaking his head in disbelief as Edmond finished.

“It seems an incredibly complicated scheme just to be rid of you.” He studied Edmond with a lift of his brows. “They must greatly fear your abilities.”

“As you know, Russians are a superstitious lot.” Edmond shrugged. He was well aware his talents were formidable, but he was also wise enough to know that he was far from invincible. “By a combination of luck and skill, I have managed to unmask a great number of traitors. I suspect that I have become something of an evil omen to those who have long plotted to be rid of Alexander Pavlovich. No doubt they hoped their luck would be altered if I was out of the country.”

Stefan straightened. “So you intend to return to Russia?”

“Of course. Although Alexander Pavlovich has not yet returned to Russia, I have sent a note warning his guards to be on alert. I sent another to Herrick in St. Petersburg to tell him of the dangers. In the meantime, I intend to travel back to London to keep an eye upon Viktor Kazakov.” Edmond clenched his hands at his sides. “The man has devoted the past decade to overthrowing the Romanov rule. He will not be content to remain in England when it is time for the trap to be sprung. He will want to be close at hand to take the glory if they are successful. I intend to be on his trail.”

Stefan scowled. “I do not like the thought of you taking such risks, Edmond. Czar Alexander has an entire Court, not to mention thousands of soldiers, to keep him safe. Why will you not stay here, where you belong?”

“Because I do not belong here.” Edmond raised a silencing hand as Stefan threatened to interrupt. “No, it is true. I was never intended to live the life of a country gentleman. I do not give a fig about fields or tenants or cows. Within a fortnight, I would be seeking every vice available to ease my boredom. In the end, I would either be shot by a cuckolded husband or a hotheaded greenhorn who lost his allowance at the card table.”

Stefan did not bother to argue. They both knew it was more than an age-old guilt that kept him from settling at the family estate.

“So instead, you hunt assassins in the wilds of Russia?”

“St. Petersburg is hardly the wilds of Russia,” he said dryly. “Indeed, Russian society has become almost civilized.”

“I suppose there is no means to halt you. When do you leave?”

Edmond’s smile faded. His duty was unmistakable.

“I must return in the morning,” he forced himself to say. “You will be relieved to know that I intend to put off my charade as the Duke of Huntley and return to being the poor younger son.”

Stefan waved aside his words. “Is there anything I can do to assist you?”

“I need you to keep a close guard upon Brianna.” He at last managed to force the words past his unwilling lips.

“You fear she may be in danger?”

“I fear you both may be in danger. These men are fanatical in their desire to take power from Alexander Pavlovich. There is very little that they would not dare, if they thought it would further their goals.”

“She will be safe in my care. That I can assure you.”

It was precisely what Edmond desired. With the vast army of servants that filled Meadowland, both Stefan and Brianna would be beyond the reach of Viktor Kazakov. They would be safe and he would be free to concentrate upon the plot to overthrow the Czar.

It was not relief, however, but a dark, ruthless anger that flooded through him at Stefan’s solemn promise.

“I do not doubt she will receive the most tender care,” he gritted.

Stefan pushed away from the desk. “Was that not your purpose when you brought her here?”

“I bloody well do not know what my purpose was.” His lips twisted in a grim smile. “Not an uncommon occurrence lately.”

Stefan stepped forward, his expression somber.

“Return to London, Edmond, and your duties,” he commanded. “I will take care of matters here.”

Edmond turned to grasp the frame of the window. “Do you expect that to comfort me?” he rasped.

“It is for the best.”

“I saw you this morning,” he said, his fingers biting into the wooden frame until his knuckles were white. “Holding Brianna.”

“I did not realize until she returned just how much I have missed her. I was a fool not to bring her to Meadowland much sooner.”