Scandalous Deception (Russian Connection 1)

“I did not know precisely what he intended, but I was having him watched. When he left London, I followed.” His eyes smoldered with a lingering fury. “Unfortunately, I did not catch up to him until he had already attacked your carriage.”

She gave a slow nod. She should have known that Edmond would have Thomas Wade under surveillance. He was far more than a gentleman of leisure; he possessed a lethal awareness and skills that were usually only found among those men forced to live by their cunning.

“Do you truly think people will believe that Thomas was killed by highwaymen?”

“Who would doubt the word of the Duke of Huntley?”

Her lips twisted at the bland arrogance. “I suppose that is true enough.”

Despite their differences, the two brothers had been raised with the unwavering knowledge that they were lord and master of their very large corner of Surrey. It would never occur to them that they would be given anything but absolute obedience.

“You need never concern yourself about Thomas Wade again, Brianna.”

“I am glad he is dead.”

“It is no doubt a widely held opinion. From what I could discover, he cheated at business, at cards and upon his wife. There were also rumors that he routinely beat his mistresses. A thoroughly despicable man. I doubt there will be a soul who mourns his passing.”

“Certainly not me.” She grimaced. “I only wish…”

“You wish what?”

She forced herself to meet his searching gaze. “I wish that I had been the one to kill him.”

“So bloodthirsty, ma souris?”

“No. I dislike the knowledge that I was forced to depend upon you to ride to my rescue.”

“Ride to the rescue? Hmm.” A smile teased his full lips. “That sounds rather melodramatic. I do not believe anyone would confuse me with a heroic prince or you with a damsel in distress.”

She stiffened in annoyance, her pride pricked by his amusement. “Do not jest. I should be capable of taking care of myself.”

His amusement faded, his eyes narrowing at her sharp tone. “What is it that troubles you, Brianna? The fact that you had to be rescued or that I am the one who did it?”

“I want my independence. Is that so difficult to comprehend?”

“For a lady who desires her independence, you did a great deal of complaining when I refused to allow Janet to accompany us.”

“Janet is not only my maid, she is my dearest friend. I happen to enjoy her companionship.”

“A friend?”

“Yes.”

“So what am I? Friend or foe?”

Her teeth clenched. “Do you truly wish me to answer that question?”

Brianna forced herself not to flinch beneath his hard gaze. Not even when he smoothly leaned forward, his fingers capturing her chin in a firm grip.

“Why did you come with me?”

The abrupt question caught her off guard. “You commanded me to, did you not?”

“We both know that I could not have forced you. Had you truly protested, Stefan would have stepped in to keep you at Meadowland.”

Brianna readily latched on to his unwitting words. She had, after all, considered Stefan often while she had been packing her bags to return to London. She was not so fascinated by E

dmond that she would ignore the gentleman who had offered her nothing but kindness.