Scandalous Deception (Russian Connection 1)

“I do not understand.”

The gentleman shrugged. “My place in the Royal household ensures that I can keep a close guard upon those who are closest to the Emperor.”

Brianna sucked in a sharp breath. Surrounded by such ease and luxury, it had been easy to forget that Vanya was deeply involved in the dangerous, potentially lethal world of Russian politics.

“Oh. Of course.” She regarded her companion with a hint of curiosity. Mr. Richard Monroe was obviously a man of enormous wealth and power, and not even she was impervious to his potent charm. The man could have his choice of the most sought after debutantes London or St. Petersburg had to offer. So why would he toss aside everything for a woman who not only refused to wed him, but openly declared her preference for numerous lovers? “Does it not trouble you?”

“That Vanya only sees me as a weapon to be used in her private war to keep the Romanovs in power?”

“Yes.”

Something flashed through the dark eyes. Not pain, but more a wistful longing.

“At times, bu

t as a rule I am far too happy to have any place in her life, no matter how small it might be.”

“You must love her a great deal,” she said softly.

He tilted his head to one side, a strange expression on his face.

“Is there any such thing as a small love? Either you love or you do not.” Before Brianna could respond, the man gave a shake of his head and squared his shoulders. “Now, enough of my sad tale. I am far more interested in you. Tell me of yourself, my dear.”

“I fear there is not much to tell. I have always lived a very sheltered life.”

He eyed her with a wry expression. “Not too sheltered, if you have been whisked from your home by one of the most powerful gentlemen in all of England and tumbled directly into the midst of a brewing Russian revolt.”

“Edmond does certainly possess a talent for making a woman’s existence a trifle more exciting.”

Richard chuckled. “More than a trifle, I should imagine. Edmond is much like Vanya, despite the fact that they are not related by blood. They both possess that fascinating allure that is so fatal to us poor, benighted souls.”

Her chest felt suddenly tight. No. She would never be like Mr. Richard Monroe. She would not spend her life nursing an unrequited love.

“I suppose,” she at last managed to mutter.

Easily recognizing her unease, Richard narrowed his gaze. “You do not sound particularly pleased.” He studied her for a long, unnerving beat. “You were not brought here against your will, were you?”

“No.” She blinked in shock at the unexpected question. “No, of course not.”

The older gentleman did not appear entirely convinced. “Miss Quinn, I want you to know that, if you have need of a friend, you can depend upon Vanya or my own humble self. You may be far from home, but you are not alone.”

“You are very kind, but…”

“I possess great admiration for Edmond, but I am not indifferent to his ruthless habit of forcing others to his will,” Richard gently, but firmly, overrode her words. “A young, innocent woman would have no ability to withstand his considerable resolve.”

Brianna could not help but chuckle as she remembered the manner she had blackmailed Edmond into allowing her to remain at Huntley House, and even demanded that he procure a companion for her.

“I assure you, Mr. Monroe, Edmond did not force me to accompany him. It was entirely my choice to travel to St. Petersburg.”

Without warning, he reached out his hand to brush a finger down her chilled cheek.

“Then why do you look so pale?”

She gave a slow shake of her head. “I am not feeling terribly well. I think the journey was more draining than I realized.”

She had barely finished speaking when he was crossing the room to pour a glass of a dark liquid from the pitcher set on the porcelain stove. Returning to her side, he settled his tall form on the window seat and pressed the glass into her hand.

“Here.”