Scandalous Deception (Russian Connection 1)

he were pleased by the knowledge she was disturbed at the thought of him being in danger.

“It will not be the first occasion I have done so.”

The fact that she was not at all surprised by his confession did nothing to ease the knots in the pit of her stomach.

“What of the guards?”

He grimaced. “Unfortunately, the palace is far too vast to protect against intruders. Especially an intruder who has an accomplice within.”

The accomplice had to be Mr. Monroe.

“What is so important that you are willing to risk exposure?”

“Fedor Dubov has received an invitation to dine. I intend to discover who he speaks with while he is there.” A cold smile of anticipation twisted his lips. “It never matters how careful a traitor believes themselves to be, they always give away some hint, even if only by the manner they so obviously avoid another guest.”

“Surely Mr. Monroe is capable of such a task?” she demanded, her tone sharp.

Edmond flicked a brow upward, but before he could respond, Vanya moved to stand at Brianna’s side.

“Edmond is convinced that he alone is capable of recognizing a conspirator,” she said dryly.

“It is not that at all.”

Vanya regarded him with patent disbelief. “No?”

“Monroe will be among the diners. It would be impossible for him to keep a constant watch upon Fedor Dubov without arousing suspicion.”

Struck by a sudden notion, Brianna frowned in confusion. “And where do you intend to be?”

His expression eased as a slow, wicked smile curved his lips.

“You cannot expect me to reveal all my secrets, ma souris.” He cast an intimate glance down the length of her body. “Who is to know when I might need to keep an eye upon you?”

She stiffened, her cheeks flaring with color at Vanya’s soft chuckle. Good lord, he was staring at her as if she were standing there stark naked.

“If you dare to spy upon me I shall…”

“You shall what?” he taunted.

“You cannot expect me to reveal all my secrets,” she said, tossing his own words back in his face.

Vanya’s laughter rang through the garden. “Touché, Edmond.”

He glanced toward the older woman. “You tread a dangerous path, Vanya.”

“Not nearly so dangerous as you, mon ami,” she said, a smug smile on her lips as she turned back toward the house. “I will send word to the stables that your mount is to be saddled.”

ENTERING VANYA’S STABLES, Edmond was unsurprised to discover Boris awaiting him with a sour expression. The large warrior had not been pleased to discover he was not to join his employer. His life was devoted to hunting traitors.

Now he stood blocking the stall with his considerable bulk, his arms crossed over his chest.

“I should be with you.”

A swift glance about the hay-scented darkness assured Edmond that they were alone.

“I need you to keep an eye upon Kazakov. He dare not show his face in the streets of St. Petersburg, but that does not mean he is not up to some mischief. If he has a visitor, I wish to know.”

“That is surely Gerhardt’s duty?”