Scoundrel's Honor (Russian Connection 3)

A dangerous sensation fluttered in the pit of her stomach. “I suppose he is handsome enough, although that does not compensate for his utter lack of civility. He is the rudest man I have ever encountered.”

Vanya allowed a mysterious smile to curve her lips as she led Emma into a private salon with emerald wall panels and gilt cornices. The furniture was a dark mahogany with gold velvet cushions and the wooden floor covered by an Oriental rug. The overall atmosphere was one of rich sensuality.

A perfect setting for Vanya.

“Odd.” Vanya settled on the sofa and pulled Emma down next to her. “I have always thought him to be surprisingly gracious.”

“You are well acquainted?”

Leaning forward, Vanya poured two cups of tea from the tray left on the low table, adding a generous amount of milk and sugar before handing a cup to Emma and leaning back into the cushions.

“He performed a great service for a dear friend of mine,” she explained, sipping her hot tea. “I consider myself in his debt.”

Emma hastily tempered her words, far too polite to insult a man her hostess held in high esteem.

“No doubt it is my fault.” She took a reviving sip of tea, hoping it would help the lies tumble from her lips. “He did mention that I stir his more primitive nature.”

“Did he?” Vanya’s smile widened. “How very intriguing.”

Intriguing? Emma found it utterly vexing. As if she were to blame for his irritating lack of manners.

“Let us hope our time together is of short duration.”

“Did he agree to assist you in your search for poor Anya?”

“Yes.”

“Thank goodness.” The older woman reached to pat Emma’s arm. “Whatever your opinion of Dimitri there is no gentleman more suited to helping you.”

Emma battled the urge to roll her eyes. “So he has told me.”

Vanya’s smile faded, her fingers gently squeezing Emma’s arm.

“Emma, do you prefer that I find another to lend you assistance?”

Her lips parted with a cowardly urge to agree to Vanya’s suggestion. Dimitri Tipova was arrogant and provoking and…

Dangerously attractive.

Then, she hastily swallowed the ridiculous words. If both Herrick and Vanya considered Dimitri Tipova the most suitable man to help her rescue Anya, then she would be inexcusably selfish to turn him away just because she…what? Feared him?

“No, of course not,” she said, her tone brisk. “Indeed, I need your help to prepare for the evening.”

“You have made plans?”

“I am to accompany Dimitri Tipova to several of his gambling establishments in the hopes I will recognize the gentlemen who lured Anya to St. Petersburg.”

If she was shocked by Emma’s revelation, then Vanya hid it well. Indeed, she nodded as if it were perfectly reasonable for a young, innocent maiden to allow herself to be escorted by a renowned criminal to his wicked clubs.

“Ah.”

“I shall need a means to disguise myself,” she firmly insisted. “I cannot risk being recognized. Who can say what the odious creatures will do to Anya if they realize I have followed them?”

“Do not fear, my dear.” A gleam that Emma did not entirely trust sparkled in Vanya’s blue eyes. “I shall ensure that not even your sister will recognize you.”

CHAPTER FOUR

THE S