She abruptly set aside her nearly empty plate. “And you have no other motive?”
“We need to discuss what you overhead between my father and Tarvek.”
It was, of course, precisely what she had expected. For reasons she did not comprehend, Dimitri was under the mistaken notion he was at liberty to interfere in her life.
“What is there to discuss?” She conjured a meaningless smile. “I revealed all that I heard. Do you believe I am attempting to conceal information from you?”
“I am more interested in what you intend to do.”
“At the moment it appears I have little choice but to share your dinner.”
He made an impatient sound, his fingers cupping her chin and forcing her to meet his searching gaze.
“What I most admire about you, moya dusha, is your refusal to pretend you are less than intelligent. Do not begin now.”
The edge in his voice warned he would have the truth from her, no matter how long it might take. Aggravating ass. She defensively squared her shoulders.
“I told you from the beginning what I intend to do,” she grudgingly admitted. “I came to St. Petersburg to find my sister and nothing has changed.”
His jaw knotted as he struggled to control his temper. “Not even you can be foolish enough to believe you can travel alone to London?”
“Why should I not?” she countered. “I speak perfect English and I have distant relatives I can contact should the need arise. Besides, I am certain Vanya must possess some acquaintance who intends to travel to England or even to Europe within the next few weeks.” She folded her hands in her lap, her spine stiff with determination. “I am willing to become a companion or maid or whatever they might need.”
“Whatever they might need?” he rasped.
“Within reason.”
His bronzed features were rigid as Dimitri studied her with an expression of furious disbelief.
“Emma, you are not stupid. You must realize how vulnerable you would be traveling with strangers?” His fingers tightened. “What will you do when a bored husband decides you will offer a convenient diversion during the long voyage? Or when one of the sailors captures you alone?”
She forced herself to meet the blazing golden gaze without flinching. Dimitri Tipova might be the unquestionable leader of the St. Petersburg underworld, but he had no authority over her.
“A woman is always at risk of being abused by men, no matter where she is or what her station.”
He arrogantly peered down the length of his nose. “Not if she is protected as she should be.”
“I have learned to protect myself, Dimitri.”
“Only because you had no other choice.” His fingers eased their grip to brush over her pale cheek. “Now I offer you one.”
Her eyes narrowed. “What precisely do you offer?”
“Stay here with me.”
“As your mistress?”
He gently outlined her unsteady lips. “Call it what you will.”
“And my sister?”
Concentrating on his tender caresses, Dimitri was seemingly oblivious to the dangerous sparks smoldering in her eyes.
“I will send my men to follow the Katherine Marie and rescue your sister.”
“Tell me, Dimitri, if I refuse to become your mistress will you allow my sister to become another tragic victim of your father?”
He muttered an angry curse, leaning down until they were nose to nose.