Scoundrel's Honor (Russian Connection 3)

Dimitri made a sound of impatience. “They will not be allowed to escape.”

Emma’s lips parted to inform him that she would go after the man alone if necessary when they both turned toward the door and the unmistakable sound of approaching footsteps.

“Emma?” a familiar male voice called.

Dimitri sent her a startled frown. “You brought Huntley with you?”

“Nothing so polite,” the duke drawled, appearing ridiculously out of place in his elegant black coat and glossy Hessians. His stark expression, however, perfectly mirrored Dimitri’s. “She snuck away the moment my back was turned.”

Indifferent to the nobleman’s fierce displeasure, Emma regarded him with a pleading expression.

“Please, you must help me, Your Grace. My sister—”

Her words were rudely interrupted as Dimitri firmly shoved her into the grasp of the duke.

“Return Emma to your town house and have her locked in her rooms.”

Stefan had her arm in a vice grip before Emma could escape. “Very well.”

“No!” Emma futilely struggled to free herself. “I am going to find Anya.”

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nbsp; The two men ignored her.

“What of you?” the duke inquired.

“I must stop Sanderson from fleeing.” His golden gaze shifted to Emma’s mutinous expression. “Then I will make certain the girls are found and taken to my ship. They will be safe there.”

Stefan dipped his head in agreement. “My servants will assist you.”

“Thank you.” His gaze never shifted from Emma’s face, his own expression bleak. “Do not let her out of your sight.”

In disbelief, Emma felt herself being ruthlessly urged toward the door she had so recently charged through. Precisely the opposite direction she was desperate to go.

“Let go of me.” She glared at Dimitri as she was overpowered by the large Englishman. “I will never forgive you for this, Dimitri Tipova.”

His jaw tightened. “Emma, these men are vicious. They will kill anyone they believe threatens them.”

“I do not care,” she shouted. “Anya is here. I will not leave without her.”

Dimitri turned his attention to the duke. “Huntley.”

“You are certain?” the duke demanded.

“Yes.”

“Forgive me,” Stefan muttered, then with one powerful motion he had Emma tossed over his shoulder and was rapidly heading back down the tunnel.

Emma cursed and screamed and kicked, but her efforts to escape were ignored as she was hauled away like a bit of unwanted rubbish.

Why had she halted to see if Dimitri were alive or dead, she bitterly wondered?

Had she continued across the room and into the darkness beyond she might even now be rescuing Anya from harm. Instead, she had allowed her weakness for the captivating criminal to make her hesitate. And as punishment for her vulnerability she was once again unable to save her sister.

It was a mistake she would not make again, she swore.

Attempting to gather her badly shredded dignity, Emma ceased her struggles and allowed herself to be carried from the warehouse and bundled into the elegant black carriage. Stefan followed behind, settling his large body on the leather bench opposite her.