“Why would you be there?”
“It was not for the reason you are so clearly imagining,” he retorted, shifting so he could peer out the narrow window. “Josef learned that a large Russian man had been seen in the neighborhood and he suspected he had some connection to the local brothel. He wished me to join him so we could investigate.”
“Is that why…?”
His gaze flicked back to study her wary expression. “Why?” he prompted.
She blushed, wishing she could call back her impulsive words.
“Why you left the harem?”
The golden eyes warmed, as if he were savoring a particularly pleasant memory.
“I certainly did not leave willingly, but I could not ignore the potential to find Anya,” he husked, his handsome features somber in the light that flickered from the torches that lined the streets. “I have learned my lesson.”
Bittersweet misery settled in her heart at the unwelcome reminder of her sister. For all her relief that Anya seemed safe in the care of the guard, Mikhail, it would take time before she could think of her without the aching sense of loss.
“Anya,” she breathed, lowering her lashes to hide the pain.
She heard the creak of leather as Dimitri shifted forward. “You managed to speak with her, did you not?”
“Yes.”
“Has she been hurt?”
The manacles holding her captive rattled as she shrugged. “She claims she is unharmed.”
“Do you fear she is trying to spare you the truth of her injuries?”
“Sparing me?” Emma’s sharp laugh filled the carriage. “No, that certainly was not her intention.”
There was a short pause, then Dimitri’s hand cupped her chin and tilted her face to meet his piercing gaze.
“Emma?”
She tried to be angry with him. Her relationship with Anya was a private matter. What right did he have to press her?
But his gentle touch was sending comforting warmth through her that eased the pain of Anya’s treachery, and she found the words tumbling from her lips before she could prevent them.
“I should have listened to your warnings.”
“You begin to worry me, milaya.” A faint smile curved his lips, but his expression was troubled. “Have you taken a blow to the head?”
“I simply realize that my efforts to care for Anya have done nothing but push her away.” She blinked back the hot surge of tears. “As you said, I have no one to blame but myself for being abandoned by those I love.”
His fingers tightened on her chin, his brows pulling together in a frown. “Halt that.”
“Why? I w
ould think you would be pleased to know you were right.”
He studied her for a long moment, his unnerving stare seeing far too much.
“Tell me what happened.”
“Does it matter?”
“Please, Emma.” His warm breath brushed her cheek. “Tell me.”