Scoundrel's Honor (Russian Connection 3)

His lips twisted at the unmistakable disbelief in her voice. “It seemed the best means to ensure you were not harmed.”

“And after you give him the money?”

He shrugged. “We shall hopefully never again be forced to endure his unpleasant company.”

“You will allow him to flee?”

He caught and held her suspicious gaze. “If it means that you are safe.”

She studied his somber expression, unable to stay her flicker of distrust.

“What of your revenge?”

“How often must I tell you that there is nothing more important than you?” He leaned forward, claiming her lips in a punishing kiss. “Nothing.”

She forgot the discomfort of having her arms trapped above her head and the fact they were both at the mercy of a heartless slave trader. Instead, she sank into the persuasive demand of his kiss, needing the reassurance she was not to be betrayed and abandoned once again.

It was only when the sway of the carriage lessened that she pulled back, her heart squeezing with a surge of fear.

“We are slowing.”

He swore, unable to hide his concern.

“Emma, I have no means to make certain that Valik will not attempt something desperate.”

“What do you mean?”

The carriage halted and Emma heard the sound of Valik leaping to the ground and striding around the vehicle.

“As soon as Valik has released you I have told Josef to put you in the carriage and leave.” He glanced toward the window before turning back to stab her with an urgent gaze. “No matter what might happen.”

“You believe Valik intends to betray us?”

He paused, clearly caught between the desire to reassure her and the knowledge that she would prefer the truth.

“For the moment he is desperate to escape, but once he has the money in his hands, he will recall that I am to blame for all his troubles,” he admitted. “At such moments men tend to toss aside good sense and allow their emotions to rule them.”

Her eyes ran a lingering glance over his beautiful face, drinking in every line and curve that was indelibly engraved on her mind.

“Men such as you?” she asked softly.

“I never let my emotions rule me.”

A sickening dread welled through her heart as she heard Valik’s approaching footsteps.

“If that were true you would not have tried to rescue me. And you most certainly would not be in this carriage.”

He shrugged. “It was a logical decision.”

“It was insanity.” Her voice was thick with emotion. “Dimitri, if something were to happen to you—”

“Emma, I command hundreds of cutthroats, thieves and pickpockets, all of whom are far more dangerous th

an Valik,” he reassured her. “So long as I know that you are out of danger I am capable of besting a mere slave trader.”

She bit her lower lip. “You are not so invincible as you believe.”

“Of course I am. You will not be rid of me so easily.”