Bound by Love (Russian Connection 2)

“Thankfully you have returned to bear the brunt of her anger,” Stefan pointed out, not at all disappointed to leave his childhood friend in the hands of her husband. Not only was she bound to be furious when she realized she was not allowed from the estate, but he had other matters to occupy his thoughts.

“Indeed,” Edmond said dryly. “If Brianna is not here, then may I inquire what brings you to Hillside?”

“I thought you were anxious to be reunited with your wife?”

Predictably Edmond folded his arms over his chest and narrowed his gaze. He might be impatient to be reunited with his wife, but he would not leave until he knew precisely why Stefan was there. Edmond was worse than a mother hen when he thought his brother was troubled.

“Now I am truly curious. Does this have anything to do with my lovely, young guest?”

“Your lovely, young guest has done a flit.”

“I beg your pardon?”

Stefan clenched his hands at his sides, recalling his initial sense of stunned disbelief when Goodson informed him that Leonida was missing and that her bed had not been slept in.

At first he had assumed that she had risen from his bed in the earlier hours and had taken a walk in the garden or was once again searching Meadowlands for some mysterio

us object. It was not until he realized her maid had also disappeared that he more closely examined her chambers to discover a number of her gowns and personal items missing.

His disbelief had altered to fury as he had made his way to Hillside, already knowing he would find her carriage and groom missing.

“She disappeared in the middle of the night, taking her carriage and her maid and God knows what else with her,” he gritted.

“Did she leave a message?”

“You believe she would leave a note thanking me for my generous hospitality?” Stefan snarled.

Edmond’s gaze sharpened. “I see.”

“I am pleased that one of us does.”

“Tell me, Stefan, would Leonida have any reason to feel the need to slip away in the dark of night?”

Stefan waved an impatient hand. “That is what I am attempting to determine.”

“I was referring to you, dear brother,” Edmond said softly. “Did you offer her a reason to feel she must flee?”

Stefan stiffened.

He had, of course, considered the unpleasant notion that Leonida had bolted because of their night together. For any woman the loss of her virginity could be a bewildering experience and she might have overreacted. The thought had oddly twisted his stomach with dread.

Thankfully, he had swiftly come to his senses. Leonida might have been an innocent, but she had readily welcomed him into her body. More than once. And by the end of the night she had been quite bold in her caresses.

Whatever her reason for fleeing, it had nothing to do with the explosive passion between them.

“No.”

Edmond appeared unconvinced. “Hmm.”

“Take care, Edmond,” Stefan warned, not prepared to discuss his erotic obsession with Leonida Karkoff.

Edmond’s lips thinned, but he was wise enough to realize that Stefan would not be pressed. “She must have some reason for her abrupt departure,” he instead accused.

“I can only presume she completed the task she was sent to perform.”

“And what task would that be?”

“Stealing some item from Meadowland.”