“Well-rehearsed?” She gave a short, humorless laugh at the ludicrous accusation. “My life has become one disaster after another.”
His gaze seared over her tense expression. “Do you include me as one of those disasters?”
“Absolutely,” she lied without hesitation.
Some emotion flashed through his magnificent eyes, but it was gone so swiftly that Leonida was unable to say if it were pique or disgust.
“It is fortunate that my pride is not easily bruised” was all he said.
She snorted. “Your pride, Stefan, is impervious.”
“And your ability to distract is beyond compare, but no longer.” His expression hardened. “You are going to tell me why you came to Surrey, and more importantly why someone just attempted to shoot a hole through me.”
She shook her head, stalling for time. “If you would just return to Meadowland you would be perfectly safe.”
“Oh, I intend to travel to Meadowland. And you are coming with me.”
His absolute certainty sent a chill down her spine. In this moment she did not doubt that he would willingly tie her to the back of his carriage if necessary to return her to Meadowland.
“No, I have to get to St. Petersburg.”
“Why?”
“I have told you. My mother needs me.”
“A pity, but she shall have to wait. Until I decide I am satisfied—” he deliberately paused, his gaze skimming down her slender form “—fully satisfied, you are staying with me.”
She gritted her teeth. The Duke of Huntley was quite possibly the most stubborn, unreasonable gentleman ever born.
“You have no idea what you are risking.”
“I believe I have a very good idea,” he said dryly, glancing toward his bandaged shoulder.
“No, you do not,” she hissed, not bothering to hide the fear that had haunted her since fleeing England.
He stilled, regarding her with a searching gaze. “Then explain it to me,” he urged softly.
For an insane moment, Leonida felt an overwhelming impulse to lay her troubles at Stefan’s feet. For all his taunting and threats, she knew he was a rare gentleman who could be depended upon without question. With his assistance there would be nothing and no one who could halt her return to St. Petersburg.
Besides, she hated the lying. The secrets, the constant charade. Most of all, she hated the barriers that kept her from the one man who had ever stirred her emotions.
Whether or not she would have given in to the unexpected whim, Leonida would never know. Just as her lips parted there was yet another knock on the door, interrupting the brief madness.
“Damn,” Stefan growled. “Now what?”
Leonida swallowed the lump of regret in her throat. “I ordered tea.”
“I have had more privacy in the midst of a carnival.”
“Madame?” the maid called.
Stefan muttered a savage curse. “Open the damn door.”
Turning, Leonida cracked the door just wide enough for the maid to hand through the steaming cup and saucer.
“Will that be all?” the obviously curious servant demanded.
“Yes, thank you.” Using her free hand, Leonida firmly shut the door and turned to regard Stefan with a concern she did not have to feign. Heavens, he looked like he was about to topple over. “Sit down and drink this,” she said briskly.