Bound by Love (Russian Connection 2)

“Leonida stabbed him?”

Boris lifted his brows. “I do not know why you should pretend to be shocked. The woman is a hellion who would terrify any man with a bit of sense.”

“Has she been harmed?”

“She was wounded.”

“Damn.” Herrick stepped toward the path, anxious to return her to the safety of St. Petersburg. “I must see her.”

With a movement that was surprisingly swift for such a large man, Boris was blocking the path, his expression unreadable.

“She is already healing. There is no reason to fret.”

Herrick stilled, belatedly recalling he still had no notion why the Duke and Boris were in Russia. He did not like mysteries.

“Boris, are you attempting to block my path to the cottage?”

“Miss Karkoff is still sleeping. There is no reason to awaken her.”

“Allow me to warn you that I am tired and in no mood for games. You will take me to Miss Karkoff,” he commanded, his voice low and lethal. “Now.”

There was a rustle in the undergrowth before a tall form attired in a dark green jacket and fawn breeches stepped onto the path.

Herrick’s eyes narrowed as he realized that Stefan had recently bathed and shaved the face that was so remarkably similar to Edmond’s.

So, the men had not recently arrived at the cottage.

The knowledge sent a chill down his spine. Did the Duke know why Leonida had been sent to England? And more importantly, if had discovered the truth, what did he intend to do with the information?

Although Edmond had spent years as an advisor to Alexander Pavlovich, his older brother’s loyalty had always remained with England.

As if sensing Herrick’s suspicion, Huntley allowed a slow, taunting smile to curve his lips.

“Do not blame Boris,” he drawled. “He is merely following my orders.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

STEFAN FOLDED HIS ARMS over his chest, attempting to disguise his annoyance with Herrick Gerhardt’s untimely arrival.

A deep part of him understood that he could not actually drag Leonida back to England. She was not some village maid without family or connections. But he had known that with enough time he could persuade her that their affair was not yet at an end.

He had never been as notorious a rake as his younger brother, but he knew when a woman enjoyed his touch. Christ, he had only to be near her for the air to heat with frustrated passion.

With the proper inducement, he could prove to her that it was futile to deny the need that bound them together. They were both trapped until desire had run its natural course.

The arrival of Herrick, however, had stolen any opportunity to slip Leonida away. The stern, ruthless man would have Stefan locked in the Czar’s dungeons if he suspected Stefan intended to lure Leonida back to Meadowland. And his bed.

“I must admit this is a rather odd place to find the Duke of Huntley,” Herrick said, his expression guarded.

“You have my full agreement.”

“Would your presence have anything to do with Miss Karkoff?”

Stefan deliberately glanced toward the two servants who eyed each other warily.

“Perhaps we should have this conversation in private?”

“If you wish.” Together they moved down the path, Herrick’s pistol glinting in the dappled sunlight. A silent threat that Stefan did not miss. Damn him to hell. “Tell me, is Leonida badly injured?”