Bound by Love (Russian Connection 2)

Stefan’s brows snapped together at the ludicrous accusation. Was the man utterly blind? “The only scandal is you allowing Leonida to be besieged by a pack of worthless fribbles. It will be a miracle if she is not trampled.”

“Those fribbles have been besieging Leonida since she was first introduced to society. There is no danger of gossip unless some fool charges across the room and begins snapping and snarling like a hound protecting his favorite bone.”

A tiny voice in the back of Stefan’s mind whispered that Gerhardt was speaking only the truth. And that if he were capable of rational thought, he would accept that he was overreacting.

He gritted his teeth, doing his best to ignore that unwelcomed voice. “Have you considered the notion that Leonida might appreciate being rescued from the bothersome pests?”

“No.” Herrick’s expression was as hard and unyielding as granite. “And neither would you if you were concerned for Leonida rather than your own selfish jealousy.”

He jerked at the sharp attack. “What are you implying?”

“Leonida has little in common with her mother.”

“I am well aware, not to mention excessively grateful, of that fact,” he snapped.

“The Countess has always been a vivacious woman who enjoys flouting the dictates of society and prefers to attract attention,” Herrick continued, ignoring Stefan’s interruption. “Leonida is quite the opposite. The speculation that has followed her from the day she was born has been a never-ending burden. She will not thank you for creating a scene.”

Stefan’s gaze turned back to Leonida as he forced himself to take stock of her brittle smile and the stiff set of her shoulders. Unlike so many women, she truly disliked the swarm of gentlemen clamoring for her attention. She did not coyly flirt while deftly keeping the men at bay. She did not giggle and blush at their comments. She did not pout when they glanced away.

In truth, she looked like she would be quite happy if she could disappear behind one the towering Russian vases.

Hardly a woman

who would preen to have her jealous lover storming to her side and tossing the worthless peacocks through the nearest window.

Of course, understanding that he would only embarrass Leonida did not ease his burning need to stake his public claim upon her.

“You cannot expect me to ignore her for the entire evening.”

“I expect you to behave as a gentleman.”

Stefan wrenched his gaze from Leonida, silently acknowledging the irony of Herrick’s words. From his earliest memories he had always tried to do what was right, what he believed to be his duty, while Edmond rebelled. No one acquainted with him would believe he needed to be reminded he was a gentleman.

Or that in this moment he did not give a damn about his family’s prestigious name so long as Leonida remained out of his grasp.

Wrenching his gaze from the woman who could torment him even from afar, Stefan gathered his unruly thoughts and forced his attention back to his companion.

If he were forced to obey the ridiculous rules of society, then he would not allow the entire night to be a complete waste.

“And what is my reward?”

“You might avoid a public execution.”

Stefan folded his arms over his chest. “Come, Gerhardt, you have asked a favor of me, I surely deserve one in return.”

“What do you want?”

“It is a trifling matter, really.”

“That I very much doubt.”

“I want to know the name of Sir Charles’s accomplice.”

Herrick stiffened, his expression suspicious. “Why?”

“Humor me.”

“This is a Russian matter…”