“Did Herrick threaten you?”
“He reminded me that my last desire is to ever hurt you.” His gaze seared over her face, his hand reaching out to trace the plunging line of her lacy décolleté. “Of course, there is no need to reveal my first desire.”
She batted away his hand, her skin tingling from his light touch.
“Stefan, anyone could wander into the garden.”
“Will you come for a drive with me tomorrow?” His jaw knotted as she hesitated. “Leonida?”
Swallowing the painful lump that threatened to choke her, Leonida turned to stare blindly at the shadowed orchard. The mere fact she so dreadfully desired to share another stolen afternoon in his company warned her that she was playing with fire.
Every passing day ensured that much more disappointment when he left.
“I have agreed to accept your invitations,” she muttered, making her reluctance clear.
With a harsh sigh, Stefan moved to lean against the railing, his profile hard with annoyance.
“Will there ever come a day when you do not feel the need to keep me at a distance?”
“No.”
“Why?”
It was a question she would never answer. If he truly understood the power he held over her…
No. The mere thought was unbearable.
“How long do you intend to remain in St. Petersburg?”
He paused, as if caught off guard by her abrupt question. “My plans are not entirely fixed.”
“You have been away from your estate for a number of weeks. Are you not concerned that you might be needed?”
“Edmond is capable of overseeing Meadowland.”
His voice was smooth, but Leonida did not miss his slender fingers tapping a restless beat on the stone railing. He was far more concerned about his absence than he was willing to admit. Perhaps even to himself.
“He has his own estate and Brianna to consider,” she pointed out softly. “He cannot be expected to shoulder your duties forever.”
He turned his head to stab her with a sullen glare. “Are you attempting to be rid of me?”
“I do not need to make an effort,” she said, her expression grimly stoic. “We both know you will soon have to return to your responsibilities.”
“It will not be forever.”
“You belong in England.”
His hands clenched the railing, his knuckles white. “And where do you belong, Leonida?” he rasped.
She flinched as he deliberately struck at her deepest yearning.
Had she been fresh from the schoolroom and her head filled with dreams, she might have held on to the hope that Stefan could offer her the love and sense of security she longed for.
Thank God she was old enough to understand that fairy tales were best left behind in the nursery.
“I suppose I am still searching.”
For some reason her answer appeared to annoy him. His brows drew together and his lips thinned.