Bound by Love (Russian Connection 2)

“It does not matter if he is or not,” she admitted, her voice carefully devoid of emotion. “He has no interest in my heart.”

“Do you desire me to rid St. Petersburg of his presence?”

It was what she should desire. Instead her heart plummeted to the pit of her stomach.

“There is no need. Soon enough he will feel compelled to return to England.”

Alexander Pavlovich heaved a wistful sigh. “I have forgotten what it is to be so young and naive.”

Leonida’s lips twisted as she recalled the past weeks. What would the Emperor say if she revealed the adventures she had endured since leaving St. Petersburg?

“I am not so naive as others assume.”

With a smooth motion, the Emperor led her into a small alcove, turning her to study her face with a curious expression.

“I have seen how the Duke watches you. He is bewitched.”

“A passing infatuation.”

“And what of you?”

A ridiculous blush stained her cheeks. “Me?”

“Do you love him?” the Emperor asked gently.

“I…” The lie faded on her lips. The steady blue gaze demanded the truth. “Yes.” She heaved a deep sigh. “I am such a fool.”

“There is nothing foolish in loving another. Only in the decisions you make for that love.”

Leonida frowned. It was unlike the Emperor to speak to her with such intimacy. So why now?

Had Herrick revealed more than he should have?

“Do you intend to warn me against the Duke?”

Rather than answer the question, he tugged her deeper into the alcove, motioning toward the ivory-and-gold-striped settee.

“Have a seat. We can be private here.”

Leonida perched on the edge of the cushion, holding herself stiff as the Czar joined her on the settee. They were mere paces from the ballroom, but th

e clamor had receded to a near bearable din.

“I sense I am to receive a lecture.”

“No lecture, only the natural concerns of a father.” He smiled faintly as she jerked in surprise at his claim of parentage. It was a thing acknowledged, but never spoken out loud. “I have no desire to see you unhappy.”

Bemused, she considered her words with care. Alexander Pavlovich might be speaking to her as a father, but he was still the Emperor of all Russia. If he concluded that the Duke of Huntley had hurt or insulted her, he might very well feel compelled to seek justice.

That was the last thing she desired.

“Do not fear.” She managed a faint smile. “I am not the sort of female to sit around pining for what she cannot have.”

He reached to take her hand. “I am more concerned that you will allow your emotions to urge you into an affair you will only regret.”

“Sire…”

“Please allow me to finish, ma petite,” he interrupted her mortified stammering. “I have no intention of prying into your privacy, but I desire you to carefully consider your future.”