Scandalous Deception (Russian Connection 1)

“I suppose there is no attempting to dissuade you from this ridiculous overreaction, but I do insist that you wait until we have returned home before informing Brianna she is to be put upon such a short leash.”

“I told you I do not give a damn about society.”

“Well, I do.”

He arched a brow. “You fear I will create a scene? Surely you know me better than that.”

“Not at all. I would simply prefer to have fewer witnesses when Brianna murders you. She is far too sweet to be hauled off to the gallows.”

“Good lord, whatever happened to family loyalty? Should you not be closing ranks with your favorite nephew?”

She snorted as she began to move away. “Whatever makes you think that you are my favorite nephew?”

Edmond chuckled as the spry matron moved toward the clutch of fellow dragons near the window.

How the devil had he allowed his life to become so cluttered with women? He of all men knew the dangers of allowing such complications. They were distractions at best and downright pests at worse.

No doubt if he had the least amount of wits, he would send them packing at the first opportunity.

Ignoring the strangest pang that tugged at his heart at the thought, Edmond started across the room, only to be halted once again. This time by a uniformed servant who performed a deep bow as he reached his side.

“Your Grace.”

“Yes?”

“This message was delivered for you.”

“Thank you.” Taking the fold

ed note, Edmond opened it to swiftly scan the neatly printed words, sucking in a deep breath of surprise. “Please have my carriage brought around,” he commanded the waiting servant.

“At once, your Grace.”

BRIANNA STIFFENED THE MOMENT she sensed Edmond moving in her direction. For the majority of the evening, he had been content to lean against the mantle, his burning gaze so focused upon her that it was a wonder she had not gone up in flames.

Dear God, how could society not realize that the man posing as the Duke of Huntley was a fraud?

Stefan was so kind, so eager to put the happiness of others above his own. His goodness was a shimmering beacon, while Edmond…even across the room she could feel the potent danger that smoldered about him with a restless energy.

Light and dark. Opposite sides of the same coin.

A renegade excitement tingled through her blood as she felt the heat of Edmond’s hard frame halt at her side, his hand possessively landing in the middle of her back.

“My dear, may I have a word?” he murmured, smoothly.

Brianna battled back a jaundiced frown as the elegant ladies who surrounded her heaved a collective sigh of appreciation. What woman would not be enchanted by Edmond’s compelling beauty? Or the raw, untamed sensuality that the dark, elegant evening attire could not entirely disguise?

It was impossible not to react.

Gathering the cool composure that was her only defense, she curled her lips into a meaningless smile.

“But of course.”

Lady Roddick gave a twittering laugh, leaning forward to lightly tap her fan on Brianna’s arm.

“A word of warning, Miss Quinn, it is never wise to always give in to your husband’s demands.” The older woman slid an undeniably hungry glance over Edmond’s chiseled body. The tart. “They are far too likely to run roughshod over a poor maiden who does not possess a bit of pluck.”

Brianna forced herself to meet Edmond’s smoldering gaze. “I fear his Grace prefers a more spineless creature as his fiancée, is that not so…Stefan?”