Kitabı oku: «Scoundrel's Honor», sayfa 6

CHAPTER SEVEN

IGNORING THE FRANTIC struggles of the woman held tightly in his arms, Dimitri hauled her away from his father and Tarvek. In truth, she was fortunate that the need to avoid attention kept him from tossing her in the nearby river.

He ground his teeth, his temper still smoldering at the sight of her crouched behind the bush, mere steps away from two of the most savage creatures to roam St. Petersburg’s streets.

The aggravating wench was clearly determined to put him in an early grave.

“You will not be satisfied until you have managed to get that lovely throat slit, will you, moya dusha,” he rasped close to her ear, rounding the corner of the palace where his horse and carriage waited.

With a jerk of her head, she managed to dislodge the hand he had clamped across her mouth.

“How dare you follow me?”

Dimitri conveniently ignored the fact he had not only followed her to the palace, but that he had scoured the damned place from the attics to the cellars before he had at last caught sight of her behind the bush.

He was not prepared to admit how desperate he had been to find her, not even to himself.

“Such vanity,” he mocked. “Do you believe I am so taken with you I must trail behind you like a hungry stray?”

“I think you are the most irritating, arrogant, utterly vexing man I have ever had the misfortune to meet,” she hissed.

He tightened his arms around her slender body, taking grim pleasure in the feel of her squirming form pressed against him. He was angry, not in his grave. Just having this woman near was enough to stir his desire.

“Careful, Emma, you will quite turn my head with such flattery.”

“How did you find me?”

“I was searching for my father when I recognized a luscious backside where it did not belong,” he glibly dissembled. “I knew it was only a matter of time before you were discovered.”

“And so you charged to my rescue?”

“It is an unfortunate habit I seem to have acquired.”

“And one you can leave off at any moment,” she tartly informed him.

“Ah, if only it were that simple.” He caught the gaze of his waiting driver and gave a nod of his head. Instantly, the carriage rolled forward.

“It is,” she challenged. “Put me down.”

“I have not yet completed my rescue,” he said, reaching to yank open the door and tossing his wiggling bundle inside. Then, with a smooth motion, he was on the leather seat beside her, slamming shut the door.

“What are you—” Emma’s angry words were forgotten as the carriage jerked into motion, racing over the cobblestones at a brisk pace. “Stop this carriage at once.”

His lips twisted at her imperious tone. “I realize you are accustomed to giving commands in your isolated kingdom, Emma Linley-Kirov, but I am not one of your subjects.”

Anger flashed through her magnificent eyes, but she was wise enough to realize he would not be bullied. Instead, she nervously shifted into the corner of the seat, as if that paltry space could dim the awareness prickling between them.

“Please, Dimitri,” she stiffly pleaded. “Vanya will be frantic with concern if I disappear.”

He shifted to face her directly, his leg stretched outward to prevent any attempt at escape. God knew she was idiotic enough to risk throwing herself out of a moving carriage.

“Word will be sent to Vanya that you are in my care.”

Her lips thinned. “And that is supposed to reassure her?”

“Certainly it is preferable to having you left to your own devices, creating chaos among the fine citizens of St. Petersburg.”

She muttered something beneath her breath that Dimitri suspected was comparing him to midden heap and glanced out the window, her brows drawing together at the elegant shops of the Gostiny Dvor they passed at a shocking speed.

“Where are you taking me?”

“I merely wished to speak with you in private.” He diverted her question.

“Why?”

“What did you overhear between Tarvek and my father?”

She jerked, her eyes widening at his abrupt question. “You lecture me for being a reckless fool and now you desire me to share the information I have discovered?”

A slow smile curved his lips. “I do admire your intelligence.”

With a snort she folded her arms over her chest. “I have no intention of telling you anything.”

He leaned forward to whisper directly in her ear. “You will if you truly desire to find your sister.”

Her hands lifted to press against his chest, but Dimitri didn’t miss her revealing shiver. Or the leap of her pulse that fluttered at the base of her neck.

“Fine,” she rasped. “I very much fear that Anya has been sent to England.”

Dimitri reared back, his breath hissing between his clenched teeth.

“What did you say?”

Emma hesitantly repeated the conversation she had overheard, her wary gaze never straying from his grim expression.

A heavy silence filled the carriage as he considered the shocking information. How many years had he searched to find a trace of the women he suspected were being abused by his father and his associates? Christ, he had spent countless hours hidden in frozen gardens and dark alleys attempting to discover the truth. And worse, he had stumbled across the truth and he had been too blind to realize he held it in his hands.

“Dimitri?”

Shaken out of his dark thoughts, he clenched his hands with self-disgust.

“I have been unforgivably stupid,” he gritted. “The Katherine Marie. I should have recognized the name.”

“Who is she?”

“Not who. What,” he corrected. “The Katherine Marie is my father’s private ship.”

“My God,” she breathed, her face pale and her hands trembling as she folded them in her lap. “Then it’s true. They have taken Anya away from St. Petersburg.”

Dimitri resisted the peculiar desire to cradle her in his arms and offer her comfort. He protected women. He bedded them. He even supported a few. But there was something unnerving in the tug of tenderness Emma Linley-Kirov inspired.

Besides, she was as likely to slap him as to thank him for his effort. Emma was not a woman who appreciated having others witness her vulnerabilities.

“It would explain a great deal,” he admitted.

He heard her draw in a deep, steadying breath, her chin tilting with the stubborn determination that was certain to give him nightmares.

“Such as?”

“I hire a vast number of people to keep me well informed. It seemed impossible that I was unable to discover more than vague rumors that young girls, and occasionally boys, were disappearing. I assumed they must take them from St. Petersburg, but it never occurred to me they would actually ship them abroad.”

“I do not understand. If they—” she faltered, a flare of color staining her cheeks “—desire these girls, then why would they send them to England?”

He scowled, cursing the missing Anya for dragging her elder sister into the muck. For all her courage and tenacious strength, Emma possessed an innocence that was remarkably rare.

“Leave it be, Emma,” he said roughly. “You have been forced deep enough into this sordid business—”

“I need to know.”

“Emma.”

She laid a pleading hand on his arm. “Please, Dimitri.”

His gaze shifted to the window, absently noticing the aging palaces were being replaced by the classically designed homes preferred by Alexander Pavlovich’s architect, Carlo Rossi.

“It would be my guess they transport the women to a select group of gentlemen in England who, in return, send back the females they have lured into their trap,” he grudgingly revealed his suspicion. Now that he understood how his father had rid himself of the local females, it was a simple matter to deduce the remainder of his nefarious scheme.

Her brow wrinkled in confusion. “But why go to such a bother?”

“They did not in the beginning, as my presence in St. Petersburg is ample proof.” He restlessly tugged off his hat and muffler, tossing them into the opposite seat. His gloves followed. “But Alexander Pavlovich has become remarkably pious as the years have passed and while he is not foolish enough to truly believe he can command his court to put aside their wicked pleasures, he has insisted they become more discreet.”

“I still do not understand.”

He reached to take her hand, not surprised to find her fingers were stiff with cold. Where the hell were her gloves? And her scarf? The foolish wench. She could shoulder the responsibilities of her business and her sister, but she was stunningly incapable of caring for herself.

Clearly she was in need of someone to protect her, regardless of her prickly independence.

“Allow yourself to imagine a very young and frightened English girl being smuggled into St. Petersburg,” he said, studying the shadows that darkened her beautiful eyes. “She would be a world away from her family and friends, she would have no money and no ability to speak the language. She would be utterly at the mercy of her captors.”

“She would not dare try to escape.”

“Precisely.”

She worried her lower lip with her teeth, too intelligent not to realize the dire fate awaiting such women.

“They cannot hold them captive forever.”

“No. Once they…” He rubbed a hand over his face, hating the necessity of discussing such a repugnant subject with Emma. “Wearied of the girls, they no doubt sell them to brothels in Novgorod or Moscow.”

She swayed, her face ashen. “Anya,” she breathed. “I have to find her.”

“Emma, we cannot be certain she was on the ship.”

She met his gaze with an implacable expression that made Dimitri’s gut twist with dread.

“There is only one means to discover.”

HER WORDS WERE STILL ringing through the air when the carriage was pulled to a halt in front of a newly constructed house.

It was a home any gentleman would be proud to claim.

Built of pale stone, it boasted five bays with a central bowed projection that was most notable for the Venetian glass he had imported for the windows that flanked the double doorway. A sweep of stairs led to the wraparound terrace that overlooked the sunken garden arranged on both sides and the high brick fencing that offered a rare privacy.

For once, Dimitri did not experience the flare of pride at his creation. He was far more intent on scooping the startled Emma into his arms and climbing out of the carriage.

Predictably outraged at being carried through the gate and up the stairs, Emma smacked his chest, a stormy flush bringing welcome color to her cheeks.

“Have you taken leave of your senses?” She continued with her futile assault. “Put me down.”

Dimitri crossed the terrace, smiling as the door was pushed open to reveal a broad man with the corded muscles of a laborer and the weathered features of a sailor. Hardly a typical butler, despite the distinguished mane of silver hair. In truth, Rurik looked exactly what he was. A pirate. And nothing could make him appear respectable. Not even the uniform Dimitri insisted he wear.

Dimitri shrugged. He had done his best to prevent panic among the neighbors.

“Caught a feisty one, eh?” Rurik demanded, a curious glint in his blue eyes. Dimitri had never brought a woman to this house.

“Not intentionally,” Dimitri gritted, entering the marble foyer and headed directly toward the massive cedar staircase that had been hand carved. “Now I must decide what is to be done with her.”

“The dungeon is currently empty,” Rurik offered.

Dimitri smiled down at the furious woman tucked in his arms.

“A temptation I must admit, but for the moment I will content myself with an undisturbed privacy. Would you ensure that dinner is prepared and kept warm in the kitchen?”

“Of course.”

Emma’s eyes widened as she turned her head to watch Rurik stride toward the back of the house.

“Wait.” She jerked back to meet his amused expression as Rurik disappeared. “I see you have your servants trained to ignore the pleas of the poor women you kidnap.”

Dimitri climbed the stairs, fully enjoying the sensation of Emma cradled in his arms.

“Rurik needed no training. He was a pirate who terrorized the seas until he was captured by the French during the war.”

“If he was captured then what is he doing here?”

He reached the upper landing and headed directly for the main saloon.

“I take exception to fine Russian citizens being tortured by that French imposter.”

She made a choked sound of disbelief. “You snuck into Napoleon’s prison?”

“There are few men more loyal than those who have been rescued from the guillotine. And, of course, his wife happens to be the finest cook in the empire. When she promised her services in exchange for her husband’s freedom I could not resist.”

Her eyes narrowed, obviously suspecting the danger Dimitri had risked sneaking into the brutal French prison despite his nonchalant tone. Thankfully, her probing questions died on her lips as he stepped into the long saloon.

A tiny gasp escaped her as she studied the coved ceiling with gilded rosettes that framed the line of crystal chandeliers. The walls were covered in emerald satin panels with marble columns set between the high arched windows. The furniture had been purchased from the finest Russian craftsmen as had the parquet floor that was inlaid with cherry and teak. In all, it was a room that spoke of refined elegance.

“What is this place?” she asked as he settled her on the gold settee beside the massive black marble fireplace.

He moved to light the logs already stacked in the fireplace, chuckling at her astonished tone.

“My home.”

“Your home?”

Turning, he leaned against the carved mantel and regarded her with a lift of his brows.

“Despite the rumors, I do not crawl from the pits of hell each evening.”

She waved a hand toward the delicate jade figurines perched on a satinwood table.

“This hardly suits the image of the Beggar Czar.”

“True—” he shrugged “—which is why I have several residences spread throughout the city. Each of them serve their own specific purpose.”

“And what purpose does this residence serve? Your private brothel?”

“If that were true it would be an abysmal failure.”

She jerked as if he had slapped her. “I suppose that is yet another insult at my lack of attractiveness?”

He frowned, prowling toward the settee. Was the woman demented? She was the most tempting, most exquisitely beautiful female he had ever encountered.

“On the contrary, moya dusha, it is the highest compliment.” He sat on the cushion next to her stiff body, turning to study her wounded hazel eyes. “You are the only female beyond my cook to ever step over the threshold. In fact, there are less than a handful of people who even know of this house. I come here when I desire to be alone.”

“Then why have you brought me here?”

With experienced ease, he reached to unbutton her cloak, tossing it aside, not at all surprised to discover her swathed in yet another layer of brown wool beneath.

“A dangerous question, Emma Linley-Kirov.”

He felt her shiver as he turned his attention to the buttons that lined the gown from her chin to beneath the soft swell of her bosom.

“For goodness’ sake, what are you doing?”

His blood heated as he slowly peeled back the heavy material to reveal the satin beauty beneath.

“Attempting to understand why you would believe for a moment I find you lacking in appeal.”

“You have accused me of being a shrill-tongued spinster, a selfish martyr—” Her recriminations faded to a breathless sigh when he pressed his lips to the base of her throat.

“A delectable innocent who I have imagined unwrapping from your woolen layers a hundred times.”

Her hands lifted to lie against his chest, but she made no effort to push him away.

“You complained when I did not hide myself.”

“Of course.” He stroked his lips to the hollow beneath her ear, his fingers continuing to unbutton the body of her gown. “Only I am allowed to enjoy your most intimate beauty.”

“I think you enjoy mocking me.”

“If you need proof of my desire I am happy to oblige.”

“That is not—” She squeaked in alarm as he effortlessly pressed her back onto the cushions of the settee, following downward to cover her with his larger body. “Oh. Good Lord.”

Good Lord, indeed.

CHAPTER EIGHT

EMMA KNEW SHE WAS IN trouble as soon as he claimed her lips in a kiss that seared her to the tips of her toes. She was aware of being lowered to the cushions, and the pleasant sensation of his hard body pressed to her softer curves. More distantly, she could feel the friction of the wool gown as it was pulled slowly, yet relentlessly down her body. But the fear that should have had her shoving him away was overwhelmed by the excitement that jolted through her.

Clutching at his shoulders, she quivered as his tongue traced the seam of her lips, silently encouraging them to part. Hesitantly, she opened her mouth, shocked as he dipped his tongue between her lips. He tasted of cognac and danger, a heady combination that made her heart race.

Over and over he plundered her willing lips, his tongue tangling with hers in a beautiful dance.

She heard him groan, his hands expertly loosening her curls and gently spreading them across the cushions beneath her. His touch was tender, but she sensed the fierce hunger under the surface. It was etched in the taut muscles beneath her hands and the harsh rasp of his breath.

She shifted beneath him, her fingers biting into his shoulders. What was the odd restlessness that was plaguing her? The sense that her body was seeking a fulfillment that only Dimitri could offer?

“So sweet,” he murmured, his lips drifting down the line of her jaw.

She instinctively tilted back her head, offering her throat to his skillful kisses.

“This is insanity,” she muttered.

“Delectable madness,” he readily agreed, his hands lowering to cup the soft swell of her breasts.

Emma shuddered in shocked pleasure, realizing her gown had been tugged down to her waist, revealing the plain shift she wore beneath. She could feel the heat of his hand branding through the thin material and when he bent his head to cover a straining nipple with his mouth, she nearly screamed. Dear Lord. The feel of the damp linen and the rough stroke of his tongue grazing her sensitive nipple were sending tiny darts of bliss through her.

She had never suspected a man’s touch could offer such exquisite pleasure. Or that her body would respond with an aching need that overrode the whispers of alarm in the back of her mind.

“Dimitri?”

“Yes, moya dusha,” he softly assured her, his lips continuing to torment her breasts as his hands slid beneath her, subtly tugging her heavy skirt upward. “Allow me to please you.”

She trembled at the heady sensations that swirled through her. She felt as giddy as if she had drunk an entire bottle of champagne.

A moan was wrenched from her throat as Dimitri’s slender fingers delved beneath her skirt to stroke up the back of her legs. Lightly, he traced the top edge of her stockings, making her lower stomach clench with a sharp pang of need.

Oh, this was…astonishing.

Her eyes squeezed shut as she instinctively allowed her legs to part. She could feel the hard thrust of his arousal against her hip and hear his fractured breathing as he buried his face in the curve of her neck, but nothing mattered apart from those clever fingers.

Allowing her hands to tangle in the thick satin of his hair, she unconsciously arched her back, seeking relief from the tension coiling deep inside.

There had to be something…

“Please, Dimitri,” she choked, not certain what she needed, but sensing he would understand.

As if capable of reading her mind, Dimitri brushed his fingers upward, seeking her damp cleft. At the same moment, he shifted to cover her mouth in a kiss that smothered her shocked scream of exhilaration.

Oh, yes, he understood perfectly.

Forgetting the necessity of breathing, Emma became lost in Dimitri’s touch. With obvious experience he stroked his fingers through her moist heat, discovering a small spot that seemed to be the center of her pleasure.

Relentlessly, he continued his intimate caresses, his kisses becoming more demanding as her body tightened with a tension that was near painful. Her hands gripped his hair, her hips lifting of their own volition to meet his steady strokes.

She was straining toward an elusive peak, shivering as if she were in the throes of a fever. And then, just when she was certain she could bear no more, the pressure exploded, shattering through her with stunning force.

Dazed by the unfamiliar sensations, Emma lay shuddering beneath Dimitri, distantly aware of the soothing words he whispered in her ear.

How often had she assured herself that she was missing nothing by keeping men at arm’s length? That she was content to remain a virginal spinster?

Only now did she realize just how bleak and lonely the endless nights were destined to be.

She shivered, her hands shifting to press against his chest with a sense of urgency.

“Dimitri, get up.”

Slowly, he pulled back, studying her flushed face with a brooding gaze. His lips thinned as he easily read the panic threatening to overtake her. He leaned down to steal a frustrated kiss before he straightened and watched her awkwardly tug her gown back into place.

Emma was acutely aware of his unwavering attention as she fumbled with her buttons and shoved the thick tumble of hair out of her face. His dark, beautiful features were tightly composed, but it was his unyielding scrutiny that made her shift uneasily into the corner of the settee.

A tense silence filled the saloon, then with a sharp motion Dimitri was on his feet and heading toward the door.

“Remain here.”

Did she truly have a choice?

Emma lowered her head into her hands, attempting to sort through her baffled emotions. She was embarrassed, of course. She had behaved as a wanton in Dimitri’s arms and he had every right to consider her no better than a tart. But the regret she should have felt was decidedly absent.

Indeed, there was a traitorous part of her that savored the vivid memories of Dimitri’s every touch and caress, as if they were treasures she intended to harbor deep in her heart.

The thought was more unnerving than being trapped alone in this elegant house with a lawless scoundrel who could make her melt with a smile.

With a shake of her head, Emma shoved away her bewilderment and wrapped herself in the cool composure she had forged and tempered by a life of hardship. She would have ample opportunity to dwell on her reaction to Dimitri when she returned to her home.

For all that mattered now was finding the means to follow her sister to England.

She was busy sifting through her limited possibilities when Dimitri returned to the saloon, a large tray balanced in his hands.

Her brows lifted in surprise as he set his burden on the low table in front of the settee. Good heavens, did Dimitri’s cook prepare such a massive dinner every night?

Her stomach rumbled as her gaze took in the roasted veal, the pickled cucumbers and the traditional pancakes stuffed with mushrooms and rice. To drink there was a bottle of medovukha that had been made with honey, and for dessert were plates of syrniki, fried fritters garnished with sour cream and jam.

“I trust you are hungry?” Dimitri demanded, settling next to her and filling two plates with the delectable meal. “Irina left us a small feast.”

She frowned. “I cannot remain here for dinner.”

“You have a pressing engagement?” he demanded, forcing the plate into her unwilling hands.

Her mouth went dry as she glanced at his absurdly handsome face. During his absence Dimitri had removed his jacket and waistcoat, revealing the fine lawn shirt that was thin enough to hint at the muscular chest. His raven hair was still ruffled from her frantic fingers and the shadow of whiskers darkened his jaw. With his eyes glimmering like liquid gold in the candlelight he had never appeared more dangerous. Or beautiful.

“Vanya will be expecting me.”

“I sent word that her little chick would be returned safely to her nest.”

Her teeth clenched at his arrogance, a heat staining her cheeks.

“And, of course, it did not occur to you that I might not wish to have all of St. Petersburg know that I am here alone with a man?” she asked tartly.

He regarded her with mocking disbelief. “You have flouted every rule of decorum since leaving your home and now you are concerned for your reputation?”

“It is enough that I must be a source of amusement, I will not also be considered a—”

She bit off her words, belatedly noticing the flare of fury in Dimitri’s eyes.

“A whore?” he silkily demanded.

Her gaze lowered to the plate still clutched in her hands, regretting the painful reminder of his mother. No matter how angry Dimitri might make her, she deeply respected the woman who had sacrificed her life for him.

“Please, let me go,” she whispered.

He heaved an explosive sigh, ramming his fingers through his tangled hair.

“Emma, there is no need to agitate yourself,” he said, his voice carefully controlled. “Vanya is quite proud to be regarded as the most unconventional woman in all of St. Petersburg. She would approve of you doing whatever necessary to find your sister. And as for my servants…” He shrugged. “They would walk through the pits of hell before they revealed my secrets. There will be no one to judge you or what we choose to do in the privacy of my home.”

“I still would prefer—”

“Why would you believe you are a source of amusement?” he overrode her, studying her with an unnerving intensity.

“Surely you must realize that young, unwed females are expected to remain in their proper place, not intruding into men’s business by opening a coaching inn?”

“And how do they propose a proper female support herself and her sister?”

She shrugged. “I could beg on the streets or—”

“Or?” he prompted.

“Or accept a discreet arrangement with the local baron.”

A murderous anger tightened his elegant features, reminding Emma he was a ruthless bastard who was rumored to cut off the hands of his victims.

“Give me his name.”

“His name?”

“The baron who insulted you.”

She shivered at his frozen tone. “Why?”

“I will kill him.”

Her heart missed a beat. Despite the pain that Baron Kostya had inflicted, she had no desire to be responsible for his death.

“Is that not rather hypocritical?” She deflected his question. “You seemed eager enough to take me to your bed.”

“I will take you wherever you want, but only if our desire is mutual.” His eyes narrowed. “I do not use sex as a price to assist a woman in need.”

She believed him. She doubted there was a woman born who would not tumble into his arms if given the opportunity. Not that she would ever give him the satisfaction of knowing just how irresistible she found him.

His arrogance was quite outrageous enough.

“Do you intend to take me to Vanya’s?”

“After we have finished.” He cut a piece of the tender veal and pressed it between her lips. “You cannot allow Irina’s exquisite creations to go to waste.”

She nearly moaned as the flavor of the succulent meat exploded on her tongue. Now she understood why a man would risk a French prison to earn the services of Rurik’s wife in his kitchen. She was a genius.

Of course, she did not believe for a moment that was why Dimitri had risked his neck.

For a criminal he possessed a loyalty and honor that was far superior to most supposed nobles.

With a sigh, she conceded defeat, her hunger overcoming her common sense.

“Were you never taught the meaning of the word no?” she asked between bites.

He set about eating his own dinner. “I can’t seem to recall. Perhaps you should remind me.”

She shook her head. “I do not believe you are so desperate for a dinner companion. What is it you truly want?”

The golden gaze flared down her body with a tangible heat. “Never doubt my desire for your companionship, Emma Linley-Kirov.”

She shivered as a heady excitement pierced through her. Already she desired the feel of his skillful hands; his warm, seeking lips…

She abruptly set aside her nearly empty plate. “And you have no other motive?”

“We need to discuss what you overhead between my father and Tarvek.”

It was, of course, precisely what she had expected. For reasons she did not comprehend, Dimitri was under the mistaken notion he was at liberty to interfere in her life.

“What is there to discuss?” She conjured a meaningless smile. “I revealed all that I heard. Do you believe I am attempting to conceal information from you?”

“I am more interested in what you intend to do.”

“At the moment it appears I have little choice but to share your dinner.”

He made an impatient sound, his fingers cupping her chin and forcing her to meet his searching gaze.

“What I most admire about you, moya dusha, is your refusal to pretend you are less than intelligent. Do not begin now.”

The edge in his voice warned he would have the truth from her, no matter how long it might take. Aggravating ass. She defensively squared her shoulders.

“I told you from the beginning what I intend to do,” she grudgingly admitted. “I came to St. Petersburg to find my sister and nothing has changed.”

His jaw knotted as he struggled to control his temper. “Not even you can be foolish enough to believe you can travel alone to London?”

“Why should I not?” she countered. “I speak perfect English and I have distant relatives I can contact should the need arise. Besides, I am certain Vanya must possess some acquaintance who intends to travel to England or even to Europe within the next few weeks.” She folded her hands in her lap, her spine stiff with determination. “I am willing to become a companion or maid or whatever they might need.”