“For all my sins I am no debaucher of the innocent. Especially not when that innocence is wrapped in such a prickly package.”
“Do not allow her indomitable spirit to deceive you. Emma has taken on responsibilities that would have broken a lesser woman,” Vanya chastised. “Underneath all her pretense of courage, however, she is a young maiden who is terrified for her sister.”
His expression hardened. He was unaccustomed to being lectured as if he were a school lad. Not even the most cutthroat villain dared to question him.
“I will attempt to keep that in mind.”
There was the sound of footsteps and they both turned to watch Emma step from the house.
“Ah, here she is,” Vanya murmured.
Briefly caught in the candlelight from the house, Emma’s honey curls tumbled freely about her shoulders, but Vanya had cleverly hidden the young maiden’s face with a charming hat made of gold feathers and a diamond-encrusted veil that ended just above Emma’s lush lips. It added a hint of provocative mystery that would stir a man to investigate more. With the same masterful touch, Vanya had wrapped Emma’s slender body in a long cape of black velvet trimmed with matching gold feathers.
There was not a soul who would recognize her.
“Well done, Vanya,” he murmured. “I knew I could depend upon you to be rid of the nasty wool.”
The older woman chuckled, as if she harbored a secret. “You have no notion. Good luck, my dear.”
Moving toward the house, Vanya paused to kiss Emma on the cheek before disappearing through the French doors. Dimitri traced her footsteps, halting at Emma’s side to offer an arm.
“Shall we go?”
She hesitated, and Dimitri sensed her silent battle to overcome her fear. Then, with that courage he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt was destined to lead her into trouble, she laid her hand on his arm and allowed herself to be led to the carriage Dimitri had left next to the mews.
Assisting her into the vehicle, Dimitri placed the heated bricks at her feet before settling at her side and tugging the rug over both of them. The night air was crisp enough to be uncomfortable.
He waited until the driver had set the matching black horses into a brisk trot before he reached into a drawer built beneath the leather bench and retrieved a silver flask and two small crystal glasses.
Pouring them both a measure of the potent spirits, he pressed one of the glasses into Emma’s unwilling fingers and lifted his own glass in a toast.
“Za vas.”
She cautiously sipped the expensive liquor, predictably choking as the fiery liquid slid down her throat.
“Good Lord. What is it?”
“Cognac.” Dimitri took a far more appreciative sip, savoring the nutty flavor of the well-aged spirit. “It will help keep you warm.”
She frowned, but she took another sip, perhaps hoping to ease her nerves.
“Is it a great distance to your club?” she demanded.
“No, it is quite close.” Dimitri refilled her glass, studying her brittle expression. She appeared ready to bolt. Clearly a distraction was in order. “Is this your first visit to St. Petersburg?”
“This is the first occasion I have ever left our tiny village.” A rueful smile touched her lips, her hazel eyes shrouded in mystery behind the gossamer veil. “I suppose that makes me impossibly provincial?”
“I refuse to be baited, Emma Linley-Kirov. Do you wish me to point out the more historical buildings we will pass on our journey?”
“I…” She paused, then offered a small dip of her head. “Yes, I would be very interested, thank you.”
Scooting closer to her, Dimitri glanced out the window as the carriage turned onto the Nevsky Prospekt.
Within moments the stunning Our Lady of Kazan Cathedral came into view. The domed church was an impressive sight with its sweeping colonnade that framed a small garden complete with a fountain.
“Perhaps you know Emperor Paul intended the structure to imitate Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome despite the church officials’ outrage at having a replica of a Catholic church.”
As he had hoped, Emma’s tension eased as she pressed her nose to the window, obviously eager to enjoy the spectacular view.
“My father told me that Alexander Pavlovich had commanded the church become a memorial to the defeat of Napoleon.”
“Yes,” Dimitri agreed dryly. The emperor had been quite eager to ensure that his victory over the Corsican monster was suitably commemorated throughout the city. “The great Mikhail Kutuzov is laid to rest in the cathedral and the keys from several European cities and fortresses were placed in the sacristy in honor of Russia’s victory.”
The carriage rattled onward and Dimitri pointed out the Stroganov Palace with its massive entrance arch supported by two Corinthian columns. Like much of St. Petersburg it had been designed by Rastrelli. Turning eastward they passed the Admiralty and headed toward the Palace Square. It was, of course, the crowning jewel of the city with its lavish facade painted a pale green and trimmed in white. Massive statues lined the roof and at one end an onion dome dominated the skyline. Next to the palace were the Hermitage houses that held Catherine’s vast collection of paintings as well as the theater built for Catherine by Giacomo Quarenghi.
Dimitri hid his smile as Emma pointed toward the passing buildings, asking endless questions and unabashedly enjoying the short tour. It had become fashionable to pretend a jaded indifference to the world, and he could not deny it was refreshing to be in the company of a woman willing to reveal her emotions.
Her eyes widened in fascination as she spotted the Peter and Paul Fortress on the northern bank of the Neva, she sighed at the beauty of the summer gardens, and shivered at the forbidding Mikhailovsky Castle, a fortress built by an insane Emperor Paul where he was later to be murdered.
It was almost a disappointment when they crossed the bridge leading to the lower Nevsky and turned onto a narrow street lined with unpretentious elegant buildings.
Emma turned to him in surprise. “Why are we slowing?”
“I prefer not to leap from a moving carriage unless absolutely necessary,” he informed her dryly.
She sucked in a sharp breath, her gaze taking in the building painted a brilliant yellow with a wide entrance that was guarded by two servants. Although it was early, there was already a steady line of opulently clad gentlemen climbing the stairs and producing their gilt-edged cards that marked them as members.
“This is your club?”
Ridiculously, Dimitri discovered himself offended by her shock. “Did you expect a hovel in a dark alley?”
She drained the last of her cognac before setting aside the empty glass.
“I have never given much thought to gambling establishments. Now I realize they must be quite profitable.”
He shoved open the door, assisting her onto the paved walk. “Sin is not without its reward.”
“Spoken by an unrepentant sinner.”
“Of course,” he agreed.
As the bastard of a nobleman he had received a fine education, but was forbidden to take his place among society. At the same time, he was too cultured to be accepted among the peasants. With no true place in the world, he had turned his ruthless willpower to creating an empire of his own making.
Leading Emma up the stairs, he nodded toward his guards and entered the large octagonal vestibule that was tastefully decorated with a black-and-white-tiled floor reflected in the silver-framed mirrors that lined the walls.
At their entrance a tall servant with a regal bearing approached to offer a deep bow.
“Vladimir will take your wrap,” Dimitri informed his silent companion, his brows lifting as she clutched the velvet cloak with a white-knuckled grip. Did the chit fear his servant intended to make off with her clothing? “I promise you it will be returned.”
“Very well.”
Her chin lifted as she tugged off the cloak with a swift motion and handed it to the waiting servant. In a
heartbeat, the crowd came to a captivated halt as all eyes turned toward Emma.
It was not that her gown was particularly shocking. Indeed, it was a deceptively simple sheath cut to reveal her shoulders and gathered beneath the gentle swell of her bosom. It was more the shimmer of the gold satin that molded to her slender body. And the tiny diamonds that glittered along the low-cut line of her bodice that drew attention to the perfection of her ivory skin.
Combined with the satin tumble of honey hair and the promise of her sensuous lips, it was enough to make every male in the club crave to have her in his bed.
Including Dimitri.
Muttering a startled curse, he grasped her upper arm and hauled her through a nearby alcove, tugging her down the short hall until he could thrust her into the privacy of his office. It was a plain room, with cream walls and parquet floor. The desk set near the fireplace was a pale cedar that matched the rest of the furnishing and the draperies were a soft shade of rose.
Slamming shut the door, he turned to glare at his companion in the muted light of the fireplace.
“What the devil are you wearing?”
With a sharp tug, she freed her arm from his grasp. “You were the one to insist I dress in an appropriate fashion.”
Clearly, he had been out of his mind, he acknowledged, searing a hungry gaze over the delectable curve of her breasts.
“Appropriate, not designed to create a riot.”
“It is no more revealing than those gowns worn by the finest ladies in St. Petersburg,” she protested.
“Then why did Prince Matvey nearly knock himself senseless by walking straight into a wall? And why did one of my most trusted servants drop an entire tray of champagne?” he growled.
“You are being ridiculous. I witnessed women wearing far more daring gowns before you so rudely hauled me away.”
A voice of reason whispered that he was overreacting, but Dimitri was in no mood to listen. Not when his entire body burned with the need to haul her to the nearest bed.
“Perhaps more daring,” he husked, “but none so enticing.”
She nervously licked her lips, the unwitting gesture making Dimitri groan in frustration.
“First you complain my gown is too prudish and now you complain it is too revealing. Are you never satisfied?”
Unable to resist temptation, he stepped close enough to trail his fingers along the elegant line of her shoulders. His body stirred, hardened; responding to her with a near painful intensity.
It wasn’t uncommon for him to desire a woman.
He was a healthy male with all the normal appetites.
But this biting ache combined with a fierce possessiveness was utterly unfamiliar.
And equally unwelcome.
“Ironically I was quite satisfied until my peaceful existence was disrupted by an intimidating spinster who is far too fond of her independence.”
She shivered as his fingers traced the plunging line of her bodice.
“Dimitri.”
He stepped closer, breathing in the tantalizing scent of warm woman and clean soap.
“I never knew such skin truly existed,” he rasped. “It is as soft and perfect as fresh cream.”
“We are supposed to be searching for the gentlemen who took Anya.”
“In a moment.” Wrapping one arm around her waist, he carefully lifted the veil, his gaze sweeping over her pale, beautiful features. “First I must taste you.”
“No—” Her protest fell on deaf ears as he captured her lips in a branding kiss. He wanted to wrap her in his arms until she melted with soft compliance. He wanted to mark her with his touch, his scent, his desire. He wanted to ensure that every man who caught sight of this woman understood that she belonged to him. Only him. “As sweet as honeyed almonds,” he muttered, his tongue teasing her lips until they slowly parted in invitation. “Yes, moya dusha, open for me.”
She groaned, her hands clutching at his shoulders as if she struggled to keep herself upright.
“The cognac…” she muttered.
He gripped her hips, pressing her against the blatant evidence of his arousal.
“It is not the cognac that is causing your head to spin and your heart to race.”
She arched back to stab him with an angry frown, but Dimitri did not miss her small shiver of awareness.
“You believe yourself to be irresistible?”
“It is the hunger that burns between us that is irresistible,” he corrected, his voice hard. He had made his fortune on catering to other’s weaknesses. He had never dreamed he might himself become a victim. “I always thought this sort of craving a myth. Now I do not know whether to have you locked in my dungeon or hauled off to Siberia.”
She licked her lips, and Dimitri swallowed a groan as his cock hardened with tormenting anticipation.
“Do not say such things,” she breathlessly commanded.
“Even if they are the truth?”
An unmistakable fear darkened her hazel eyes as she lifted her hands and pressed them against his chest.
“I may be attired as a tart, but I assure you I am a lady,” she gritted.
His lips twisted. “I am painfully aware you are a lady, Emma Linley-Kirov, and for the moment you are under my protection.”
“Then release me.”
His gaze lowered to her honeyed lips that could drive a saint to sin.
“Is that what you desire?”
“You must.”
“Damn.” Pushing away from the delectable heat, Dimitri shoved his hands through his hair and struggled to regain command of his rebellious body. “You should never have come to St. Petersburg.”
AT ANY OTHER TIME, Emma might have been dazzled by her surroundings.
Who knew that a den of iniquity would be a sprawling honeycomb of ivory-and-gold rooms with crimson carpets and marble columns that soared up to the vaulted ceiling painted with Greek gods playing among the clouds? Or that the massive chandeliers would cast a blazing light over the elegant gentlemen who weaved their way among the card tables and flirted with the women dressed in low-cut gowns?
She had assumed the place would be dark and cheap with furtive men hunched over their cards, or tossing dice in the corner.
Which only proved she truly was naive as Dimitri claimed.
Dimitri…
She covertly glanced at the man walking at her side, a dangerous excitement fluttering in the pit of her stomach. Even elegantly attired, there was no disguising the ruthless predator that lurked just beneath Dimitri’s polished exterior.
Not that his dark beauty and experienced touch was an excuse for the manner in which she had melted beneath his kiss. Or the prickling awareness that continued to torment her. She was supposed to be a sensible female of advanced years, not a giddy maiden who dreamed of being rescued from her life of drudgery by a handsome prince.
After all, she was quite reconciled to being a spinster, and even if Dimitri were a prince rather than the Beggar Czar, he was not interested in making her his princess. Just like Baron Kostya, Dimitri considered her worthy of a quick tumble, but nothing more.
She felt an odd pain knife through her heart, but before she could consider the cause, a tall, silver-haired gentleman in a burgundy jacket and gold-striped waistcoat that did nothing to flatter his rotund figure deliberately stepped in their path.
“Tipova,” he said, his beady eyes skimming over the veil that once again hid Emma’s face before latching on to the swell of her bosom. “As always you have managed to create a sensation.”
Dimitri wrapped an arm around her shoulders, shielding her from the rude leer.
“I fear I cannot take the credit on this occasion, Prince Matvey.”
“Do you intend to introduce me to your companion?”
“Actually she is visiting from Moscow and prefers to keep her privacy.” His smile was one of sheer male possession. “Is that not so, moya dusha?”
She huddled in the protection of Dimitri’s arm. “Yes
.”
“Ah.” The prince licked his fat lips. “A mystery.”
“Have you seen Count Fedor?” Dimitri demanded.
“Tarvek?” The prince glanced around the crowded room. “Not this evening, although I encountered him at the Winter Palace last eve.”
“Then he returned from his journey?”
“Yes, I believe he returned with Sergei last Sunday. Do you have a particular need to speak with him?”
Emma sucked in a sharp breath, her suspicious gaze studying Dimitri’s cold expression.
“I am a businessman at heart and I make a habit of knowing where to locate those who are in debt to me,” Dimitri drawled.
“Yes, of course.” The prince blanched and tugged at his elaborately tied cravat, as if it were too tight. “If you will excuse me?”
Dimitri smiled. “Certainly.”
Waiting until the prince had vanished among the crowd, Emma struggled to put a measure of space between them.
“You told me that you did not know who had taken Anya—”
“Shh.” He lowered his head to speak directly in her ear. “I had a suspicion when you said their names. It seemed a strange coincidence that the men arrived at your inn claiming to be brothers and possessing the names Fedor and Sergei, but I cannot be certain since they at least had the sense to alter their title. It would be dangerous to leap to conclusions.”
She stilled, ruefully accepting the truth of his words. “Very well.”
Pulling back, he regarded her with an unreadable expression. “We will take a turn through the dining room to ensure we have not overlooked our prey and then take our leave.”
“How many clubs are we to visit this evening?”
A muscle clenched in his jaw as he steered her toward an arched doorway.
“One has been more than ample.”
“I do not understand.”
“My nerves are quite shattered,” he drawled, the golden eyes blazing with an indefinable emotion as he glanced down at her puzzled expression. “I intend to return you to the protection of Vanya.”
“But—”
He placed a silencing finger against her lips. “Do not play with fire, Emma, unless you wish to be burned.”
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