her ears? Still, she had promised. She wrinkled her nose in
distaste as she thought about having to sneak out each night.
Oh, well, three months more and it would be over. She would
be free.
She looked down at the child’s sleeping face and a wave of
tenderness swept over her. Now she must find a way of freeing
Etaine.
„Please, do be seated.“ Elisabeth Alford cast a flustered
glance at Mikhail Kuzdief towering behind Nicholas Savron
and moistened her lips with her tongue. „Perhaps your servant
could wait outside, your highness? My young ladies are shy
and easily frightened by the masculine gender and he is very…
large, isn’t he?“
Nicholas seated himself on the horsehair couch Mrs. Alford
had indicated. „Mikhail isn’t my servant, he’s my aide. He’s
Cossack and a Cossack is servant to no man.“ He smiled
easily. „And we have no intention of encountering any of your
young ladies except Miss Delaney. I’m sure neither my aide
nor myself could be considered a threat to the virtue of your
charges.“
The headmistress had distinct doubts on that score.
Nicholas Savron possessed a beguiling masculine beauty that
posed a danger far in excess of the attractions of an ordinary
young man – and he was a prince to boot. Any young girl was
bound to be dazzled by such a potent combination. From the
supple leather of his black boots to his black frock coat and
discreetly striped gray silk cravat, he was a picture of worldly
elegance. How had that savage been lucky enough to manage
to make the acquaintance of such a man? „Well, perhaps it
would do no harm for him to stay.“ Her fingers fluttered up to
fondle the cameo brooch at her throat. „I’ve sent for Silver. I
believe she’s in the garden this afternoon. The sweet girl is
such a lover of nature. You say you have a message for her?
Perhaps you’re acquainted with her guardian, Patrick
Delaney?“
Nicholas shook his head. „I have a connection with her
uncle Dominic.“
„A family connection?“
„Not exactly.“ The prince leaned forward and lowered his
voice. „I have a message for her concerning her uncle. A very
personal message. Naturally, you’ll be understanding enough
to give us the privacy needed for such a delicate matter.“
Mrs. Alford frowned. „Leave you alone with Silver? That’s
not possible. It would be frightfully improper.“
„But you’re obviously a lady of great discernment.“
Nicholas’s words flowed over her with honey-sweet
persuasion. „And a woman of such intelligence is allowed to
take risks when a lesser woman must cling diligently to the
rules.“ He smiled, his dark eyes twinkling. „I promise I’ll be
alone with her for only five minutes. What possible harm
could come to her in that short time?“
There was a sound from Mikhail that was suspiciously like
a snort of derision.
„Five minutes?“ The headmistress wavered. Those eyes
were mesmerizing and that wicked smile capable of melting
stone. She really shouldn’t permit him to – She abruptly stood
up as she made up her mind. Why not? That young demon
could certainly protect herself and she, Elisabeth Alford, was
not about to offend a prince. „Very well.“ She moved toward
the door. „But not a minute more. Ah, here is Silver. Silver,
this is his highness. Prince Nicholas Savron, and his aide,
Mikhail Kuzdief. My dear, his highness has a message for
you.“ She strutted from the room, her bustle swaying on her
ample posterior.
„What sort of message?“ Silver Delaney asked warily,
moving a few paces into the parlor.
Nicholas felt a tingle of emotion that was curiously like
shock. The girl before him was a dark flame burning in the
fussy drabness of the parlor. Ebony hair, straight and silky,
was left unbound to fall to the middle of her back. Golden skin
glowed with a satin luminence that was irresistibly tempting to
touch, and her eyes… wide-set, framed by long, curving black
lashes, those clear silver eyes should have been cool but they
were not. They were flashing, alive, and as passionate as those
beautifully shaped lips.
Passion. Sensuality. She radiated those qualities like a
shimmering beacon that would draw men to her as surely as
his own body was responding right now. She was clothed- in a
dark blue school uniform consisting of a long-sleeved waist-
length Zouave jacket, full shapeless skirt, and prim, high-
necked white shirtwaist blouse obviously meant to convince
all men that there was nothing worthy of their interest beneath.
On Silver Delaney the attempt at subterfuge was completely
useless. She held her slim body arrow-straight, her full breasts
pressing against the prim shirtwaist and jacket as if boldly
flaunting their presence. Yet there was an air of indifference to
her appearance that was as intriguing as the sensuality she
radiated with every breath.
„Well?“ She strode forward, her gaze meeting his with
impatience. „Speak up. Who sent you?“
Nicholas felt a touch of amusement. He couldn’t remember
ever having been spoken to like a dim-witted lackey even as a
child at the tsar’s court. He stood up and bowed mockingly.
„Forgive me for not answering you at once. I fear your beauty
held me speechless.“
„Bullshit.“ She stopped before him, planting her hands on
her hips. „I’m not even pretty. You were just taking my
measure as I was taking yours.“
Nicholas’s laugh rang out. He had never encountered such
honesty in a woman before. „Quite true. But may I say taking
your measure was a very pleasurable experience? I hope you
found me equally pleasing.“
He knew she would find him pleasing, Silver thought.
There was not a woman in the world who would not look at
him and want to keep on looking. A golden sun god – bold,
sensuous, lusty as any mythical Apollo. A sudden flush
brushed her cheeks as she realized her heart was pounding
painfully hard against her ribs. „You’re handsome enough, I
suppose. I have a fondness for dark men myself.“
Nicholas felt a sudden sharp annoyance. Was her circus
knife-thrower dark, then? Lord, what difference did it make
what were the preferences of a promiscuous little schoolgirl?
„Is your uncle Dominic dark?“
Her wariness immediately returned. „Yes.“
„And you’re very fond of him?“
„Yes.“ Her eyes suddenly narrowed. „Why are you asking
questions about Dom?“
„I need to see him. Will you tell me where to find him?“
„Why should I? What do you want with him?“ Her voice
became fierce. „How do I know you’re really who you say you
are? You could be another one of those idiot detectives who
came here looking for him.“
His lips twitched. „Who you consigned to the devil?“
„You are one of them.“ She took a step back, her hands
clenching at her sides. „I should have known that fool I
frightened away two days ago would send for someone else to
take his place. Why do you think I’d tell you anything about
Dom?“
His amusement faded. „Because I intend that you will tell
me.“
She looked at him incredulously. „Can you promise me that
you mean no harm to Dom?“
He hesitated before meeting her gaze. Should he lie to her?
The clear fearlessness of her regard decided him. In a world of
women who played with the truth as if it were a pretty toy, it
was refreshing to find one who appeared to have no guile.
„No, I can’t promise you that.“
„Then you’re loco to think I’d ever tell you anything.“ Her