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

eyes blazed. „I won’t tell you. Not ever.“

„You will, you know,“ he said softly. „Perhaps not now, but

you will tell me, Miss Delaney. It’s necessary that I find your

uncle.“

„Why?“

He smiled faintly. „I don’t believe it would be wise to

discuss my purpose with you. I think we’ve reached an

impasse. I can’t say that I’m sorry. Our situation promises to

become much more interesting this way. The quest may

become an adventure more satisfying than the discovery.“ His

voice lowered to velvet sensuality. „I’ve always been quite

fond of ‘adventures,’ haven’t you, Miss Delaney?“

His dark eyes held mysteries, sensual secrets she knew he

wanted to share with her. Yet his words were a mystery in