Free My Lady, My Spy (Secrets and Seduction Book 4) by Sheridan Jeane Page A

Isn’t that a bit contradictory?” She turned her face to one side, but her hurt and confusion slammed into him. He’d done this to her. He reached out to stroke her neck with the back of his fingertips. “What man truly knows his own heart, especially where a woman is concerned?”
    She shivered and reflexively bent her cheek toward his hand. Then she pulled away. “Many. But it takes being truthful to yourself. I don’t think you’re particularly adept at that.”
    A flush swept over his face. She wanted truth. How could he convince her he wanted the same thing between them? “I— my brother and I called on the Russian ambassador today,” he blurted out. “I thought you might want to be kept apprised of our progress.”
    She stilled. “Does the ambassador suspect Robert stole the book?”
    Frederick dragged his fingers through his hair. “That was our first assumption when his men tried to kidnap Robert off the street last night.”
    “What?” Her eyes widened. “Did they harm him?”
    Frederick shook his head. “We thought it best to confront Ambassador Revnik immediately so we could address his suspicions, but it turned out he didn’t believe we’d stolen it.” He gave her a faint smile. “He was after the real thief. A woman in a silver gown. He knew exactly who she was and hoped we could provide information about her.”
    Josephine rubbed at her forehead. “Does that mean she’s a spy?”
    Frederick swung his head from side to side. “I don’t think so. The ambassador said something strange. Apparently the woman is ‘too important’ for him to question directly. He preferred trying to kidnap an earl. Can you make any sense of that? Because I can’t.”
    “More important than an earl? That’s interesting. Who is she?”
    “I still don’t know. Based on Robert’s description, she’s British, cultured, and is skilled at deception. I originally assumed she must be a spy, but now I’m beginning to reconsider. She isn’t one of ours, and she clearly doesn’t work for the Russians. Perhaps she’s working for the French.” He closed his eyes and shook his head in frustration. “If only I could locate her. It’s frustrating she was able to disappear like mist.”
    He let out a sigh as he stepped back from her. “We should rejoin the other guests before your absence is noted.”
    She reached up and smoothed his hair in place. “That’s better. You were looking a bit tousled.”
    “I trust you won’t reveal any of this.”
    She scowled at him. “Of course not. Honestly, Frederick. Do you think I’m featherbrained?”
    “It’s not— of course—”
    She said nothing, but swept past him and yanked open the door. He hurried to catch up. At the door leading back to the gathering, he offered her his arm.
    She stared at it for a moment, and he could sense her indecision. She couldn’t decide if she wanted to reenter the salon alone, or with him.
    “It will look less suspicious if nothing seems amiss between us.”
    She frowned as she grudgingly placed her hand on his arm. “I’m not a ninny,” she muttered.
    “I’m sorry,” he said.
    She ignored him.
    As they reentered the room, Frederick glanced around, but no one seemed to take note of their entrance. Not even Lord Temple, who was speaking with another gentleman, Mr. Easterly. As Frederick watched, Lord Temple gave Mr. Easterly a polite nod and turned toward the refreshment table.
    Josephine watched him for a moment as well, and then offered Frederick a tight smile. She cleared her throat. When she spoke, her voice took on a formal quality, as though she assumed people were eavesdropping. “I hadn’t expected you to be here tonight. Is your hand improved?”
    “The poultice helped,” he replied in a similar formal tone, “but I’m nearly out of the supplies.”
    “Mrs. Drummer will prepare more for you tomorrow. I’d be happy to bring them to you.”
    Frederick tensed.
    Josephine narrowed her eyes the tiniest bit.