The Black Sheep and the English Rose by Donna Kauffman Page A

so alert to every nuance of even the slightest reaction in either man.
    â€œCome now,” she continued, “the least we can do is allow you a moment to gloat over whatever wonderful item it is that John has craftily secured for you. I’m certain I’ll be jealous and wish it were mine.”
    It amazed Finn how innocent and sincerely enthusiastic she came off. Not that either Reese or Andreev were falling for it, but it was good to know just how broad her range of acting skills was. They both might need them before the evening was over.
    â€œI promise to pout only for the briefest of moments when I hear what fabulous find I’ve missed out on.” She looked at Yvgeny. “I’m afraid I’m quite the spoiled child my father—bless his departed soul—always accused me of being when it comes to acquiring new baubles. I can be ever so determined, to the point of petulance, when I don’t get my way. But never let it be said that on the rare occasion I don’t emerge the victor, that I don’t extend the lucky winner my heartiest congratulations for a battle fiercely won.” Her smile spread. “Though, I’ll admit that I do keep track of those lost opportunities. You never know when they might surface again.” She glanced at Reese. “And I so hate to lose anything twice.”
    Andreev gave up eating all together, his dead stare presently pinning Reese squarely to his seat.
    To his credit, Reese didn’t exhibit the slightest shred of panic, despite the fact that it was clear the Russian was visibly quite unhappy now. “My darling Felicity Jane, I’m well aware of your rather obsessive proclivities, but, as even you must know, you can’t have all the toys.” He turned his most charming smile on the three of them, white teeth flashing now. It was a striking difference from the man they’d first walked in on, and very effective. “Whatever would the rest of us do for fun?”
    Felicity rewarded his blatant attempt to lighten the suddenly tense mood with a delighted laugh and swat at his arm. They were saved from further conversation when the sommelier arrived with Felicity’s requested bottle of champagne. She turned a charming, confident smile on all three men, as if commanding the attention of a room full of admirers was quite the normal evening activity for her. For all Finn knew, it probably was.
    â€œI thought it only fair that I come bearing gifts. I hope you’ll see fit to forgive me, Yvgeny,” she went on, favoring the Russian with the full force of her charm. “Please, enjoy a glass of some wonderful champagne, won’t you?”
    Andreev stared at her for a second that stretched quite uncomfortably. Finn was a heartbeat away from coming out of his chair, as every protective instinct he owned flared to life. But Andreev abruptly stood instead and turned his attention to Reese. He spoke in rapid Russian, then ended in English with, “I’m afraid I shall no longer be requiring your services. I’m certain you will be hearing from my employer.” He shoved his chair back roughly enough to draw attention from several nearby diners, but exited the dining room swiftly and quietly, with no further dramatics.
    The noise in the room quickly resumed normal levels. Except at their table, where the tension remained high, as did the resulting echoing silence.
    Reese very calmly folded his napkin and laid it across his plate, his dinner half eaten. “I’m afraid I’ve also lost my appetite.”
    Felicity’s lips formed a distressed little moue, but the light in her eyes gave away her true feelings. “I’m so sorry if our intrusion had anything to do with that.”
    Reese signaled the waiter, then stood as the young man crossed the room. “Enjoy yourselves,” he said to them, then looked to the waiter. “Please include their dinner and anything else they desire on my