The Bed You Make
Chapter 10, conclusion
During the past week's breakfast and lunch breaks, Nikolas generously shared stories of his childhood with Stefan. They were amusing and showed the depth of Stefan's love for and devotion to Nikolas. Dara boldly teased her new husband that if he wasn't careful, Nikolas' stories might thaw the edges of his uncle's icy reputation. Stefan archly assured Dara that there was little chance of that happening.
Dara had grown accustomed to Nikolas' presence at morning meals. He was a steady buffer between she and Stefan. His presence guaranteed that conversations remained fairly neutral. Meals alone with Stefan inevitably turned into opportunities for him to skillfully attempt to uncover the things that made Dara who she was.
Under the guise of discussing current events, Stefan would sit and gauge her reactions to his statements. And while Dara enjoyed the give and take of their discussions more than she wanted to admit, she also realized that she had to be very careful or reveal more about herself than she could afford.
“What subject shall we discuss this morning?” Stefan put down the morning's paper and stared across the table at Dara.
Dara took a sip of orange juice. “I will let you choose.”
“Hezbollah.”
A somber-faced butler caught Stefan's attention before Dara could reply. Stefan waved the man closer. “There is a telephone call for Mrs. Cassadine,” the man announced quietly.
“Very well.” Stefan glanced at the slip of paper that the man presented to him bearing the caller's identity. “Mrs. Cassadine will take the call here.” He dismissed the man. Stefan turned to an irate Dara. “Your discretion was admirable,” he observed softly.
Dara refused to be placated. “You are screening my calls?” she demanded.
Stefan was unruffled. “Not in the manner in which you are thinking,” he replied. “I merely sought to intercept calls from associates and distant Cassadine relatives that you are not yet equipped to handle.” He read Dara's skeptical gaze. “You have received several hundred calls of welcome over the past five days alone. The documentation exists if you would like to review them all.”
“Several hundred?”
The butler cleared his throat, reminding Dara of her phone call. She jumped up and reached for the phone. “Hello? …Uh, hello. What can I do for you?” Her brows furrowed as she listened intently. “Things? What things? …Well, yes, I guess I can arrange that… Eleven o'clock. I'll be there.”