The Bed You Make
Chapter 16, continued

“I was most impressed by your handling of Mr. Lee.” Stefan gracefully removed his necktie and folded it neatly. “It would seem that your experience in the judicial system has honed your instincts quite sharply. You were able to cut through Mr. Lee's antics in a manner that garnered his respect for your business acumen.” He crossed to the bar and poured a small glass of merlot.

Dara glanced across the room at her husband. She wasn't quite sure whether or not she should acknowledge his comments. Undoubtedly Stefan intended his words as a compliment. The faint tinge of surprise in his voice prevented Dara from considering it such. “Don't sound so surprised, Stefan. You've reminded me countless times - with quite a bit of frustration, I might add – that my intelligence is the reason you chose me.”

“Point well taken.” Stefan conceded his wife's statement with the slightest inclination of his head.

“Apology accepted.”

Stefan paused in the act of raising the glass to his lips. “I have no cause to apologize,” he said.

“Whatever.” Her parting shot made, Dara stepped into the bathroom and closed the door.

Stefan opened his laptop and sent off an instant message. His fingers tapped out a furious rhythm on the keys.

Within seconds Stefan's cellphone rang. He listened intently as his instructions were repeated back to him. Such precautions were not needed with this particular assistant. Still, both men preferred the added assurance the procedure provided. “Yes, that is correct,” Stefan confirmed. “Begin the process.”

Satisfied that his orders were in good hands, Stefan regarded the closed bathroom door again. Dara's handling of Russell Lee had impressed him – and given him quite a bit to think about. He had easily realized that the other man's behavior was designed to disarm them while Lee gathered his bearings. Stefan had not expected Dara to just as quickly make the same realization.

The bathroom door opened and the subject of his thoughts peered hesitantly out. “Umm… Would you mind if I borrowed your pajama top? I know that you don't usually bother to wear it,” Dara hastened to add.

“Certainly you may,” Stefan replied. He tilted his head curiously. “May I ask why you require such an article of clothing?”

Dara glanced away. “I dropped my night things in the sink. They're all wet.”

Stefan nodded. “I see your dilemma.” He reached into his luggage and pulled out a black silk pajama top. “Here you are.”

“Thank you.”

“You are welcome.”

Stefan allowed a smile to curve his lips. He was fully aware of Dara's reasons for borrowing the pajama top. Dara had grown far too comfortable in Stefan's presence – and in his bed. He needed to put her on the defensive once more.

He'd made it his business to be present when Mrs. Landsbury packed Dara's things for their current trip. Upon Stefan's instructions, the housekeeper had included only the raciest items for the new Mrs. Cassadine to wear to bed that night. It was, Stefan noted aloud, just another test to allow him a further glimpse into Dara's reactions and behaviors.

continued