The Bed You Make
Chapter 21, continued
Not for the first time Stefan found himself running on autopilot as he analyzed his wife's latest move. It was becoming a familiar, and, Stefan admitted with some exasperation, unpleasant position to be in. He was not accustomed to being the one left searching in any encounter. And he did not care for the feeling.
Had Dara begun to sense his growing familiarity of her presence in his life and his bed? Clinically, Stefan dissected his actions of the past week or so. To his consternation, several instances of less than impassive reactions sprang readily to mind.
The encounter with Russell Lee disturbed Stefan most. From the moment he'd opened the hotel room door to the handsome Asian chemist, he'd been beset by a sense of possessiveness toward Dara. Then, as now, Stefan rationalized the reaction as natural, a male animal's territorial instinct. But a nagging little voice in his head mocked the very convenient conclusion.
Whatever the reason for his wife's decision to move to the adjoining suite, Stefan was in complete agreement. A bit of physical distance between them could only serve to sharpen edges that had apparently been dulled by his lack of vigilance.
Stefan blinked. His thoughts had occupied him more than he'd realized; he stood in front of the door to his suite of rooms. He'd made the complete circuit of Wyndemere, interacted with the staff and barely recalled more than an impression of his actions.
Quietly he watched Mrs. Landsbury direct two uniformed housegirls as they transferred the contents of Dara's closet into the other suite. They moved efficiently, with only occasional directives from Mrs. Landsbury. Each girl transferred only two garments at a time, taking care to carry them so that the line of the dress or suit was not disturbed.
Stefan knew that Mrs. Landsbury would undoubtedly handle the transfer of his wife's more personal things herself.
“Yes, Master Stefan?” Mrs. Landsbury interrupted Stefan's thoughts. She gave one of the girls a sharp command before crossing to the doorway where Stefan stood. “Is there something you require?”
Stefan took no offense to the housekeeper's polite dismissal. Over the years Mrs. Landsbury had proven her worth through unfailing service to the Cassadine family. She had earned a bit of authority where the family was concerned. “No,” Stefan gave a faint tip of his head. “As always, you have the situation well in hand.”
