The Bed You Make
Chapter 37, continued

'Then my will prevails…'

The simple statement should have sounded over-inflated or outrageous. But as Dara looked around at the untamed splendor of their surroundings, she realized that the four words merely summed up what it was to be Stefan Cassadine. "It prevails because you're a Cassadine," Dara asked, " or because you're you?"

Stefan tucked Semyon's reins safely away and allowed the horse to graze freely. He extended his hand to Dara. "They are one and the same. And inseparable."

Dara allowed him to guide her without haste along a barely discernible path among the greenery. She was uncomfortably aware of the warmth of his hand engulfing hers, but did not pull free. With each step they took, the dull roar of the sea grew louder.

A few more steps and they emerged from the greenery onto a clearing overlooking the water. Dara could only stare mutely at the beauty of the spot. "I have often conceded this to be a favorite spot of mine here on the estate," Stefan admitted. "Its beauty is unmatched."

"You used to meet Laura Spencer here."

Dara didn't turn away from Stefan's frozen gaze. She understood his unrevealing expression. The question was intrusive. And to be honest, it was as much a surprise to her as it undoubtedly was to him. "I'm sorry." Dara didn't want her impulsive query to change the easy mood they had been enjoying. "Nikolas mentioned this spot a few times. He said that you told him about spending time with him here as a baby."

Stefan gestured to Dara that she should take a seat on the white stone bench. He sat down beside her. "This place was a favorite of mine before Nikolas' mother was ever introduced into our family. As a young boy, it was my escape from my mother's anger and my brother Stavros' cruelty."

"Let me guess. You used to come up here and daydream about being a pirate?"

"I thought ," Stefan corrected Dara, "about the day I would be old enough to sufficiently protect myself from Stavros and Helena. I have never considered not being a Cassadine."

Dara pretended to slap her forehead. "Of course you haven't. What was I thinking? But seriously," she smiled, "this is a beautiful spot. Thank you for showing it to me."

continued