The Bed You Make
Chapter 50, continued
"You are required." The terse summons was issued to Stefan’s Head of Security via a single tone from the intercom. Yuri appeared at the suite’s door within minutes of the call. Their conversation lasted only minutes.
Satisfied that his instructions would be put into motion, Stefan returned to bed. As soon as Dara felt the shift of the mattress, she rolled over and snuggled up against his side. Stefan laid there until the growing sunlight began to push away the dawn. He pondered how right his current circumstances felt…the warmth of Dara's body against him, her soft, even breathing across his chest.
With surprising reluctance, he removed himself from bed. He'd had every intention of passing the day within the confines of their suite of rooms. But it hadn't taken long (in the silence following their revealing conversation)for Dara to soften against him and her speech to slow to a stop.
“Rest," Stefan eased out of his wife’s embrace. He slipped on the emerald pajama bottoms he’d worn the night before. "There is no need to rise. A small handful of matters have arisen that require attention, but they are personal matters. I will dispense with them and re-join you for a late lunch."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
Dara burrowed into the covers. Her eyes were already beginning to close. "Then I will take you up on the offer."
Everything within Stefan urged him to return there. The sight of Dara, boneless and unguarded, triggered memories of how softly and sweetly she’d welcomed him back into her body when he awakened her in the early hours of the morning.
Though he tried, it was not as easy for Stefan to put his thoughts to rest. He shed the silk pajamas he’d donned earlier to meet with Petrov and stepped into the luxurious customized shower. The pounding jets of hot water soothed muscles that were weary from use. It had been quite some time since Stefan had indulged in an extended sexual encounter.
Sexual encounter. Actually, the term that originally came to his mind was ‘night of lovemaking’. There was no denying that what he had enjoyed throughout the night with Dara was far more than mere sex. There was a level of freedom that came along with not having to be overly concerned with the female component of his current relationship. Whatever her goals, Stefan did not have to worry about Dara seeking to increase her base of power - unless it was in regard to their fledgling relationship. She already had his ring, his name, his trust (however temporary).
Temporary. The word mocked him in a voice much like his cousin Philip, Stefan noted. The man had already made his approval of Dara known. Undoubtedly he would do so again. Stefan was scheduled to meet with him for an early breakfast. Yuri Petrov’s security personnel reported Helena's presence the previous night at Philip's restaurant, Xanthe.
Stefan dressed quietly even though Dara was so sound asleep it did not matter. Still, he did not wish to disturb her rest. He’d done enough of that the previous night.
