The Bed You Make
Chapter 51, continued
Stefan waited patiently while Philip read the note handed to him by one of the maids. "Forgive me, Stefan," Philip apologized. "I'm afraid I’ll have to take my leave. As much as I was looking forward to spending time in Mrs. Lansbury's kitchen, my staff has alerted me that my friend Russell Lee has arrived unexpectedly at Xanthe's door." The blond chef shrugged ruefully. “It would be poor form to leave Russell to his own devices."
"We have had the dubious pleasure of Mr. Lee's company,” Stefan said. His dry tone made his feelings on the other man clear. "He is, however, a capable chemist whom Dara has chosen to assign several cosmetic tasks to her specifications.” Stefan picked up the phone. "Send a car to Xanthe and retrieve a passenger there. A Russell Lee." He turned to Philip. "This will provide Mr. Lee an opportunity to update Dara on his progress."
"Thank you, Cousin!" Philip beamed with genuine appreciation. "I have been looking forward to picking Mrs. Lansbury's brain since the moment I knew I was coming here."
"Are you certain it is not the various pastries she prepares for you that you look forward to?"
Philip’s grin was his reply. Stefan could only shake his head. Since they were young boys, Mrs. Lansbury had gone out of her way to make Philip feel welcome during his summertime visits. Helena was not the most affectionate of aunts and Stavros was usually openly hostile. During his visits, Philip's days were often spent seated at one of the large wooden tables in the kitchen, silently observing the staff through wide eyes.
"You’ll let me know when Russell gets here?"
"Certainty."
Stefan took the opportunity to touch bases with the security staff assigned to Nikolas' protection back in New York. Although Yuri Petrov was tasked with the assignment, Stefan still maintained a hands-on approach when it came to Nikolas’ well-being. His actions were a reminder of just how important the task was to their employer.
That done, Stefan dispatched one of the servants to inform Dara of their lunch guests. She was certain to have risen by that time. Despite her playful complaints that Stefan was too early a riser, she rarely stayed in bed much longer than 30 minutes past his departure. Of course, Stefan allowed, she hadn't spent the better part of the previous night matching him appetite for appetite.
Dara’s touches were hesitant and uncertain at the onset. But as the night hours had passed, her assurance of her power within the relationship had grown. At one point, she’d pushed Stefan onto his back and ridden him with almost cruel thoroughness.
But that was the dark of night. What would the light of day reveal about the threshold they had crossed? Stefan was pleased to find himself at ease with it all. He hoped Dara did as well. But if she needed time to adjust to their changed relationship, they would have Philip and Russell Lee to act as buffers during today’s lunch.
