The Bed You Make, Chapter 5d
Silence reigned in the moments following Dara's announcement of her marriage to Stefan. She had taken advantage of the outcry it caused at the adjoining table and graciously turned her attention that way – granting Nikolas, Stefan and Alexis a few moments of privacy.
Nikolas deeply appreciated the gesture. It was a thoughtful act that further confirmed for him his uncle's good fortune in persuading Dara to become a part of their lives.
“Public retribution, Stefan? I am a little surprised at you.”
“It would seem that your guilt is talking, Alexis. I was unaware until our arrival here that you would even be in attendance.”
Nikolas quickly confirmed Stefan's words. “That's true. It was my idea to invite you, Alexis. Uncle had no idea you were coming.”
His words did not have the desired effect. Instead of reassuring his aunt that Stefan had not plotted some elaborate scheme against her, Nikolas realized that he had managed to clearly point out how completely Stefan had cut his sister out of the details of his life.
Alexis' shoulders drooped a fraction. “What is this marriage about, then?” she asked quietly. She addressed the question to Nikolas.
Stefan replied in tones so icy that the temperature around their table dropped several degrees. “The details of my marriage are not your concern.”
“I'm back.” Dara returned to her seat beside Stefan. “I'm sorry if I was gone a bit long.”
Wordlessly Alexis rose from the table and wove her way through the maze of tables to the Outback's exit. Nikolas offered an apology and attempted to follow her. “No,” Stefan commanded. He held Nikolas in place. “Let her go. There is no response you can offer that will satisfy Alexis' interest without revealing too many details of our arrangement.”
A waiter brought over a bottle of champagne just as the lights began to dim in preparation of Eddie Maine's performance. He slid a folded slip of paper into place in front of Dara. “Compliments of the house,” the wiry little man announced.
Stefan raised an imperious eyebrow his bride's way. He reached out and took the note before Dara could. “‘ I expect an explanation',” Stefan read aloud. “Am I to deduce that this note is from Commissioner Scorpio?”