Strange Bedfellows
~ ch. 19, concluded ~
Dara stayed wrapped in the
circle of Stefan’s arms until Alex’s footsteps could no longer be heard
departing Wyndemere.
“You were most
convincing,” Stefan began.
“Don’t.”
Dara jerked away from Stefan’s touch.
“Don’t you dare congratulate me on hurting Alex!
He is a wonderful man and he doesn’t deserve what I just did to him.”
“Terminating your
association with Detective Garcia was necessary for the success of our
agreement,” Stefan responded calmly. “You
claimed to understand this when I first detailed my proposal.”
A hint of anger colored
Dara’s tone. “You will just
have to excuse me, then. I guess
I’m just not as proficient as you seem to be when it comes to turning off my
emotions.”
Stefan’s eyes narrowed at
Dara’s angry exit from the parlor. Her
confrontation with Detective Garcia had upset Dara more than Stefan expected.
Perhaps it was possible that he had underestimated the depth of his new
bride’s feelings for the plainclothes officer.
“What happened?”
Nikolas stepped into the room. “I
just saw Dara and she seemed upset. Did
the judge rule against us?”
Stefan did not allow the
pleasure he felt at Nikolas’ use of the word ‘us’ to show upon his face.
“Quite the opposite,” Stefan smiled.
“Judge Cho has wisely chosen to appoint Dara to the position of
trustee.”
“Then why was she upset?”
Even though Nikolas was thrilled by his uncle’s news, he was concerned
about Dara. She was, after all, the
sole reason they were able to celebrate a victory over Helena and cousin
Aristide.
“Her distress is the result
of an unpleasant encounter with Detective Garcia of the Port Charles Police
Department.” Stefan read the
confusion in his nephew’s eyes. “I
believe they were previously involved.”
Nikolas began to understand.
“She told him about marrying you and he wasn’t happy.”
“Correct.”
Stefan grew thoughtful. “But
perhaps the encounter will have served some good,” he mused.
“Dara will no doubt elicit a similar reaction each time she shares the
news of our marriage.”
“Then maybe we should just
surprise them all.” Nikolas
elaborated. “Why don’t we have
dinner tonight at the Outback? Eddie
Maine is scheduled to perform, so everyone in Port Charles will be there.
We can celebrate and break the news all at once.”
Stefan clapped his nephew
lightly on the back. “A
magnificent idea, Nikolas! I shall
go and propose it to Dara.”
“Uncle…”
Nikolas’ soft voice stopped Stefan from leaving the room.
“Once again you have turned your life upside down for me.
If I have not said so lately… Thank you.”
Stefan quickly returned to
Nikolas and cupped his cheek gently. “I
would do anything for you, Kolya. Always.”
