CHAPTER 27

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Alina felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation as she opened the door.  Tomas was already home.  His car was out front in the courtyard.  She rushed to the lounge, thinking he would be chatting with Emily, he was not there.  Voices from Tomas’ study caught her attention.  The nauseating seductive, familiar laughter of a certain undesirable female had Alina rushing to Tomas’ study.  She opened the door without knocking.  The conversation stopped.  The smile disappeared of Gabriella’s face as she glared at the intruding Mrs. Alina Casiraghi, in her drab chef’s uniform.

‘Tomas, you’re home early!’ Alina cautiously greeted. 

‘And so are you cara,’ Tomas’ smile was polite.  Outwardly nothing looked wrong, but the look in his hooded eyes, told Alina a different story altogether.  She was still being punished for giving him the cold shoulder last night.  Tomas stood up.  With slow deliberation, he made his way to her.  Unable to hold his gaze a second longer, Alina focused instead on his loosened tie, wondering whether he’d opened it or had Gabriella enjoyed that pleasure. Tomas towered over her, his magnetic presence commanding her eyes to meet his.  Inhaling deeply, her eyes lifted to his. Alina could sense Gabriella’s icy glare piercing at her.  When Tomas’ head lowered to kiss her, Alina relished the moment of glory.  Her arms draped around his neck possessively. 

‘Hi,’ Alina murmured, deliberately prolonging the kiss.  Tomas’ sexy eyebrows arched acrobatically.  Alina felt a surge of delight and did a mental cart wheel at the spark of desire that flashed in Tomas’ eyes.  He banked it quickly, and returned to his desk.

‘Gabriella, you and Keres back from Greece then?’

‘Yes,’ Tomas answered for Gabriella.  ‘I just picked mama and Gabriella up from the airport.’

‘So where’s Keres?’ Alina stared at the sulking Gabriella.

‘She was tired and wanted to go home,’ Gabriella finally spoke with a satisfied smirk.  ‘I wanted to talk to Tomas.’

Alina felt her stomach knotting.  ‘What about?’ She was annoyed at herself that her question came out more politely than she wanted it to.

‘It seems Gustav finally wants to visit,’ Tomas answered, on Gabriella’s behalf.

Can you allow this reptile to speak for herself!

‘I see,’ Alina replied.

‘Apparently mama wants Gustav to stay with her, but he told Gabriella he does not want to stay with mama!’ Tomas added.

I don’t blame him.

‘Gabriella is proposing Gustav stay at her place,’ Tomas relayed.

‘No!’ Alina rejected that suggestion forcefully.

 I will not be allowing my husband to be visiting your home every day.

‘Excuse me!’  Gabriella glowered at Alina with raised eyebrows.

‘Well___,’ Alina turned to Tomas.  He was also curious to hear his wife’s explanation, it seemed.  She smiled almost pleadingly.  ‘Gustav can stay with us,’ she murmured.  ‘You know we have more than enough rooms to accommodate him.’

‘You don’t mind?’ Tomas questioned.  ‘I don’t want to inconvenience Caroline and Emelia.’

‘No,’ Alina answered softly.  Glad that Tomas was buying her suggestion.

‘Are you sure Caroline will be comfortable with it?’

Oh Tomas!

‘Yes.’ …I hope so

‘Okay, that settles it I think,’ Tomas looked skeptical.  ‘Thank you for offering to host Gustav, Gabriella.’

‘No problem,’ Gabriella answered dejectedly.

‘Shall I take you home now?’ Tomas offered, ‘or would you be joining us for dinner?’  Tomas looked at Alina, expecting her to second his dinner invitation.

‘No, take me home,’ Gabriella stood up.  She smiled.  The glint of mischief in her eyes betrayed her.

‘Tomas?’

‘Yes cara.’

‘Could you hurry back?’ 

Tomas’ eyebrow shot up again for the second time.  Alina did not offer a reason as to why she was giving her husband that instruction.  Her eyes remained trained on Gabriella as her chin rose challengingly.  The scowl on Gabriella’s face looked delightfully atrocious.  She narrowed her eyes hatefully at Alina.

 Alina turned and directed a telling look at Tomas.  ‘I’m going to take a quick shower, before you return.’   Tomas eyes darkened as he nodded, unaware of the electric tension in the air.

After her shower, Alina went in search of Caroline, knowing Tomas would not have returned.  She knocked on Caroline’s bedroom door.

‘Hey sis,’ Alina smiled, taking a seat on the bed.

‘Alina, you’re home early!’  Caroline looked up from the turquoise scarf she was knitting for Emily.

I was missing my husband, but now he’s with that…that…

‘I have a favour to ask,’ Alina smiled again.

‘Sure, anything,’ Caroline set her needles on her lap.

‘Do you remember, we went to Greece to visit Tomas’ uncle?’

‘Yeah, Gustav, right?’

‘Yes,’ Alina nodded.  ‘Would you mind if he visited here for a while?’

‘No.  Don’t be silly.  This is your home, yours and Tomas.’

‘I know, but Tomas did not want to make you guys uncomfortable, having his uncle here.’

‘Oh, it’s no trouble for Emily and I.  This home is so huge.’

‘It’s what I’ve told Tomas,’ Alina smiled, relieved that her sister was okay with the arrangement.  ‘Let me put dinner on the table,’ Alina rose. 

‘I’ll help you,’ Caroline followed Alina.

‘Where’s that niece of mine?’ Alina laughed.

‘I think she’s managed to twist Shay’s arms to make chocolate brownies,’ Caroline laughed as they approached the kitchen.  Alina could smell the rich aroma of the freshly baked cookies.

‘Aunt Alina!  You’re home,’ Emily rushed into Alina’s arms.

‘Hey puppet,’ Alina laughed, hoisting her niece up.  ‘You look so cute in your chef’s hat.’  Alina’s eyes looked over Emily’s head at the housekeeper.  Shay had an annoyed expression on her face, which she managed to quickly school.

‘Hello Shay,’ Alina greeted.

‘Good evening Mrs. Casiraghi,’ Shay drew out with a false smile.

‘You having fun puppet?’

‘I was,’ Emily pouted, ‘but Shay said we can’t make more.’

Shay turned away and waited for the dressing down from Alina.  Alina looked at the three trays of cookies, on the cooling rack.  ‘Well I think you have more than enough there for tonight,’ Alina laughed.

Shay looked over her shoulder, surprised at the unexpected support from Alina.  She summoned a smile for Emily. ‘We’ll make more tomorrow afternoon,’ Shay promised.

‘Yippy! Thank you Shay.’

‘Go wash your hands.  We’re going to have dinner,’ Alina set Emily down.

‘Why can’t we wait for Toe-muz?’ Emily moaned.

‘I’m here.’

Alina spun around, they gazed into each other’ eyes.

‘I heard something about dinner,’ Tomas broke the spell.

‘Yeah,’ Alina looked away.

Tomas smiled at Emily and spoke to her in Italian.

‘That means I must wash my hands,’ Emily sulked.

‘Wow, you’re getting good at it puppet.’

‘That’s because Toe-muz does not speak to me in English anymore.’

Tomas laughed.  ‘As soon as you master the language, I’m going to arrange for an Italian prince to marry you.’

So his cold war is only directed at me!

‘Yak!’  Emily creased the muscles on her face.

As usual, Tomas was entertaining and the centre of attention as they finished dinner.  Alina smiled or laughed at the appropriate moments and answered in a monosyllable here or there when required.  After coffee she helped Shay with the dishes.  Tomas declined the nightcap, she offered him.  Alina was cautiously optimistic when Tomas made excuses for the both of them to retire for the night.

     Alina stood, grounded to one single spot in their bedroom.  Her eyes followed Tomas with baited breath as he focused on peeling of his clothes.  Every fiber in her being begged to walk up to him and wrap her arms around his adorable, masculine torso.   Instead she dragged herself to their bed.  She almost hoped Tomas would invite her to shower, even though she already had one.  She let out her breath in a sigh, when Tomas walked to his shower and closed the door.  She undressed, and slipped under the covers, wishing sleep would overtake her highly keyed up body, but she was wide awake when Tomas returned with only a towel wrapped around his mid-drift.  He lifted the covers, threw the towel to the floor and slipped in next to her.

‘Is Caroline okay with Gustav coming over?’ Tomas enquired, resting his head on his folded arms.

‘Yeah__yes,’ she blurted, taken totally by surprise.

Tomas’ head turned slightly to study Alina.  He was lying on his back.  She was on her side facing him, not in any hurry to say “good night.”  He continued to lay there motionlessly and just stared at Alina.  Plucking up the courage, Alina lifted her head.  She reached over and pressed her lips to his. He did not return the kiss.  Neither did he reach out for her.  Groaning softly, Alina deepened the kiss, still no response.

‘Tomas___please,’ she whispered croakily.

‘I have a headache,’ he murmured.

‘What!’  She drew away sharply.

‘I thought it my turn to make excuses,’ he challenged.

‘Oh that ...,’ she lowered her head. 
‘I ...  called you in the morning to apologize,’ she fiddled with the duvet cover.  ‘My call went straight to your voicemail,’ she answered softly.  ‘I’m sorry, I lied,’ she mumbled.

‘So why did you lie?’

I hate seeing Gabriella all over you! 
‘I was cross with you for assaulting Rocco.’

‘He wants you in his bed,’ Tomas hissed.

And what about Gabriella who wants you permanently? 

‘I have no intention of being an unfaithful wife.’

‘You will not ever entertain such a notion,’ he pinned her down on her pillow.  Alina’s eyes widened at the lightening speed at which he had her imprisoned in the missionary position.  She gazed into his dark eyes, lost in the depth of desire evident there.  Her hands curved around his neck.  She pulled him closer and kissed him hungrily.

     'Gustav, you’re looking so much better,’ Alina smiled.

‘I feel good,’ Gustav smiled, ‘like a new man.’

‘This is my sister Caroline Shepherd and her daughter Emily. Caroline this is Gustav Papadakis.’

‘Pleasure to meet you,’ Gustav nodded.  ‘Hello little one,’ he smiled tiredly.

‘Hello,’ Emily greeted shyly, holding tightly onto Alina.

‘Tomas,’ Alina called out.  ‘I think the journey was tiring for Gustav.  ‘Can you assist him to his suite.’

  ‘Come, old man,’ Tomas teased.  ‘Your room is downstairs, just to the right.

     The following morning, Alina was up early.  She wanted to prepare breakfast for their guest.  It seems Gustav was an early riser.  He walked into the kitchen whilst Alina was still busy.

‘Gustav!  I was going to bring you breakfast in bed.  Good morning,’ Alina smiled.

‘I’m not an invalid,’ he winked.  ‘I like the fresh air in the mornings.’

‘Would you like some fruit juice, or do you prefer coffee?’ Alina offered.

Tomas was annoyed when he awoke and discovered his wife was up already.  He stormed into the shower and still in the foul mood went downstairs to breakfast.  He knew Gustav was an early riser just like himself, but Alina did not know that.  Yet he heard voices in the kitchen.   Tomas could hear Gustav’s teasing voice and his wife’s apparent laughter. 

I’ve never heard her laugh that way!   
Gustav’s voice interrupted Tomas’ thoughts.

“‘I prefer a juicy steak,”

'Umm___Tomas gave me a list of the foods your doctor advised, for your diet.  Red meat was on the do not eat list,’ a smile hovered on Alina’s face.

'Surely one tiny piece of steak won’t harm me__'

‘Not unless you want to return to the hospital,’ Tomas pushed open the kitchen door.

Alina almost jumped out of her skin.  The hot coffee she was pouring spilled on her wrist.  She cringed silently and pressed her hand behind her back.  She quickly dabbed at the coffee on the counter and poured Gustav more coffee.

‘I bet you’re going to enjoy lecturing me,’ Gustav glared at Tomas.

‘If you look after yourself old man, I won’t need to,’ Tomas answered with a trace of annoyance.

Gustav resorted to his native tongue.  ‘How did you trap this beautiful lady into marriage?  I can’t see her marrying an overbearing tyrant like you off her own free will!'

Tomas’ face contorted.  The muscle jerked wildly at his throat.  His response in Greek was with his own evasive question. 
‘Does my wife look like she is being held prisoner?’

‘Tomas,’ Alina walked around the kitchen table.   ‘Good morning’ she kissed his cheek, ‘please be polite and speak in Italian or English.’

‘Sorry cara,’ Tomas mumbled.

‘Now what are you two arguing about?’ Alina smiled.

Tomas hesitated momentarily. 
‘He thinks I enjoy lecturing him,’ Tomas glared at Gustav.  His uncle smiled wickedly at Tomas’ selective response.

“‘He” is your uncle.  You should show Gustav some respect.’

‘Yes, show me some respect,’ Gustav smirked.

‘One earns respect, old man!’

‘Stop it you two!’ Alina laughed.  She shoved Tomas into a chair.  ‘Eat your breakfast,’ she instructed.

Tomas ate in silence.  He left for the office, whilst Alina was still busy with Emily.  On his way out he informed, Gustav he’d be home early to spend some time with him.  Alina wondered if she could sneak away from the restaurant early so she could also enjoy being in her husband’s company.  She could just imagine Rocco throwing a fit.  Alina smiled to herself.  Tomas had been so wonderful last night, the way he’d made love to her so tenderly, after his fake headache. 

Just after lunch, it seemed the decision was made for Alina.  She received a call from Caroline to inform her Tomas’ father and a companion had arrived.  She called Rocco to her office, informed him of her unexpected visitors and rushed home.

     ‘Simona,’ Alina laughed and hugged her visitor.  ‘Welcome.’

‘Caroline, I take it you’ve met Nico Casiraghi and Simona Felini?’ Alina placed a protective hand on her sister’s shoulder.

‘Yes,’ Caroline smiled politely.

‘Am I not welcome?’ Nico demanded.

Casiraghi men!

‘You’re welcome too, Nico,’ Alina greeted her father-in-law.  ‘Have you called Tomas?’

‘Yes, he should be here any minute now,’ Nico smiled.

Good...very good.

Alina watched Nico and Gustav in animated conversation.  They had their arms around each other.

‘Those two ---very close,’ Simona smiled, tugging her arm into Alina’s.

‘Really? So why do Tomas and Gustav argue so much?’

‘No--- no be fooled.  They thick as thieves,’ Simona laughed. 

‘You and Nico must be tired.  Would you like to freshen up?’ Alina offered.

‘No thank you,’ we rest on  jet.  ‘So how things with you and Tomas?’  Simona grinned.

‘Fine___very good,’ Alina laughed.

‘That good huh,’ Simona laughed.  ‘Tomas is amazing guy.  Protect your man,’ Simona cautioned, tapping Alina’s wrist.

I wish I knew how!

Dinner was a joyous festivity in the Tomas Casiraghi household.  Alina had excused herself to prepare for the large dinner contingent.  Simona had begged and pleaded to help in the kitchen.  Alina much preferred to do things by herself, but she like Simona and accepted her offer to help.

At dinner, Tomas sat at the head of the table.  Allina at the far end opposite him, but Alina was not disappointed.  Tomas was positively happy to have his dad there.  There were various robust conversations going on simultaneously.  What pleased Alina, was ever so often, Tomas would look her way and smile adoringly.  Alina would choke on her breath before she returned the smile.  She was surprised now, when Tomas was at her chair lifting her up.

‘Thank you,’ he whispered in her ear.

‘For what?’

‘For the lovely dinner for my family,’ he smiled. 

‘It’s a pleasure,’ Alina gazed into his eyes.

‘Shall I help you with dessert?’ Tomas offered.

‘Okay,’ Alina replied.

Tomas was assisting Alina with bowls and trays when Shay interrupted them.  ‘Mr. Casiraghi, sir, your mother has arrived.  I have seated her in the foyer and informed her you have guests.’

Tomas looked at Alina.  His face did not reflect what he was thinking, but Alina recalled Nico telling her in Italy that it was safer to not be in the same country as his wife. Alina wondered if there was going to be sparks flying in her dining room. 

‘Thank you Shay.  Please take these into the dining room,’ Alina instructed as she walked to Tomas.

‘Does Keres know your father is here?’ She asked softly.

Tomas shook his head.  ‘I will tell mama, I shall see her tomorrow,’ he meant to walk away.

‘You cannot dismiss your mother like an unwanted salesman,’ Alina gripped his arm.  ‘I’m sure she is here to see Gustav.’

Tomas lowered his head.  The muscles were working at his jaw again.

‘Tomas,’ Alina cupped his cheek.  ‘Invite Keres in and tell her Nico is here.’

‘Fine,’ he muttered.

‘Shall I warn Nico?’

‘No,’ he tugged her arm.  ‘Come with me,’ he dragged her to meet Keres.

‘Good evening Keres,’ Alina smiled.

‘Evening,’ she replied unsmilingly.  ‘Tomasa,’ she offered her son a hug.

‘Good evening mama.  Papa and Simona are here,’ Tomas blurted.  Alina cringed silently at his tactless admission.

Keres quickly masked her shock.  She glared at Alina as if it was Alina’s fault that she had visitors.  She held tightly onto her son’s hand.

‘I’m not surprised he came to see Gustav,’ she finally smiled.

‘Shall we go in mama?’

Keres inhaled deeply and nodded.

When Alina opened the dining room door, her eyes fell on Nico.  She wanted to see his reaction.  She waited for Tomas to introduce their new guest.

‘Everybody, mama has arrived to visit the patient,’ Tomas announced without ceremony.

There was an eerie silence for one agonizing minute as Nico and Keres stared at each other.  Alina was amazed to see the same blank, shuttered look on Nico’s face that she always saw on Tomas’ face when he was hiding his thoughts. 

Damn, that’s where he gets it from!

Nico rose to his feet.  There was a polite smile on his face. 
Another Casiraghi trait.

‘Good evening Keres,’ Nico greeted in Italian.

Alina was astounded at the polite response Keres offered her husband.

‘Hello Keres,’ Simona stood up as well.  
She seemed unaffected by the presence of the wife, of the man she was in a relationship with. 
Keres’ greeting to Simona was less polite.  Alina wanted to smile.  She looked at her husband and discovered his eyes were trained on her.

‘Alina?’ Simona drew her attention.  ‘Can we have a chair for Keres here?’ she asked.

‘Yes___sorry,’ Alina  rushed to seat Keres.  She marveled at how poised and unaffected Simona was at having Keres present with them

‘Hello sister dear,’ Gustav smiled.  ‘So you came to see if I’m being treated well?  Actually they are starving me,’ Gustav pouted.

Keres shifted her chair to where Gustav was seated.  She started a conversation in Greek with her brother.  What intrigued Alina was the frequency Keres’ eyes travelled to Nico and stayed longer than was just normal. 

So she still has feelings for her husband.  Oh dear!

‘Keres may I serve you dinner?’ Alina offered.

‘No thank you,’ Keres answered ever so politely.  Her eyes shifted to Nico again.  ‘I’ve had dinner already,’ she tendered one of her very rare smiles in Alina’s direction.

‘Coffee, perhaps

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