Alina cleaned and enthusiastically prepared the seafood for Tomas’ dinner.  She put together a delicious creamed garlic sauce.  It smelt heavenly.  It was too early to put the food into the oven.  It did not need a lot of time.  She would do that about twenty minutes before dinner.

‘Cara, come let’s go for a walk,’ Tomas strolled into the kitchen.

‘But I’m busy,’ Alina looked up from the special dinner she was preparing for him, although his offer delighted her.

Tomas looked at his wristwatch, ‘It’s still early cara,’ he urged.

‘Where’s Emily?’  Alina dried her hands with the tea towel.

‘Busy with the bag of goodies I brought back,’ he smiled guiltily.

‘You spoil her to much Tomas,’ Alina accused.

‘Oh good afternoon Mr. Casiraghi,’ Shay greeted in a sing song voice.

‘Hello Shay,’ Tomas answered courteously.

‘How was your trip Mr. Casiraghi?’ She cooed ignoring Alina in the kitchen.

‘Good thank you,’ Tomas nodded.  ‘Cara let’s walk,’ Tomas instructed.

‘Very well,’ she murmured.  ‘Shay, don’t worry about dinner.  I’ve started it.  I’ll finish when I return.

‘Okay,’ Shay smiled at Tomas, not even bothering to make eye contact with Alina.

‘Where are we going?’ Alina slipped on a cardigan.  Secretly, she was thrilled for the opportunity to have some alone time with Tomas.

‘Have you not seen the lovey hiking trail at the back of our property?’ Tomas offered his arm to Alina.

‘No,’ she admitted.  With the long hours she kept, she hardly had the time.

‘I like when you leave your hair untied,’ Tomas smiled, admiring the way her hair bounced about over her shoulders.

Alina looked up now.  She was so happy to be doing something alone with Tomas, she had not dared to look into his eyes, less he see how happy she was.  ‘Thank you,’ she smiled shyly. 

Alina looked away quickly.  For the first time, she glanced around with a critical eye at their scenic back yard.  It was beautiful.  Huge leafy trees and colourful foliage grew healthily.  A gravel path snaked around and led downhill towards the green woodlands. The sun had dipped.  It was a bit nippy.  She brushed her arm, thankful, that she remembered to put on her cardigan.

‘Cold cara?’ Tomas removed his jacked and draped it over her shoulders.  Her eyes fell to his chest, where the opened buttons, revealed tiny strands of fine hair.

‘Thank you,’ she dragged her eyes away.  Tomas smiled.  He draped his arm around her shoulder, drawing her closer to him as they continued walking.

‘I can’t believe Emily did not want to come for a walk,’ Alina quickly found something to talk about.

Tomas laughed.  ‘Well if I was a little girl, I would much prefer a bag of toys than walking with adults.

‘But she’s obsessed with you,’ Alina accused.

‘And you?’ Tomas’ voice challenged softly, his eyes raking over her body.

‘What?’

‘You heard me cara,’ he smiled seductively.

What the hell are you asking me?  And there’s no way in hell I’m answering that.’

‘I’m married to you,’ she answered evasively.

Tomas threw his head back and laughed.  ‘I think the English say it nicely, that is a cop-out,’ he grinned, lacing his fingers through Alina’s.

Alina avoided looking at him.  She looked away far into the distance.  Her eyes picked up the flock of birds in a neat V formation.  She heard the soft melodic whistle of the gentle wind. She tried not to think too much about her hand joined to Tomas’, but his touch was always magnetic, thrilling, hinting at her to lose her inhibitions.

Tomas was quiet, content, seemingly at ease with the silence.  Either he was preoccupied or he preferred the companionable silence.  Alina hoped it was the latter.  She found the silence too loud, tempted to blurt something, anything to break it. 

Was Tomas regretting taking her for a walk?  Perhaps he could not wait to return to the house.  Should she use dinner as an excuse and suggest they head back?

‘Let’s sit under those trees,’ Tomas pointed.

Alina’s head swung to Tomas sharply.

‘You’d rather not?’ He looked disappointed.

‘No---I mean, I don’t mind.  If that’s what you want,’ she murmured.

‘I do,’ he smiled.  He dropped to the ground and pulled Alina down with him.

‘Hey!’ she laughed, as she fell squarely on her buttocks.  She reached out to hold onto Tomas to steady herself, and found her hand was nestled on his fleshy thigh.  Her eyes found his, her smile disappeared.  She tried to remove her hand, but his palm closed over her hand, imprisoning it.

‘It’s lovely out here, is it not?’ Tomas spoke.  ‘I like the fresh air.’

Alina dragged her eyes away from his face to look around.  ‘Yes,’ she murmured, disappointedly.  She had so hoped Tomas would kiss her.  She looked up.  They were dwarfed by the tall, swinging trees all around them.  At any other time, she would feel lost in the deep woodlands, but Tomas’ presence, was comforting.  She felt a sense of security.

‘Cara?’

‘Yes?’

‘Are you ready for us to start a family?’

‘What!’

Tomas gazed into her eyes.  He watched the shift of emotions flight across her face.  Did she find the idea of having his children repulsive?  Would she deny him the pleasure of him, having his very own young ones that he so dearly loved to see running around with Emelia?

Alina was shocked by the question.  She had not expected it so soon.  She nervously swallowed, looking away.  Her mind was busy processing Tomas’ question, when he lifted her fingers and pressed them to his lips.

‘What is your answer cara?’ He asked softly.

She loved children.  She wanted nothing more than to be the mother of Tomas’ children, but was she ready to bring children into their world? 
She felt like a guest in Tomas’ home, actually their home. Tomas was like a stranger to her. She hardly knew him.  The only thing she knew for certain was the dangerous chemical attraction between them.  What happens when that fizzles out?  What if Tomas’ attention strays?  Perhaps it was already straying. 
Alina was too proud to ask if he was or has been faithful and until she was more certain about their relationship, she was not sure if they should start a family, much as she would love to see a little dark haired Tomas running around.

‘I can see you’re not ready cara,’ Tomas’ voice interrupted.  She looked up to see his eyes trained on her.  She thought he’d be angry, but there was a gentle, soft expression on his face.

Alina lowered her head.  ‘We’ve hardly been married that long,’ she mumbled.

‘You’re right,’ he smiled standing up.  ‘Shall we head back?’  He offered her his hand and swiftly lifted her to her feet.

The atmosphere now seemed somewhat chilly between them.  Did Tomas bring her out just to hint at his need for an heir?  Clearly his mood had changed.  Before the conversation, he had been smiling, pleasant, now he was distant, almost indifferent.  Alina racked her brain trying to find something to converse about, but her mind was totally blank. She thought their walk would be about thirty minutes, but she was surprised to note that more than an hour had quickly passed.  Tomas walked her into the kitchen, his hand still laced in hers.  He looked up curiously, when Alina stopped dead in her tracks.  With her hand in his, he could feel the sudden palpable tension building up in her body.

‘Shay what are you doing?’ Alina demanded.  An annoyed feeling engulfed Alina, as she got the aroma of chicken grilling in the oven.

‘You were gone so long,’ a facade of concern covered Shay’s face.  ‘I thought I should start dinner.’

‘But I distinctly told you not to,’ Alina raised her voice. She had wanted to prepare a special meal for her husband.

‘I’m sorry,’ Shay turned on the waterworks.  ‘I thought I was being helpful.’

‘Perhaps if you followed simple instructions___.’

‘Forgive me.  I am sorry,’ Shay’s palms covered her face pathetically.

‘Cara.  It’s okay,’ Tomas tried to mediate.  ‘We shall have your meal tomorrow,’ he tried to console his wife.  His back was facing Shay, who peeped through her hands and grinned wickedly at Alina who was seethingly angrily as she glared back at Shay.

‘At least she was proactive,’ Tomas murmured, placing his thumb and fore finger at Alina’s chin to redirect her eyes to his face.

‘I wanted to prepare you a special seafood dinner,’ Alina whispered.

‘Tomorrow cara, hmm?  I can wait till then,’ he smiled, consolingly.

‘I guess,’ Alina replied.  Shay was still gloating behind Tomas’ back.

‘I will be in my study,’ Tomas kissed her lips.

‘Okay,’ Alina murmured.  She draped her arm around Tomas’ neck and extended the kiss.  When she stopped for a breath, Tomas gently withdrew and walked away.

Shay was about to do a disappearing act when Alina called out.

‘Stop right there!’ Alina instructed.  ‘Do you have a problem obeying simple instructions?’

‘No, Mrs. Casiraghi,’ Shay answered acidly, looking over her shoulder, hoping Tomas would return.

‘Why did you grill chicken, when I’ve started something else?’ Alina questioned.

‘Mr. Casiraghi appreciates my efforts,’ Shay raised her chin defiantly.

‘I’m waiting for the opportunity to fire you,’ Alina threatened.  ‘You’re not going to be working here much longer.’

‘Oh I beg to differ,’ Shay grinned.  Mr. Casiraghi likes me.  So does Caroline and Emily.  If anybody must go, it should be you,’ Shay spat.

‘What!’  Alina was beside herself.

‘You’re hardly a match for Mr. Casiraghi,’ Shay turned her arrogant nose up.  ‘He will dump you very soon,’ Shay prophesied.

‘And I suppose you will be in the wings, just waiting to pick up the pieces,’ Alina swallowed.  She suspected Tomas would very soon, tire of her and look for a newer model to satisfy his overzealous appetite. 
Would Tomas look at Shay?

‘Why not?’ Shay challenged.

‘Get out!’ Alina yelled.

Shay laughed softly and bowed sarcastically before she exited the kitchen.

When they retired to their bedroom, Alina insisted Tomas get some rest.  He had looked tired at the dinner table.  Tomas brushed aside her concern, attempting to pull her into his arms. 

‘No,’ she smiled, gently pushing him back to his pillow.  ‘You’re tired.’

‘I’m not so tired cara,’ he chuckled.

She knew his ravenous appetite.  ‘I insist you sleep,’ as much as she wanted Tomas, Alina felt the need to regroup.  Even though she would never dare to question him about it, his dinner with Gabriella still troubled her.  In fact if Alina was honest with herself, it annoyed the hell out of her.

‘Okay,’ Tomas smiled, sensing his wife was not going to budge.  He would never force himself on Alina, he was too much of a gentleman.  ‘Buonanotte cara,’ he brushed her lips lightly and opened his arms to her.

‘Good night,’ she smiled shyly and snuggled up to his warm inviting chest.

      Alina was busy at the restaurant with preparations for the evening clientele.  The reservation book was full.  Business was really, really good.  Alina did not have a single complaint in the world.  It was just after three.  Alina smiled happily thinking about the success of her restaurant.  She always knew she could make a success of it, if she tried.  She wondered if she would she have taken the bold step, had she not gotten fired. 

I guess I have one gorgeous, fine-looking man to thank for that.  Oh and he just happens to be my husband,

‘What’s so funny?’

‘Rocco!’ She clasped her heart.  ‘Don’t sneak up on me like that she laughed.

‘Okay spill,’ he ordered, helping himself to a carrot stick from the vegetables she was preparing.

‘Don’t touch,’ she smacked his hand away.  ‘You’re fussy when you are preparing something.’

‘Tell me what you’re smiling about so happily,’ he demanded.

‘I was just thinking about the restaurant,’ she smiled.  ‘We’re not doing too bad.  I’m so happy we are still not with Leona Gordon at Rose Acre Catering,’ Alina laughed.

‘Yeah,’ Rocco grinned.  ‘Who would have thought, I’d be earning double my salary and have a promotion,’ he grinned smugly, lifting his shoulders arrogantly.  I could even take you to dinner in a fancy restaurant,’ he teased.

‘Just remember I am the boss,’ she laughed, playfully stabbing her index finger at his chest. 

Before Rocco could respond, Alina looked over her shoulder, sensing they were not alone.  Her eyes widened in surprise to see Tomas standing there, watching her and Rocco. 

How long has he been standing there?

‘Tomas!’ She acknowledged somewhat surprised to see him there in the early afternoon.

‘Cara,’ he replied unsmilingly as he glared at Rocco.

‘I___I have to check on something,’ Rocco mumbled and hurriedly escaped Tomas’ cold penetrating eyes.

‘What are you doing here?’ Alina questioned.  ‘I cannot go home with you.  I’m busy preparing for a big dinner order.’

‘The two of you did look rather busy just now,’ Tomas accused.  Alina looked away guiltily.  Why she was feeling guilty, she had no idea.  Was she not supposed to smile or have conversations with her staff?

‘Come and greet me cara,’ he instructed, still standing exactly where he was when she turned around and saw him in her restaurant kitchen.

Alina lowered her head.   She removed her gloves and disposed of them into the bin, before she walked to where he stood.

‘Hi,’ she whispered as she draped her arms around his neck and kissed him.

‘Hello cara,’ he returned her kiss, wrapping his arms around her waist.

‘What are you doing here?’ Alina repeated.

‘I have to go away urgently,’ his eyes met hers apologetically.

Again!

‘Are you going alone?’ she blurted.

‘Yes,’ he laughed softly.  ‘Why?’

Just making sure Gabriella is not going with.

‘Just asking,’ she looked down.

‘I’m going straight to Madeira and tomorrow morning from there I will fly to Greece,’ he supplied.

Alina looked up into his face, disappointed that he would be staying overnight or perhaps longer.  She tried to school her expression.  Perhaps Tomas did not expect her to be a clingy, nagging wife.

Damn.   Again she could not prepare his special meal for him.

‘I will be back tomorrow evening tesoro,’ he lifted her chin to look into her eyes.

I won’t hold my breath.

‘Ciao cara,’ he smiled and walked away.

‘Tomas!’

‘Yes cara?’

‘Did you have lunch?’

‘Two hours ago,’ he laughed.

Impulsively, Alina ran to him.  ‘Have a safe trip,’ she hugged him tightly.

Tomas was astounded.  His eyes widened in surprise.  He smiled down at her.

‘I will cara,’ he promised.  He held her, enjoying her arms tightly wrapped around him, before he murmured.

‘My pilot is waiting for me.’

‘Yes of course,’ her hands fell to her sides.  ‘See you tomorrow,’ she mumbled.

‘What was that all about?’ Rocco joined Alina as she stood rooted to the spot where Tomas left her.

‘Nothing,’ Alina looked away and went back to her work station.

‘Is the husband checking up on you?’ Rocco teased.

Alina glared at Rocco.  Sometimes he could be really annoying.  ‘I am sure you have work to do!’ she hissed at him.

‘Touchy,’ he made a funny face. 

Alina laughed.  ‘He came to say goodbye.  He’s going on a trip.’

‘He travels a lot,’ Rocco commented.

Yes.  I hate it, especially when he extends his damn trip.

‘We all don’t have nine to five jobs,’ Alina responded to Rocco patronizingly.

‘Protective, aren’t we?’ Rocco tickled her around the waist.

‘Stop it Rocco!’ Alina laughed.

       ‘Hey I saw the kitchen light on,’ Caroline smiled.  ‘You can’t sleep?’

I’m missing Tomas.

‘Sorry did I wake you?’ Alina apologized.

‘No I was awake.  I was knitting a beret for Emily and I felt thirsty.’

‘Can I make you some hot chocolate?’ Alina offered.

‘What are you having?’ Caroline quizzed her sister.

Alina’s eyes fell to the rich burgundy liquid in her glass.  ‘Chianti red wine,’ Alina smiled. 
Makes me feel closer to Tomas.

Want some?’ she offered.

‘No thanks,’ Caroline shook her head.  ‘Not at this time of the morning.’

‘I think I’ll have some tea,’ Caroline switched on the kettle.

‘Let me do it,’ Alina got up and threw a teabag into a cup.

‘Listen,’ Caroline fiddled with the placemat.  ‘I’ve been meaning to ask you.  Has Tomas complained about Emily?  I feel she is becoming to dependant on him.’

‘No, not at all,’ Alina smiled.  He adores Emily.  He loves spoiling her,’ Alina laughed.

‘I know,’ Caroline sighed.  ‘I don’t want Emily taking Tomas for granted.  He’s done a lot for us but Emily must know her place.’

‘I think Tomas knows how to manage Emily,’ Alina laughed, handing Caroline her tea.  ‘Don’t worry about him.’

‘Okay,’ Caroline smiled.  ‘Let me know if Emily becomes more than a handful.  You’re going to finish that entire bottle of wine?’

‘No,’ Alina laughed, closing the bottle.  ‘I’m done.  I’ve only had the one glass you know.’

‘I was just teasing,’ Caroline wheeled herself out of the kitchen.

‘I’m turning in.  Good night,’ Alina climbed up the stairs to her bedroom.

Alina’s miserable mood continued the whole of the next day.  She could not stop thinking about Tomas.  He had called her the night before and early that morning but it was not enough.  She ached for his arms to just envelop her and comfort her.  Everytime her phone rang, a sinking feeling filled her tummy.  She thought it was Tomas calling to say he was staying for another night.  So she was pleasantly surprised, when he was standing in her kitchen the following evening.

‘Tomas!’ she smiled happily.

‘Where is your ring cara?’

‘What!’

‘Your wedding ring,’ he demanded.  ‘Why are you not wearing it?’

‘Oh,’ Alina looked down at her ring finger.  ‘It’s on my desk.  It gets messy here,’ she half smiled apologetically, but when she looked at Tomas, he was not smiling.  ‘I put it on when I’m done,’ she murmured.

Tomas stormed to her office, searched around and found her ring in a little crystal bowl.  He returned with it and put it back on her finger.  ‘In future cara, you will not remove it.  You will wear it always.  Is that understood?’ He barked.

Yes your majesty.

‘Yes,’ she mumbled, lowering her head.

        -end chapter twenty one-