Alina had been so happy to see Tomas again, especially since he had returned earlier than she had expected. Now he had just pierced her bubble with his high handedness. She had so wanted to throw herself into his arms and he just ruined the moment.

So what if he always wore his wedding band and so what if he never removed the chain she’d inserted on his hand whilst they’d been on honeymoon, but didn’t he understand she couldn’t work in the kitchen with the damn ring on for heaven’s sake! He had blown his top off like it was a national catastrophe or something.

‘You’ve come to take me home?’ she murmured.

His one eyebrow arched neatly. ‘You can leave?’ He questioned.

It was not yet seven, but she would have to leave in an hour anyway as he expected her home by eight, so one hour made no difference to her now in the mood she was in.

Alina shrugged her shoulders indifferently. She was the boss. ‘I suppose I can,’ she looked around. Everything was under control. They would manage quite easily without her for the next hour.

‘Okay cara,’ he smiled. ‘Let’s go,’ he held out his hand to her.

‘Just give me a minute. I need to talk to Rocco.’

The smile disappeared of Tomas’ face. Alina strode away, indifferent to the scowl on his face.

‘I’m going home,’ Alina murmured to Rocco, who was busy rolling away pastry. His eyes flew to Tomas who was glaring at the two of them. Rocco tossed the dough over none too gently.

‘Very soon you will not be coming to work at all,’ Rocco hissed.

‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ Alina spoke softly.

‘Look at him,’ Rocco referred to Tomas. ‘He stands there like a lion and he bullies you. Why the hell did you marry him?’

‘Weren’t you supportive of the fact then that I marry him?’ Alina hissed back.

Rocco gripped her wrist with his messy flour stained hands. ‘We have enough money now cara.’

We?

‘Get rid of him. He is destroying your dream. He is destroying you!’

I can’t.

‘Cara?’ Tomas’ authorative voice intruded from behind. Alina jumped. Tomas’ eyes were dark with anger as he saw Rocco’s hand possessively on Alina’s wrist. Guiltily she shifted away from Rocco as her eyes met Tomas’.

‘I’m ready,’ she mumbled.

Tomas nodded. His eyes locked angrily with Rocco’s. He did not say a single word. He did not need to. Rocco lowered his head and returned his attention to his pastry.

‘Would you like to go out for dinner cara?’ Tomas smiled down at Alina as his driver drove them home.

Alina looked up in Tomas’ handsome face. He was so good looking. It was such an effort staying angry with him. Even his possessive arm draped casually around her neck as they drove home, made her tingle with desire for him. So many times, she longed to lace her fingers through his, but lacked the nerve to do it. Her eyes fell to his sensuous lips. She ached for him. He had not even taken her in his arms when he’d walked into the restaurant.

‘Cara,’ Tomas groaned huskily. ‘Perhaps we should go straight to bed if I read your eyes correctly,’ he bent his head and his lips brushed hers gently.

‘Caroline would have cooked already,’ Alina looked away.

Tomas took her hand in his. ‘I want to take you out to dinner,’ he smiled. ‘When can you avail yourself?’

‘I can cook___.’

‘No cara,’ he interrupted. ‘I want you sitting opposite me, and somebody else doing the cooking.’

She looked away. It would be nice sampling another chef’s cuisine. Maybe that was not such a bad idea. Tomas used his index finger and lifted her chin so he could look into her eyes.
‘I know you’re an excellent chef,’ he smiled. ‘And I also know you still want to prepare my seafood dish,’ he gave her a seductive smile, ‘so I won’t order that if you go out with me,’ he pleaded.

The idea of dressing up in a fancy evening gown, a romantic dinner with Tomas and sipping expensive champagne with him was already giving her a heady feeling.

‘Okay,’ she swallowed.

An appreciative gleam flared in his eyes, ‘shall I arrange it for tomorrow?’ He pushed.

‘Eight thirty?’ She asked. That would give her time to rush home, have a quick shower and put on something really fancy for a night out with Tomas.

Tomas threw his head back and laughed.

‘What’s funny?’ She smiled.

‘I can’t believe I’m arranging a date with my wife,’ he teased softly.

Alina looked up and smiled. She liked this relaxed, easy going, flirtatious Tomas. He was so much more appealing than the obnoxious boar he transformed into more often than she liked.

‘Kiss me,’ he demanded.

There he goes again...the tyrant.

Nonetheless Alina turned her body towards Tomas. Her one arm curved around his neck as she drew his head closer to her mouth and indulged whole heartedly in a searing kiss. A kiss that she had been desperately craving since he’d walked into her kitchen earlier.

Tomas allowed her to take the lead, lazily responding as her tongue penetrated his mouth, but when her fingers slipped through his shirt and grazed over the fine hairs on his chest, raw desire coursed though him like a flash of lightening.

‘Tesoro,’ he groaned hoarsely, tearing his lips away, as his teeth nibbled gently on her throat. He removed the band holding her hair together and slipped it into his pocket. He looked into the depths of moss green eyes and smiled as he allowed his fingers to rake through her mane of glossy red curls.

‘Whose car is that?’ Alina stared out the window as the driver stopped in their cobblestone driveway.

Alina’s head turned sharply to Tomas, when she heard him cussing in his native tongue. She’d heard Rocco use those obscene words once or twice in the kitchen when his fingers accidently touched the burning flames. He flicked his hand to look at his wristwatch before he answered Alina.

‘It’s mama,’ he replied flatly. ‘Sorry for the swearwords cara.’

‘You knew she’s coming?’ Alina asked opening her door.

‘No,’ his voice held a slight trace of irritation. ‘Wait until I come around to assist you cara.’

Alina’s hand fell from the door handle as she waited for Tomas to come around.

What the hell is the witch doing here?

‘Thank you,’ Alina murmured as Tomas helped her out of the car.

‘You’re home early,’ Caroline’s eyes lit up with relief just as Alina opened the door and assessed the situation. Emily was uncharacteristically sitting rather demurely on the settee. Caroline looked flustered.

What the hell has this woman said to my family?

Alina’s eyes darted to Keres, whose eyes fell on her son’s hands entwined to Alina’s.

‘Emelia? No hug for me today?’ Tomas opened his arms, a broad grin on his face. Emily looked nervously in Keres’ direction and remained on the sofa.

‘Come on,’ Tomas dropped to his knees, urging Emily into his arms.

Emily did not resist any longer, she jumped of the sofa and flew into Tomas’ arms. He laughed as he hugged her and rose to his feet.

‘Mama, this is a surprise,’ Tomas finally acknowledged his mother.

‘Tomasa,’ Keres stood up. ‘Your mobile is switched off,’ she accused. ‘I’ve been calling you since yesterday evening.’

Tomas kissed his mother’s cheek. ‘I have been out of the country, mama. You should have called my secretary. Caroline are you well?’ Tomas smiled and planted a kiss on her cheek as well.

‘Fine thank you,’ Caroline smiled.

‘They don’t tell me what I want to know. I don’t like talking to them,’ Keres argued.

‘I assure you my staff are extremely competent mama,’ Tomas asserted.

‘Good evening Keres,’ Alina greeted, annoyed at being ignored by her mother-in-law in her own house at that.

‘Evening,’ Keres dragged out. ‘You were also out of the country?’ Keres questioned.

Alina’s eyes widened. Surely she could see Alina was still in her chef’s uniform and that she had not travelled with Tomas.

‘No,’ Alina answered irritatedly. ‘Hello Caroline,’ Alina greeted her sister.

‘Hi,’ Caroline smiled.

‘Have a seat mama. Can I get you a drink?’ Tomas offered.

‘No thank you. I’ve just had some tea.’

‘Would you like to stay for dinner?’ Alina offered.

‘I suppose I could,’ Keres replied, as if she had no desire whatsoever to stay with Alina and her family longer than she needed to.

‘I have something in my pocket for you,’ Tomas murmured to Emily. She smiled shyly at Tomas, but her eyes strayed to Keres, who glared at Emily in Tomas’ arms.

‘Hi puppet, can I have a kiss,’ Alina put her one arm on Tomas’ shoulder and kissed her niece’s cheek.

‘What have you got for Emily?’ Alina tried to coax a response from her subdued niece.

‘Emelia will have to put her hand to my inside pocket to find out,’ Tomas grinned.

Shyly Emily dipped her hand into Tomas pocked and fished out the largest chocolate bar she’d ever seen.

‘Thank you Toe-muz,’ she hugged him.

‘Chocolates are not good for children Tomasa. You should know that. It just means extra visits to the dentist. Do not eat that, young one,’ Keres ordered Emily.

The smile died on Emily’s face as she returned the chocolate to Tomas.

‘You may eat your chocolate Emily,’ Alina overruled Keres. She smiled encouragingly as she returned the chocolate to Emily. Alina turned to Keres. ‘Emily’s diet is well managed. She has no need to fear a visit to the dentist,’ Alina’ eyes duelled with Keres.’

‘I was just offering my advice,’ Keres shrugged her shoulders arrogantly.

‘Excuse me,’ Alina touched Tomas’ arm. ‘I’m going to set the dinner table.’

‘I’ll help you,’ Caroline offered.

Alina was about to turn away when she saw the look of desperation in Emily’s eyes.

‘Hey puppet, you want to help set the cutlery?’ Alina held out her arms to Emily.

‘Okay Aunt Alina,’ Emily literally dived into Alina’s arms.

‘Thank God you came home early,’ Caroline whispered when they were in the kitchen.

‘How long has she been here?’ Alina smiled.

‘About twenty minutes before you got here.’

‘Why does my niece look so traumatised?’

Caroline rolled her eyes. ‘It was like she is the headmistress in Emily’s finishing school. She instructed Emily how to sit, how to hold her shoulders up, how not to cross her legs. When Emily heard the car, she knew it was Tomas, she called his name excitedly. Mrs. Casiraghi had a problem with that as well. She said, “ladies do not raise their voices in such an undignified manner.” I swear she probably expected me to get out of my wheel chair and wait on her on hands and knees.’

‘Thank you for letting me have my chocolate Aunt Alina,’ Emily bit into a huge chunk and munched on it heartily.

‘Since when do we allow Emily to eat a bar of chocolate before dinner?’ Caroline questioned her sister.

Alina looked at her sister guiltily. ‘I’m sorry,’ she laughed, but Keres was annoying me.’

‘Thank you for coming to Emily’s defence,’ Caroline smiled. ‘I find her rather intimidating. I could not wait for you or Tomas to arrive.’

‘Emily,’ Alina sighed loudly.

Emily looked at her aunt with her soft doe-eyes.

‘You do not have to finish the entire bar tonight,’ Alina removed a delicious looking lamb from the oven. ‘You still need to have dinner.’

‘Oh,’ Emily lowered the chocolate bar disappointedly. ‘Could I eat in the kitchen please, Aunt Alina?’

Alina and Caroline exchanged an empathetic glance.

‘You can sit between mummy and I, my darling,’ Alina removed a fresh salad from the refrigerator.

‘I don’t like Toe-muz’s mummy,’ Emily spoke quietly.

I promise I will protect you,’ Alina grinned.

‘Do you not find her intimidating?’ Caroline questioned as she opened the cupboard and took out two bottles of red wine.

Alina exhaled deeply. ‘I do,’ she murmured, ‘but I’m not going to allow her to badger you or Emily,’ Alina pledged.

Dinner had been a relatively quiet affair. It passed without any event. Alina had kept her eye on Emily. She seemed happy and was enjoying her cheese burgher, specially prepared by her aunt whilst the adults had grilled lamb; fresh vegetables; roast chicken; baby potatoes, asparagus and strawberry cheesecake for dessert. Tomas and his mother kept the conversation going, enlightening everybody around the table about current affairs; the economy in Italy and the current evening family entertainment in London.

It was pretty late when Keres finally took her leave. Tomas had wanted to drive her back, thankfully her own driver had been there to escort her back. When they went up to their bedroom, Alina was only too eager to rush into her shower. She was surprised to find Tomas had not gone to his shower, when she came out, he was sitting on the settee waiting for her.

‘You have not showered yet?’ Alina asked in surprise. She was disappointed. She had expected him to already be waiting for her in bed. He had teased and stimulated her in the car. She was looking forward to making love with him.

‘I thought we’d talk,’ Tomas spoke guardedly.

‘Can’t we do that after you shower?’

Suddenly Alina felt a tug, actually a needle piercing in her stomach. Now what did he want to lecture her about? He was already seated in his high throne. Alina was exhausted. She had been up early, it was pretty late now. All she wanted was to sink into Tomas’ comforting arms and to indulge in wild unadulterated sex with him. She was entitled to that enthralling privilege as Mrs. Tomas Casiraghi.

‘Okay,’ Tomas stood up reluctantly. ‘I won’t be long,’ he walked to his shower.

Alina brushed her hair over and over as she waited. Tomas was still in the shower. She slipped on a gown and paced up and down nervously.

Is he going to demand I fall pregnant?

Is he going to ask me to stop working?

Does Keres want to come and live here?

Hell no! Then my family and I are moving out, where I don’t know.

She bit on her lower lip until the rancid taste of blood on her tongue made her feel like vomiting. Alina picked up her wet towel from the floor and dumped it in the laundry basket in her bathroom. She cleaned her mouth again with the spearmint flavoured mouth wash and slowly tiptoed back to their bedroom.
What the hell is he still doing in the bathroom?
Alina slipped into the bed with her gown on. She was tired of pacing around and she was tired of the analysis paralysis going on in her head.

      Sighing deeply, Alina moaned as she felt Tomas lips’ kissing her mouth. Sleepily she opened her eyes. The sun’s rays in their bedroom had her widening her eyes. She turned to look at Tomas, he was watching her, his eyes smiling adoringly.

‘Why didn’t you wake me?’ She murmured.

‘You look so beautiful when you sleep. I did not want to disturb you.’

‘I meant last night.’

‘I tried cara,’ his fingers brushed the loose strands of hair away from her face. ‘Not even my kisses all over your body could douse your sleep last night.’

Alina’s face flushed profusely. She wondered just where all did his lips travel to.

‘I’m sorry,’ she mumbled.

‘My male pride is deeply wounded,’ he laughed softly.

She supposed an over confident man like Tomas prided himself on his prowess to command the submission of any woman in bed. Any woman awake would yield to his dominant male sexuality, she was sure of that.

Alina smiled as she looked up at Tomas leaning over her. ‘How come you’re not dressed for work yet?’

She was enjoying the longer hours in bed with Tomas. Actually she was liking this instruction to stay longer in bed with Tomas. They were heavenly, although most mornings he was already showered by seven.

‘I wanted to talk to you last night,’ his eyes became shuttered. The smile slowly disappeared.

‘Oh yes, sorry,’ she mumbled again. She crossed her fingers under the duvet.

‘I have to travel to Greece cara.’

Even if Alina was a multiple award winning actress, there was nothing she would have been able to do to hide the desolation and anger on her face. All he ever did was bloody travel! One wondered why the bloody hell he wanted a wife.

‘Okay,’ Alina got out, barely controlling her rage. ‘I’m going to shower,’ She lifted the sheets and discovered she was naked. He must have removed her gown last night, during his unsuccessful attempts to rouse her from her sleep. When she attempted to put her feet on the floor, Tomas’ arm imprisoned her. She turned her head to look into his face.

‘It’s not business cara.’

‘I beg your pardon.’

‘My trip to Greece ___is personal.’

‘What do you mean?’ She tried to look into his eyes, but he had his head lowered.

‘My uncle, Keres’ brother has taken ill. Mama wishes me to go with her.’

‘Is he in a serious condition in hospital?’ Alina lifted her body up and turned to face Tomas.

‘He is in hospital yes, but stable. I chatted to the doctor last night.’

‘But___ Tomas why didn’t you speak up last night?’

‘I tried cara.’

‘Oh God, I am so sorry,’ she covered her face. ‘Go, go,’ she whispered. ‘Go to Greece.’

‘I want you to go with me,’ he removed her hands, his palm cupped her face gently.

Alina stared at Tomas. Rocco’s word came back to taunt her.
“Very soon you will not be coming in at all.”

‘I know, this is short notice cara, but ___ please come with me,’ his voice was distraught. Something about the forlorn look in his face tore at her heart. ‘You and Emelia and Caroline.’

Alina’s face lit up. He wanted her family with. He wanted Emily and Caroline with him. Emily has never been out of the country.

‘I’ve never been to Greece,’ Alina whispered,’ her palm closed over his wrist.

‘You will accompany me?’ His voice was hopeful.

‘How many days?’ She asked.

Tomas inhaled. ‘Perhaps three,’ he murmured.

‘Okay Tomas,’ she draped her arms around his neck. ‘We will join you,’ she offered him a consoling hug. ‘Is that why Keres came to see you?’

‘Yes.’

‘You should have spoken to me before dinner,’ she reprimanded him.

‘I didn’t want to risk spoiling dinner cara and mama assured me Uncle Gustav was now stable.’

‘What about Caroline’s condition?’ Alina reminded Tomas.

Tomas smiled, ‘I think our countries are adequately equipped to deal with passengers with disabilities, so is my aircraft.’

Alina was happy to see a smile on Tomas’ face again.
Was he close to his Uncle Gustav? Why did this affect Tomas so? Perhaps it was his favourite uncle.

Alina could not comprehend this vulnerable Tomas, but if he needed her, she was going to be there for her husband. Autocratic, dominating, obnoxious, it did not matter.

‘When do we leave?’ Alina asked.

‘As soon as we’re packed.

‘Let me shower and tell Emily and Caroline,’ Alina smiled.

‘I would like to tell Emelia,’ Tomas grinned.

     -   end chapter twenty two-