'Darling wake up!'
Tessa shuddered as Brad's lips pressed on the soft flesh between her shoulder blades. She heard his soft chuckle.

'Mmm... what time is it?' she sighed sleepily.

'Six fifty five---'

'What!' Tessa sprang up.

'Easy darling,' Brad cautioned, holding up his palm in front of her.

Tessa groaned in anguish. 'You're not going to start that all over again,' she wrinkled her face at the orange juice and crackers on the breakfast tray he brought her.

'Morning my love,' Brad lowered one knee on the bed. Both his hands sandwiched Tessa's face. He leaned across Tessa and pressed a flurry of kisses on her neck.

'Why am I still sleeping,' Tessa draped her arms around Brad's neck. 'Why didn't you wake me up? And why are you already dressed?' she moaned against his lips.

Brad laughed. 'I don't know why you're still asleep this morning. I have woken you up now and it is a work morning my dear wife.'

She was so not ready for the new day or to get out of bed. 'Good morning,' Tessa kissed her husband. 'I feel like I've been up all night,' she searched Brad's face.

'I wonder why?' Brad raised an eyebrow. He was not guilty of robbing his wife of sleep. After their marathon session in the shower earlier in the afternoon, they had not made love last night.

'I don't know okay,' Tessa mumbled defensively.

Brad chuckled and embraced Tessa in his arms. She breathed deeply inhaling his aromatic cologne. She loved the scent of it on Brad.

'You smell so good,' she whispered, 'though I should get out of bed.'

'Why don't you stay in bed a little longer? Or don't come into the office at all. You've already finalized the RBD document.'

Last night Brad had taken Tessa out to dinner. She had waited anxiously during their meal for Brad to open up to her, but he had insisted they enjoy their dinner first. He had been an amazing companion. Introducing general topics of conversation taking Tessa's mind away from what she wanted to discuss during their meal. Brad had ordered non alcoholic champagne to celebrate their second pregnancy. He had been charming, teasing her about every other man in the restaurant who was rudely ogling his wife right in his presence. He should have known his wife had eyes only for him from the very first day she had spotted him in the JeTag club.

After their sumptuous dinner Brad had taken two sheafs of paper from his pocket and handed it to Tessa. He had wanted her attention on neutral territory, not where she would have her legal hat on with single minded determination.

Tessa had been shocked to see it was copies of Alexei Yakov's personal financial records. Alexei was a bankrupt man. He was facing financial ruin. Tessa was not going to ask her husband how he managed to access Alexei's personal financial information. During Lyndon's agonizing kidnapping, she was thankful her husband was a resourceful man.

Still, could Tessa risk placing this rotten apple, Alexei Yakov amongst the untainted ones at RBD? He would, in a matter of time ruin the new company given his predilection to misappropriate the company's resources that he as the head was supposed to be a good steward of. Tessa could not, she absolutely could not sanction Alexei's inclusion in the new RBD structure. In the office, Brad had said:
"I want a consultation with my wife."

'Darling what are you asking of me?' Tessa had spoken softly, her eyes filled with concern.

'I wish to---,' Brad had played for time and fiddled with his cutlery, 'extend a lifeline to Alexei from my personal funds.'

Tessa was astounded. Tears had streamed down her face. She was so thankful that her husband was not compromising his integrity. She had known in her heart, his sense of sound business ethics would not allow him to compromise his values. In this benevolent gesture, she would support her husband one hundred percent.

'What are you proposing?' she had reached across the table and closed her palm over his.

Brad had removed another document from his pocket. It carefully detailed an amount he wished to offer Alexei. Tessa read the well thought out financial life line, ensuring Alexei had continuous financial security. A consultant would manage Alexei's funds allowing him to continue the lifestyle he was accustomed to. Tessa inhaled deeply. She had read of instances where high profile people went into manic depression when their financial situations altered. Some victims resorted to suicide.

From Brad's proposal, the similar package would be extended to Darya. In essence Brad was finally agreeing with Tessa not to include Alexei and Darya in the new company structure. They would have a lucrative financial settlement that would set them up for the rest of their lives. Neither Brad nor Tessa were too concerned about Darya. She was a shrewd business woman. She would not need assistance.  She would bounce back.
Darya had the ability to succeed, but Brad would insist on a consultant managing her for at least three years to ensure her continued financial security. If she showed signs of succeeding, he would withdraw his advisors, although she would hardly suffer from his support. It would be to her benefit at no cost to her.

Tessa was humbled by her husband's benevolence. She offered to match fifty percent of Brad's contribution from her own personal wealth to support Brad's cause. After all she was a very wealthy woman after the revenue received from the sale of her father's business.

Brad's eyes had become moist. He had stood up, walked around to his wife and lifted her into his arms in an embracing hug oblivious to the curious looks from the other restaurant patrons. Tessa had pleaded for him to set her down, but he cared not for the attention they attracted. Tessa had hugged him back and wiped at her husband's moist eyes. She was pleased they had come to an amicable agreement with regard to RBD.

"Don't come to the office?" Tessa repeated, playfully grazing at Brad's chin. 'You're spoiling me, Mr. Blakely.'

'Perks of sleeping with the boss,' Brad angled her face so he could kiss her lips.

'What am I going to do at home?' she murmured. 'Especially since our son is going to play school today. I bet he's up and all raring to go,' she laughed softly. 'And if I do stay home he's going to instruct me to baby sit his dog__puppy.'

'Charlie's so adorable,' Brad laughed. 'How can you resist him?'

'Easy.' Tessa grinned. 'If I had my way I'd banish him to the garden house at the lake,' she stretched lazily.

'You're tempting me,' Brad groaned, his lips pressed kisses to the shell of her ear. 'Do you want me back in bed?' His lips trailed down to her cleavage.

'Go to work Blakely.' She lifted his head away from her bosom. 'You have to pay the rent.'

'I own it,' he spoke with fierce pride.

'Well---we're having another baby. You need to make more money,' she playfully tightened his tie knot.

'Ah yes, the very reason I came in here,' Brad sighed. 'And then I got distracted.' He placed the breakfast tray on his wife's lap.

Tessa's lips pouted rebelliously. 'Do I have to have these tasteless crackers? I prefer muesli.'

'You can have all the muesli you want, but before you get out of bed, orange juice and crackers. Doctor's orders.'

'The doctor did not say so this time.'

'That's because you have not had a dizzy spell as yet, but I guarantee you are going to, if you neglect the doctor's previous orders.'

'You know sometimes I think you just like being a bully!' Tessa scowled. She sipped on the orange juice and fiddled with the cracker.

'It can't be that bad,' Brad lifted a cracker and took a bite. His face wrinkled with distaste. With painstaking effort Brad chewed and swallowed the cracker.

'You were saying Mr. Blakely,' Tessa laughed.

Brad picked up the plate of crackers and emptied it into the bin. 'Should I make you toast?'

'I am fine,' she pleaded. 'I shall have toast tomorrow morning.'

Okay, only for today. Now our son would like to greet you. Should I allow him in?'

'Throw me a gown please and darling, wait for me. I'm coming to the office with you.'

'Don't be sorry,' Bentley smiled. 'Glad to be of service.'

'May I offer you some brandy again?'Bentley smiled.

'Let me rather make some coffee,' Keri offered.

Keri had made coffee. Bentley was polite and non-intrusive. Keri found herself telling Bentley about her relationship with Max. She left out the gory details, but vaguely offered an explanation about their breakup and her subsequent arrival in London. Bentley had not been judgemental or patronizing. He merely reinforced his role of support. When he was convinced Keri would be okay, he let himself out. Keri had apologized again for kissing him. He had merely grinned and told her she was very, very welcome and he looked forward to her next episode of seduction.

Tessa was responding to an email in her office when her door opened and Keri walked in.

'Hey,' Tessa smiled absently and continued typing. Keri pulled the chair in front of Tessa and dropped into it.

'I kissed Bentley last night.'

Tessa's eyes widened. She stopped typing and turned her undivided attention to Keri. 'You kissed Bentley?'

'Yes,' Keri covered her face with her palms. 'I feel so ashamed of myself.'

Tessa could only guess that Keri had done it on the rebound. She knew Bentley had feelings for Keri. This situation was so precarious.

'You want to tell me what happened?' Tessa invited.

'Last night---when Bentley took me home,' Keri's eye shifted about avoiding Tessa's. 'I was so angry at Max. I told myself I was over Max, that I felt nothing for him---and when Bentley took me home. He was standing in my lounge, offering to pour me a brandy. I stared at Bentley as if seeing him for the first time and the next thing I was kissing a very surprised Bentley,' Keri groaned.

'Keri, you do know Bentley's feelings towards you are not impartial?'

''I know,' Keri groaned loudly. 'I feel so embarrassed for using him.'

'Why don't you talk to Bentley?'

'I did apologise last night and I'm paraphrasing here. He kind of intimated that I was very welcome to continue seducing him,' Keri stood up, and threw her hands in the air.

'Go easy Keri. You are on the rebound here.'

'I know,' Keri threw her head up and shut her eyes tightly. 'I don't want to hurt Bentley. I'm not ready to start a new relationship.'

'That's not what you told Max yesterday,' Tessa grinned.

'Tessa!'

'Sorry, couldn't resist,' Tessa bit on her lower lip.

'So you're married to a "vagabond," Keri grinned.

'My husband is gorgeous. I cannot believe that punk!'

'Gorgeous shoulders too,' Keri could not resist taking a playful swipe.

'Don't go planning an encore,' Tessa wagged a threatening finger at her P.A.

Keri smiled. She would never dare to hurt Tessa. Not that Brad Blakely had eyes for any other female. It was clear to all and sundry that he loved his wife. 'Is Mr. Blakely mad at Max for insulting him? It was all so embarrassing yesterday.'

Brad had been more preoccupied with the RBD issue. Keri's situation was very low on Brad's radar.
'No, he did not even mention it. Keri, perhaps you should have another chat with Bentley. Tell him you need time. You are not ready to date just yet.'

'Yes, this afternoon after you guys leave. I think it will be safer to just talk here at the office. Thank you Tessa. You are amazing. You are my boss and here I am offloading on you ---.'

'Nonsense Keri. I am here for you and so is Brad, from a security point that is,' Tessa laughed. 'You are welcome anytime Keri,' Tessa stood up and embraced Keri.

'You have nothing to worry about as far as Mr. Blakely is concerned,' Keri laughed softly. 'He worships you.'

'I know,' Tessa smiled with humility, 'and he's like a mother hen all over again.'

'Well I guess I should let you get some work done. Did Mr. Blakely okay the RBD proposal?'

'Yes,' Tessa nodded. 'It's ready for Brad and Alexei Yakov's signature.'

Keri did not need to know about the private decision she and Brad had come to. As long as her husband was content, Tessa was quite pleased to go along with Brad's plan. It would just require some sensitive handling of Darya, from Brad's side for she had expected to be offered a strategic position in the new company structure. Tessa made a mental note to ask Brad about how they would jointly be making the transfer of payments to Alexei and Darya.

'Actually there is something I need to check with Brad,' Tessa stood up.

Tessa sighed with relief that the business with the Russians was over. Finally her husband was the owner of the Russian Business Daily newspaper. She was about to knock and enter Brad's office when the distinct lady's voice inside Brad's office had Tessa rooted to the spot. Tessa almost choked on the saliva in her throat when she heard Darya propositioning Brad and seductively inviting him to her hotel. Tessa was about to barge in and have a go at Darya, when Brad's response restrained her impulse.

"I am a happily married man, Darya, even though you are an attractive woman, I could never be unfaithful to my wife.' Brad's polite voice filtered through the door.

"Surely you can indulge in some ---extracurricular activity," Darya tested Brad. Tessa could not see, but Darya's palms were suggestively on his chest. Neither could Tessa observe her husband gently but assertively remove Darya's hands.

"I love my wife."
Tessa heard Brad's voice ooze with a patience, she knew he was far from feeling. "I will never betray her trust in me. No casual fling is worth the risk of losing my marriage."

"We can have more than a casual fling Bradley,' Darya was persistent. Her palms traced down Brad's body. "I can satisfy you for as long as you desire. You know I can," Darya intoned persuasively.
"I have sown my wild oats before I married,' Brad firmly put Darya away from his person. "I have never once been unfaithful to my wife and I never will. Neither will I hurt my son, who looks up to his father.' Tessa heard Brad's impassioned voice. "And let me tell you something about my wife Darya. She is the most amazing woman in the world."

You tell her darling.

"and I have know many," Tessa heard.

Okay loose the details.

"I will lay down my life for my wife, and I will willing give up everything I own, before I lose her."

Brad had been without his wife, in the pits of hell once before, for one whole torturous month. He was never going to go there ever again.

"RBT needs my investment, more that I need RBT. I am pursuing this deal most importantly to save the livelihood of the RBT's many employees, including yourself. Darya I will think nothing of walking away from this deal, if my wife demands that I do so?"

Yeah---you tell her darling.

"You will take instructions from your wife?" She taunted.

"Yes." Brad stated unflinchingly. "My wife owns fifty percent of my company. Without a doubt my wife adds fifty percent of value to this company. I challenge you to speak to any of our staff to verify that,"

"Well I will grant your wife that much. She is rather an astute business woman."

Why thank you. I did not think being concessionary was a hallmark of your character.

Having heard enough Tessa opened the door. She spoke, feigning ignorance of what she had overheard.

'Brad how should I ---.'

As much as she overheard her husband setting Darya straight, it was with much effort Tessa pretended not to notice Darya step closer to Brad and place her hand deliberately on his chest. She attempted to implicate Brad in a compromising position, but Brad had casually sidestepped Darya.

The cheek of the woman! Do you not know the trouble my husband went through to save your hide and set you up financially?

Tessa's eyes only momentarily locked with Brad as if questioning whether it was worth his concern for this ungrateful promiscuous woman, though she was not going to embarrass her husband. She'd heard his heart. He loved her. He was not interested in a cheap fling. She had absolutely nothing to be concerned about. Tessa felt a surge of joy flash through her entire being. She trusted Brad implicitly. Tessa was not going to allow Darya to bait her.

'Sorry,' Tessa smiled politely. 'I did not know you had company. Brad's eyebrow did a neat acrobatic stance. He had thought his wife was going to blow a gasket. She did have a very short fuse.

'Good day Darya. I trust you are well?' Tessa did not give her the opportunity to respond. 'I shall come back a little later,' Tessa pursed her lips at Brad, shut the door and returned to her office.

What the hell just happened?
Brad was awestruck. That had not been his wife. If it had been his wife walking in on what he knew she must have seen, she would have thrown a chair or some other piece of furniture at her husband.

'She is very trusting!' Darya laughed.

'My wife has every reason to trust me,' Brad slapped all the papers into his file and dropped it into his briefcase.

'She is a fool,' Darya spat out venomously.

'Because she did not fall for the ruse you attempted to concoct?'

'Obviously Bradley Blakely,' Darya snickered. 'If your doting wife did care about you, she would have thrown a fit to find another woman in her husband's arms. Clearly she is not as faithful and loving toward you, as your misplaced loyalty is.

'I am ending this meeting,' Brad ushered Darya to his door. My P.A. will inform Alexei on the date of signing.' Gently with some force he pushed her out and transferred her welfare to Bentley. Brad then rushed into Tessa's office.

'You're not upset?' Brad walked in and shut Tessa's door.

Tessa stood up and smiled adoringly at her husband. 'I overheard all I needed to, before I witnessed Darya's ploy,' she draped her arms around Brad's neck.

Brad dipped his head and pressed his forehead to Tessa's. 'Thank you for trusting me,' his eyes held Tessa's.

'Tell me you love me,' Tessa murmured against Brad's lips.

'I love you darling,' Brad breathed against her cheek, 'and treasure you more than all I possess.'

       -end chapter twenty one-