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| Chapter 10
They sat by the fire. She leaned back against him while he tried to unravel one of her braids and she slapped at his hand. “I don’t know if I like this….I mean I love that you got your uncle back…but that’s two more people that know that I’m here. And I’ve kind of gotten used to being queen of the castle….I don’t know how I’ll adjust.” Nikolas smirked….this was typical. “Well, I’m afraid your highness, that your days as queen of the castle are at an end.” “What, you trying to make me into a servant or something. I don’t do windows…” “No…I mean after tomorrow you’re not trapped here anymore.” She turned to look at him. “What do you mean? That little snot agreed to drop the charges against me?” “It took a little persuading…but yeah…I’ve just got to do something tomorrow and you’re home free.” “Oh.” “Oh…I thought you’d be happy.” “I am…it’s just….what am I saying…it’ll be great to get out of this mausoleum.” “Where will you go?” “I guess I could stay with my brother. Then I’ll have to get a job…..hey…you think I could call my mom?” “Tomorrow after I get done what I need to do. And you can stay in my cottage in town.” “Nikolas…” “Yeah…” “Do I want to know what you’re doing?” “Nothing too big…just making sure Zander isn’t a problem for you anymore…” “Why?” “Why what..?” “Why’d you do this?” “It needed to be done…” “No…why’d you do this for me? I blackmailed your friend, I did horrible things….” “Shhhh..” He put his hand to her lips. He traced his fingers round her lips then moved the hair away from her face….she looked down… “Hey….look at me..” She looked up and there were tears in the corners of her eyes… “That’s why. I know that beneath all your bluster and your attitude…..you care. I know that if you’d known what really had happened to Emily you’d never have done that. I know that if you really were as cold as you think you are, you’d have left whether or not your mom was sick. You’re not all about yourself, no matter what you think of yourself. I saw it that night on the docks. I saw it when you took off on Sheba. And I saw it that night we went dancing. You’d been to that rest home before, right?” “Yeah…” “Yeah, and something tells me you weren’t there scamming them out of their social security checks…” She started crying. “Don’t…” “Don’t what? Tell you I don’t think you’re that bad? Tell you you’re not a horrible person?” “Don’t lie to me. I know what I’ve done and what I deserve is for you to hate me.” “Gia, I don’t hate you.” “WHY NOT?” “I just don’t….I look at you and I don’t think anything bad…just the opposite, in fact…” He could see himself and the flames reflected in her eyes…..she put a hand to his cheek and leaned in…. “Nikolas, a word please.” Nikolas was glad his uncle was back but his timing could be much better. “Wait here. I’ll be right back.” His uncle was standing at the doorway with a stern look on his face. “In the library, please…” Nikolas closed the door behind him. “No, right here’s fine.” “If you insist, Nikolas but I must know. This Miss Campbell. Why is she here?” “It’s a long story, but I trust her.” “I hope you understand I can brook no indiscretions in this matter Nikolas. Mother must not find out that Chloe or I are here, and most importantly she must never discover Chloe’s pregnancy. She will do her best to prevent a child of mine from ever drawing breath.” “I understand that, and Gia won’t say anything. She owes me, and I trust her.” “Obviously. I trust your judgment Nikolas. But I will not endorse you taking chances of any kind.” “Gia’s not a chance.” “I take it she’s staying here, or has been for the last month.” “Yes…” “Am I to take it you are involved with Miss Campbell?” “No…I mean I don’t know…” “In any case, Nikolas, you must also remember her safety as well as your own. The moment Mother discovers you have feelings for any woman she will seek to convert them into pawns against you.” “I want no part of Helena’s twisted game, and I won’t let her make Gia part of it. I won’t.” “Well, I hope you are more successful than I in keeping the women in your life safe from mother.” “So…you’re okay with Gia…” “She is a beautiful young lady, Nikolas….and if she is amorous of you, she has already shown excellent taste. …and I must say the look in your eyes when you speak of her is something I’ve never seen before.” “Well, she’s different…” “Yes, I’ve noticed she’s quite spirited…” “I guess that’s one word for it.” “In any case, you must be honest with her. It would not be fair to her or to you to become involved without first telling her exactly what it means to be involved with a Cassadine.” “You’re right….I will….I will….have you?” “Chloe? Yes, I’m afraid she already knew. What it means to be the mother of a Cassadine child? I’m not sure I can ever fully express to her the danger that puts her in. Perhaps your mother might speak to her…” “Wouldn’t that be a little awkward?” “Perhaps. Yes, perhaps you’re right….but Nikolas….please….speak to Miss Campbell if you truly care for her. Let her know the threat that Mother will be , and then let her decide….If you truly care for and respect her, you must be honest with her.” “I know….I will.” “Then give Miss Campbell my regards, and good night.” “Uncle…” “Yes…?” “C’mere”….Nikolas held his uncle close. “It’s so good to have you back….” “And I can’t tell you how good it is to be back…but I think there’s someone waiting for you….” “Yeah…I guess there is…” “Good night, Nikolas.” “Good night, Uncle.” He backed into the den, closing the door…”Gia, we have to talk….” He turned and was speechless. Gia sat by the fire, the light flickering against her skin. She smiled up at him…. Her shoulders were bare under the blanket, as were her legs…as he supposed was the rest of her… “Nikolas…” “Yes…..” “I don’t want to talk….” . Back to the: Library |