Life at the bunker began to become…dare I say it…routine. Well, as routine as any life could be living underground with a notorious man like Tony Dimera.
Our days began to have a regularity to them that was comforting.
Tony and I always shared our meals together, conversing on the same topics that I suppose all couples discuss. Our likes and dislikes. Politics, religion, music, films. Sometimes it would be surreal, sitting at the breakfast table with my croissant and coffee, listening to Tony talk about his preferences for film noir and modern art.
After Tony's daily fencing sessions, I would usually take over his exercise room, jump roping or running on the treadmill. I did this every day, whether I felt like it or not. I found the exercise helped me to stay calm and centered during this crazy time in my life. Tony recommended yoga and meditation, confiding in me that he often used the disciplines as a means of controlling his inner rage when the demons of his past threatened to consume him.
After our exercise, we would have lunch. Then we would usually spend the afternoons reading together in the library or watching one of his foreign films.
At dinner, Tony always insisted that I dress in one of the extravagant evening gowns in my closet. There was always vintage wine and some exotic cuisine involved. And occasionally, Tony would give me some expensive present after dinner…like an emerald necklace or sapphire earrings. I begged him not to buy such frivolous things on my account, but he would insist, often wanting me to put them on before dinner was even over.
But there were no more tangos…
In fact, we rarely, if ever, made any physical contact with each other at all.
This self-imposed abstinence was a silent pact between the two of us. We understood that our attraction to each other was unusually strong and volatile, often painful in its intensity. We did not dare take the risk of engaging in make-out sessions like teenagers would do in the back of a car. We both knew that if we started playing with this unnatural fire, there was a great possibility that neither of us would have the self-control to stop. And I was not yet willing to take the next step.
But the long looks, soft smiles and double entendres on a daily basis were tormenting enough in their own right.
But the nights were the hardest of all to get through.
Sometimes, I would lie awake for hours, thinking of all of the reasons why I should not want to have anything to do with Tony Dimera.
First of all, Tony was right that there was a great disparity in our ages. I didn't know how old he was and didn't want to ask. But I guessed that there had to be at least 15 years between us…and that was being extremely optimistic. Still, if I were brutally honest with myself, I found that I preferred being with an older man. I had dated my share of men my own age and usually found myself bored to tears with them. But with Tony, I had learned so much on a variety of subjects. He seemed to be flattered when I would ask his opinion or advice on a certain topic. And we often would have very interesting conversations.
OK. I would mentally check off the age difference as a non-issue.
There was also the matter of his rakish past. To say that Tony was a 'player' was to put it nicely. He had probably done things in the bedroom that I'd never even heard of. And I hated to think of him with any other woman, even Renee. And there must have been tons of women in his past. On the other hand, I yearned to know what forbidden secrets he could teach me if we ever…but it was best not to think about that.
Let's just say that Tony's past was sort of repulsive and attractive at the same time.
Next item on the list...
Dishonesty. Tony Dimera only lied when his lips moved. I wanted to believe what he was telling me about his past. Yet how could I really trust him when I was isolated from the rest of the world and had no way to verify the facts? All I could do was pray that he was not deceiving me...which put me in a very perilous position.
Yes, this was definitely a bad mark against him.
Crime. I was certain that he must have committed a few felonies over the years. He had simply never been caught red-handed. I could only hope he had never murdered anyone.
Also a very bad mark against him.
Possessiveness. Tony was a major control freak. He was always planning out the meals, the entertainment and even telling me what clothes to wear at dinner. Such domination and control was rather attractive in a naughty sort of way but not very practical. For instance, I had a hard time visualizing him sitting at home with cold leftovers while I'd be out chasing the hottest exclusive for the London Spectator.
Temperament. Tony could definitely be high strung and high maintenance and downright mean. Sometimes he would treat Bart absolutely abominably for the slightest mistake, although he would attempt to keep his temper in check when I was around. Other times, he could be condescending and cold and hopelessly arrogant.
And then I would think on his good qualities.
Sensitivity. I often would recall that day when I was upset about my parents in the library and how comforting he was. Sometimes, he would seem like such a hard man...but at other times, he could be surprisingly sweet and understanding. I was even starting to think that he was becoming a good friend to me. And I hadn't really had any friends in recent years, save Jack and Jennifer.
Fun. Sometimes, when we would play games or watch our films, I would feel like he was the fun date that I never had in my teenage years. He had a wicked sense of humor and would sometimes say the most shocking things. When he was in a good mood, he could be very charming and pleasant to be with.
Attractiveness. Tony got an A plus in that department. He was a beautiful man, his age and scars notwithstanding. I had not made up my mind if he was truly handsome in a classic sense. But he was indeed striking, almost hypnotically so. When he was in the room with me, sometimes I was hard pressed to take my eyes off of him. And there was that elegant voice that I could listen to all day.
Chemistry. .I would reminisce about our tango, about our stormy forbidden kiss in the dining room, about our sweet embrace in the guest bedroom…and I would toss and turn restlessly, eagerly waiting for the morning hours when I could see him again at the breakfast table. He was always a gentleman...but the way he would look at me sometimes would make me blush right down to my toes. I would call myself every sort of idiot for not throwing all caution to the winds. I would tell myself to simply go to his bedroom and beg him to make love to me, so we could both be out of our misery. But I would talk myself out of it, knowing that rushing into a potentially devastating love affair would not solve any of our problems. And then I would stare at the bedroom door, wishing and willing the knob to turn, revealing his presence. He would be standing before me with fire in his eyes, removing his cufflinks…just like in my dream...
Oh, I was going crazy!
And I couldn't even blame Renee these days for my naughty ghost had been very quiet as of late. I wondered when, if ever, I would hear from her again…
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Exasperated by my constant crosswords and word finds, Tony insisted that I should learn how to play chess. The game was much more challenging for the mind than simple word puzzles, he declared. And besides, every self-respecting Dimera knew how to play chess! However, I was having trouble getting into the proper mindset. I was never all that great with planning strategy moves…and having Tony sitting across from me, looking like he would rip off my clothes at any minute, did not help my concentration one bit.
"Leigh, where's your focus?" Tony chided playfully. "Am I going to have to get a professional master player in here to whip you into shape?"
I had never thought that he was serious about carrying out that threat!
"Leigh, meet Dr. Hermann Schultz, one of the world's greatest chess masters!" Tony announced one afternoon, escorting in a strangely stooped figure. The elderly man had a cane and was wearing an ugly plaid suit that looked like a reject from the sixties.
"Tony, isn't it risky to bring in a stranger like this?" I cautioned, pulling him off to the side.
"Oh, I'm certain he's quite harmless," he said, shrugging. "He's been checked out thoroughly."
"Well. OK. If you say so..."
"I'll leave her to you, Professor..."
After Tony left the room, I sat down across from the chess instructor, feeling odd. It felt strange attempting to make conversation with anyone else besides Tony and Bart. That was how long I had been cooped up in this place!
"Well, I must say this is a surprise..." I confessed, looking curiously at the odd man across from me. With the beret, ugly jacket, glasses and long gray beard, I could barely make out his face. "We rarely have guests here. Actually, we never have guests here. And as Tony will tell you, I can barely remember a rook from a knight."
"Oh, eet eez all eeazy to learn...eezy as pie..."
I was taken aback.
That man's accent wasn't just foreign. It was weird!
Squinting my eyes, I got a good look at his face...and I couldn't believe it!
"Jack!" I gasped, seeing through the crazy disguise.
"Ssshh!" Jack Deveraux whispered harshly, eyes wide with caution. "Not so loud! Are you alright, Leigh?"
"Yes!" I nodded. "Fine. How on earth did you find me?"
"That e-mail you sent," Jack answered. "Remember?"
"Oh!"
I had completely given up on that silly e-mail and actually had hoped that it had been deleted.
"Shane had no easy time dragging the truth out of Celeste, I can tell you that. Don't worry about a thing, Leigh! We have a plan to get you out of here really soon. Maybe even by tomorrow!"
I didn't know what to say.
Seeing Jack Deveraux was a good healthy dose of reality opposed to the twilight dream world of fantasy and sexual frustration that I had existed in for what seemed like weeks now, maybe even months. Seeing the sun again and breathing fresh air seemed like things that happened to other people.
And I realized how desperately I needed a normal life again.
But to escape to the world above, I would lose Tony…the scarred, damaged and mysterious man who I was certain I had lost my heart to.
Oh, why did life have to be so hard?
Jack must have seen the dismay on my face.
"Leigh, is everything really okay?" my boss asked with concern. "Dimera hasn't hurt you, has he? If he has, I swear I'll kill.."
"No, he hasn't..."
I saw the library door slowly open.
"Watch out!" I warned with a whisper.
"Leigh..."
It was Tony.
"Where does the pawn go again, Dr. Schultz?" I improvised with desperation.
"The pawn...eet goes right here like so...ja?"
"Leigh…" Tony repeated.
"Yes, Tony?"
I looked up and my mouth fell open. Tony Dimera looked positively stunning in black tie and tails. He could have been an exotic prince from some far off land. Or a movie star walking down the red carpet to receive an Academy Award.
"My, what's the occasion?" I asked. "Are we going to a ball and you forgot to tell me?"
"Just a hint of what's to come," Tony answered mysteriously, complete with a devilish smile. "I have a special evening planned for us tonight. I even took the liberty of purchasing a new gown for you. I would be honored if you would wear it. It's in your room on the bed."
I was definitely intrigued, wondering what he was up to.
"OK," I laughed. "Sure, I'll wear it. Oh, come on! That's all you're going to tell me?"
"You must be patient, little cat."
I could practically feel Jack reeling with shock at our rapport. He was even mouthing out the words 'little cat' in silent horror. I repressed a chuckle, halfway afraid that Jack would give us both away.
"How is the pupil doing, Professor Schultz?" Tony asked.
"Ah...verr-ee good, verr-ee good in-deeed..." Jack answered, hamming it up badly.
"Good work, Professor," Tony enthused. And then once more, he looked at me with a devil-may-care grin. "I shall look forward to our special evening tonight, Leigh."
"Yes…" I answered breathlessly.
Good Lord, was I blushing? I raised up a hand to my hot cheek. I was sure I was blushing…
After Tony left, closing the door behind him, Jack's sudden explosion stirred me out of my daze.
"I hope I am only imagining what I think I'm seeing and hearing!"
"What do you mean?"
"What do you mean what do I mean?" Jack retorted, frenzied. "If there were any more fireworks between you two, it would be the freaking Fourth of July! What's going on here?"
"Nothing," I replied innocently, feeling like a kid lectured by Dad after coming home late from the local school dance.
"Oh, you can't kid a kidder, Leigh. Has he tried anything?"
"No, Jack! Tony's been a real gentleman...most of the time."
"Well, he's definitely into you, Leigh! The vampire is practically licking his fangs and coming in for the kill. And I don't mind telling you I think it's disgusting. He's your uncle, for heaven's sake!"
"Actually...he's..."
But I had to think about Anna's safety. I couldn't say anything.
"Oh, it's a long story."
"OK! Never mind all that! What about the fact that he's old enough to be your father?!"
"I imagine the age difference between us is not that much more than between you and Jennifer," I replied in self-defense.
"I am not that old…and don't try to change the subject!" he scolded. "And thirdly, you know he's trouble, Leigh! He's a criminal and a terrorist! What are you thinking of, batting your eyelashes at him like that and...?"
"I'm doing nothing of the kind!"
"We've got to get you out of here as soon as possible," Jack said, shaking his head in disbelief. "I don't even like leaving you here for one more night. Now listen up...when the red Queen is facing backwards on the chess board…that is our signal, understand?"
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I entered the guest bedroom with a sigh of relief. Jack seemed to have left the bunker unscathed. And our escape plan was in place. For better or for worse…
Looking at the bed, I saw a beautiful silk gown of black and white, complete with long gloves and silk shoes. There was even an expensive diamond tiara beside it. The sight of that nearly gave me a heart attack. Tony was really going all out tonight.
What was he up to now?
I put on the dress. The bodice was tight fitting but elegant, shockingly low cut and yet somehow still classy. I pulled back my hair with the diamond tiara, dabbed on some perfume and even put on the emerald necklace from before.
This would probably be our last evening together, I thought as I looked at the stranger before me in the mirror. The realization brought tears to my eyes. I would miss him so much when I was gone.
Dressed as I was, I looked like a queen...or like Cinderella going to the ball. I mentally prepared myself to go meet my wicked Prince Charming in the dining room. I would have to give the performance of my life tonight and pretend like nothing out of the ordinary had happened today. And I would desperately try not to be sad…
When I entered the dining room, I was stunned. There were candles and flowers strewn everywhere! The room was a virtual kaleidoscope of light and color.
Bart and Tony were standing in the middle of the room, beaming at me like two mischievous little boys.
"Hey, guys..." I chuckled, spinning around the room in amazement. "What's going on?"
"An evening of romance!" Tony declared, upraising his arm with a dramatic gesture.
"Do you like it, Miss Daniels?" Bart asked like an anxious puppy dog.
"Sure, what's not to like?" I answered.
Tony pulled out a chair chivalrously, gesturing for me to sit down.
"Bart helped in the decorations...so I thought he should be allowed to see your reaction," he explained before sitting across from me at the small table in the center of the room.
"Thanks, Bart," I said. "It's great, really!"
"Ah...my pleasure, Miss Daniels."
OK, now Bart was seriously weirding me out, grinning at the two of us like an idiot. And since when did he start calling me 'Miss Daniels'? Usually it was 'Daniels' or 'Lady' or "Dame'. Why all the formality all of the sudden?
"You may go now, Bart."
"Oh, sure, Boss. Good night, Miss Daniels. You look really hot in that dress, by the way..."
"GOOD NIGHT, BART!" Tony exclaimed.
"Night!" Bart said with a wink.
I laughed as he left.
"Ahhh...alone at last..." Tony sighed. "And Bart is right. You do look lovely, my dear."
He reached across the table, taking my hand.
I inhaled sharply, biting my lip. It was the first time I think we had touched since that last time we had kissed me.
"You know it's funny..." I said quickly, trying to distract my mind from the way he was holding my hand. "I don't think Bart approved very much of us at first. He thought I was up to something. And he certainly didn't like it with your being my uncle and all. I wonder what happened to change his mind."
"Let's just say I set Bart straight on a few things and leave it at that, shall we?" Tony answered, caressing the inside of my palm with his thumb. "Now enough about Bart. I just want to enjoy our romantic dinner and you."
"So what's the occasion?"
"You'll see..." Tony said mysteriously, releasing my hand. "Champagne?"
He reached for a large bottle sitting in the center of the table.
"Champagne? Not Cabernet or Pinot Noir tonight?! This must really be something."
"You're not going to get it out of me, you know?" he taunted as he poured the bubbly liquid into my glass.
"I'm not, huh?"
"No, not until I am good and ready, Miss Daniels," he assured me as he poured his own glass. "A toast?"
"To what?"
"To us. And our special evening."
"I'll drink to that."
The clink of our glasses resounded in the magical dining room.
Dinner seemed to take forever. For some reason, I was getting very nervous. I could barely choke down my pheasant as Tony looked more and more like a cat who had swallowed a big fat canary. And he was so gorgeous in the darkness and the candlelight…
"You don't seem very hungry tonight."
"I guess I'm not."
My stomach was in knots and I couldn't eat a thing. I wasn't hungry...not for food anyway.
Tony took a remote control from his pocket and pressed a button. "Begin the Beguine" started playing in the background. I laughed out loud.
"You're full of surprises tonight, aren't you?"
"Would you care to dance?"
"Another tango?" I teased. "Do we dare?"
Tony raised an eyebrow in response.
"I mean..." I stammered. "I mean...I nearly trampled all over your foot the last time."
He stood up with a show of bravado, extending his hand to me.
"I'll take my chances. Come."
I eagerly obeyed his command, stepping into his arms.
"No tangos tonight," he said. "Just a nice slow dance..."
"Mmmm..."
Tony held me close as we swayed to the music. I put my head down on his shoulder, feeling the rough fabric of his jacket against my cheek. Just the simple act of dancing felt so intimate. I felt so alive, just being near him. And we stayed this way for a while, moving together to the beautiful music.
Then the song was over.
I couldn't help but let out a soft sigh of disappointment.
"Something wrong?"
"The music stopped..." I pouted.
"With us, I believe the music will never stop..."
I looked at Tony quizzically as he stepped away from me and went down to his knees.
The world seemed to freeze on its axis as I realized what he was about to do.
Pulling a velvet box out of his pocket, he opened it revealing an exquisite diamond ring.
"Leigh Daniels, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"