Chapter 3: Mr. and Mrs. DiMera
Kate awoke the next afternoon. She had found herself alone in bed as Stefano had already gone downstairs. She was still lingering on them making love earlier that morning, she had not expected Stefano to let her share his bed again but as she noted the man was full of surprises and despite his inital protests he had relented and told her that he was glad to see her. She slipped into his robe, as her things had been thrown out of the mansion, so Harold had told her initally. She made her way to the shower and relucantly got dressed in her previous outfit.
Downstairs...
Stefano had been awake and already showered. He had been alone when Kate found him sitting in the study. She had not spoken to him since earlier that morning and feared what they shared was a one time thing. He had still seem so sad, which was to be expected considering his business with EJ and Lexie's illness. Chad had made a point to distance himself from him and it wasn't like Sami was going to bring Johnny and Sydney to see him out of the goodness of her heart. He had been alone here in the Mansion and more alone than he'd ever admit he had been in his whole life.
"Stefano?" said Kate peering into the room.
"I thought you had already gone." said Stefano he had been distant in his thoughts.
"Are you alright?" asked Kate concerned.
"Elvis was just here." replied Stefano emotionless.
"You know I never did understand what was going on between the two of you lately." said Kate.
"It's none of your concern!" said Stefano bluntly.
Kate took it as him not wanting to disclose the situation.
"Alright, I'm gonna go now." she said sort of disheartened.
"Katherine..." said Stefano realizing his remark.
He was attempting to reach out to her. He was must want me to stay. She thought hopeful but she had known better than to read too much into this. Stefano was many things but weak was not in his vocabulary. Still she had hoped the morning they spent together would sway him.
"Yes?" asked Kate.
"Thank you for stopping by." he said plainly.
"Not a problem." replied Kate disappointed.
Stefano sensed that she seemed disheartened but there was nothing he could do. Nothing he was willing to admit either. She had done this to herself, she had ruined their relationship. Still, he wanted to try even if it hurt his pride to do so...he couldn't just let Ian swoop in and take away the only woman in the world who had ever loved him despite his nature. Celeste had been a rather close second but in the end she always judged him at every opportunity she got. Marlena had simply used his advances to win John Black. Kate had been the only woman he had ginuwinely loved and whom he knew loved him just as much.
"Katerina...wait." said Stefano as he closed the front door just as she opened it.
She looked at him with the tears making their way down her cheeks. She had not wanted to read too much into this either but she couldn't help but hope.
Stefano looked down at her for what seemed like the longest time. He suddenly grabbed her and they kissed rather passionately. Kate touched his face as he pressed her up against the front door. She had been afraid he would never acknowledge their morning together and here he was sending her off with an intensely passionate kiss.
He pulled back breathing just as heavy as she had been and stared longingly into her eyes. He was not one for much of this sentiment but she had a certain charm. Katherine made a point to take this slow. If they were ever going to get back to being the way they were she'd have to wait until he was ready and given the mood he had been in lately...now was not the time for such hopes.
"Good-bye." he said tilting his head in that manner of his.
"Good-bye." she said still lingering on that kiss.
Kate took her leave of her husband and walked out into the streets of Salem. She had not felt as bad as she had the previous night having spent the morning in the arms of Stefano DiMera. He had been on her mind since that time and all the passion between them seemed to only intensify. She made up her mind that she was going to do whatever it took to get him back and walk around Salem proudly as the one and only Mrs. Stefano DiMera.