Chapter 51

Dafne had expected Mortola to take her to the kitchen to join the other maids preparing breakfast. But she didn't. Mortola steered Dafne roughly to another part of the house she had never been in. Mortola's room. Dafne began to panic. Why had the old woman brought her here? But Mortola didn't offer any explanation until she had shoved Dafne inside and shut the door ominously.

"You will teach me to read," she ordered bluntly as Dafne nervously took in her surroundings. She wasn't exactly surprised to see a portrait of Capricorn hanging on the wall like an object of worship.

What was the root of this woman's obsession with Capricorn?

She knew why Basta was so devoted to him but why this old woman? She had never seen Capricorn acknowledge her with any affection. He treated her as he did any servant. Granted she had the perks of ordering others about and this spacious room but why this extreme devotion? She was like a bird guarding an egg, ready to scratch and peck anyone who came close. She even looked like a bird, flapping her arms impatiently at Dafne,

"Have you grown deaf as well as stupid?"

Dafne stared at her a little puzzled. The old woman had said something before but she had been too preoccupied.

"Sorry?"

"Stupid girl," Mortola hissed, "I said you will teach me to read."

This time Dafne heard her perfectly well and groaned at her misfortune. Teaching Mortola to read was an even more depressing prospect than teaching Capricorn or a bunch of his men. It meant being stuck with a vicious woman who hated her guts and didn't hide the fact.

"Teach you read," she repeated miserably, "Why?"

"That is none of your business," Mortola snapped, "You're back under my command you little trollop and if I order you to do something, you do not question it."

Dafne sighed. Mortola was right, the reason didn't matter. The only thing that mattered was that she didn't have any choice.

Dafne had no idea how long their first lesson lasted. It felt like an eternity, an eternity of hell. Every time Dafne went to correct Mortola as delicately as she could, the woman took offence and lashed out with an insult. Fortunately Mortola proved a quick student like Capricorn and in spite of this, they did make progress with the alphabet. Mortola seemed almost fanatically determined to succeed and she kept glancing at Capricorn's portrait as if it was a source of motivation.

"How - how long have you served Capricorn?" Dafne ventured to ask when curiosity got the best of her.

Mortola looked at her sharply, almost suspiciously. Such a look made Dafne wish she had just kept her mouth shut. But to her surprise, the old woman answered.

"I've served Capricorn since the day he was born," she said, her voice full of pride, her eyes shifting affectionately to the portrait once more, "Why do you ask me this?"

"I was just... interested. Because he obviously trusts you a lot to run his household," Dafne said, trying to sound admiring.

Mortola's chest swelled with satisfaction.

"Of course he does. Capricorn trusts me above all the rest who serve him. I know things about Capricorn that no one else knows."

"Really?" Dafne said intrigued, "Like what?"

Mortola scowled, realising she had said too much.

"I'm not telling you, you nosy strumpet," she snapped, "Stop sniffing around and get back to teaching!"

Dafne realised there was no point pressing any further now Mortola had put her guard up. She was still burning with curiosity though. What could Mortola possibly know about Capricorn that no one else did? Was it a weakness? A deadly food allergy? Something Dafne could use? She would have to bide her to time to see if she could wile it out her. For now the lesson continued. Until Orlanda arrived, bearing news.

"Basta's back with the new maid," she informed Mortola and Dafne's heart sank, "He's taken her up to Capricorn."

"I will go inspect her," Mortola said imperiously, turning to Dafne, "But before I do, I want you to write Capricorn's name down for me. And make it nice and neat."

Dafne did as she was told, though she was distracted by news of Basta's success. She supposed it at least meant she wouldn't be food for Darius' monster. As soon as Dafne finished with Capricorn's name, Mortola pushed her out of the way. She caressed the script with her fingers. Then she folded the paper up and held it to her lips almost as if she were kissing it. Dafne did her best not to make a face of disgust.

"His name," Mortola whispered to herself though Dafne was close enough to hear, "His terrible wonderful name," she glanced sharply at Dafne who looked away, pretending she hadn't been listening, "Take this and put it in that casket over there."

Dafne took the paper and went over to the indicated casket sitting atop a chest of drawers. She took off the lid, peered inside and immediately jumped back in alarm. She heard Orlanda laugh,

"Wasn't expecting that, was she?"

"No definitely not," Mortola said with a sneer, "Hurry up girl. Drop the paper in."

Dafne shook her head. There was no way she was sticking her hand anywhere near that casket. Not when there were snakes residing in it.

"What, are you scared?" Mortola said, clearly enjoying Dafne's fear, "If you're quick, they shouldn't bite you."

"We have an antidote if they do," Orlanda added, "We might just give it to you."

"Come on girl," the amusement was gone from Mortola's voice, replaced by impatience, "I don't have all day. Do it!"

Dafne took a deep breath and leaned cautiously over the casket. There was no movement from the scaly bodies inside. They seemed to be asleep. Not that this reduced Dafne's fear very much. She released the paper and slamming the lid back over as quickly as she could. She backed away, breathing fast with exhilaration.

"See, that wasn't so hard was it," Mortola jeered, "But let this be a lesson to you. You're on thin ice my dear and Capricorn isn't going to keep you alive for Basta's sake. If you cross me, it will be the last thing you ever do," she stabbed a finger ominously at the casket, "Remember that," she turned to Orlanda, "Take this one to the kitchen but keep an eye on her. Warnings only work if a person is smart enough to heed them. Going on past experience, I'm not so sure that applies to Madam Basta."

"What did you and Pietro talk about when he visited you the other day?" Orlanda asked as she escorted Dafne to the kitchen.

"Don't you know," Dafne said, not in the mood to talk, "You were right outside the door the whole time."

"Yes but I couldn't hear anything clearly," Orlanda replied, looking frustrated at the fact, "Did - did he say anything about me?"

Dafne stared her incredulously. Orlanda's ruddy cheeks seemed even redder. Dafne had been right. The woman definitely had a crush on Pietro. She opened her mouth to answer honestly but then reconsidered. Why not create a little mischief for Pietro.

"Oh yes," she said, "He told me how nice your figure was."

"Really?" Orlanda said excitedly, looking down at her bulky body, "He said that."

Dafne nodded, smiling but managing to stop the laughter from spilling out,

"Yes. He said it was refreshing to see a woman with such natural curves... Voluptuous was the word he used."

Orlanda stroked her hips with new appreciation,

"Voluptuous," she giggled, looking quite delighted, "That naughty man. He shouldn't say things like that. He's a married. His wife's a bitch too from what I hear. The poor man."

"Yes poor man," Dafne agreed insincerely.

Dafne's jesting with Orlanda put her in better spirits but her mood deflated as soon as they reached the kitchen. Her arrival was met with frosty silence from her fellow maids. There were no smiles or waves, just a swarm of eyes on her. Judgemental eyes. She spotted Agnese and Marianna. They weren't staring like the others. They continued working as if she were invisible. Orlanda instructed her to go peel vegetables and Dafne felt the sets of eyes following her as she took up her position next to a maid she used to go to the church with.

"Hi Perla," she greeted her.

The woman regarded her warily as if she didn't even want to answer her.

"Hello," she said, sounding distant as if she were speaking to a stranger. A stranger she had no interest in conversing with. Dafne miserably stared peeling a potato. So it wasn't just her roommates who had decided they wanted nothing to do with her. Did they all feel this way?

"Psst," a maid squeezed in beside Dafne. Dafne looked at her uncertainly, unsure if she was addressing her. It turned out she was, "Your name's Dafne right?"

"Yes."

The maid smiled and it instantly filled Dafne with relief,

"I'm Marietta. I don't think we've ever introduced ourselves."

Dafne shook her head. She didn't even remember Marietta. Like the men, the maids were too many to be able to memorise all of them. Marietta's face wasn't particularly striking either, except for her ears which were rather large, emphasised by the fact she wore her hair tucked back over them. Her smile was pretty though and best of all, friendly.

"Don't worry about the others," Marietta told her, "They get a bit edgy around women like us."

"Women like us?" Dafne said confused.

"Women who go out with Capricorn's men," Marietta explained, "Trust me they acted the same way towards me when I started dating Nero. Wouldn't speak to me, treated me like I was invisible," she glanced at Perla who was providing an example of this behaviour, "Still do."

Marietta shrugged, looking completely unbothered by it.

"You're dating Nero?" Dafne said. He had been one of the men in her class.

Marietta nodded happily,

"Yep. Do you know him, great bushy beard," she mimed hairs sprouting from her face.

"Yes I know him."

"I keep telling him to shave the silly thing off," Marietta told her, "It's very tickly," she giggled, her eyes darting to Perla again to see if there was any reaction.

There was a slight telling frown at the corner of Perla's lips, but she kept her gaze intensely focused on the carrot she was peeling. Dafne was annoyed. So it was alright for her to eavesdrop yet pretend like they weren't there. Well if that was what she wanted, Dafne would ignore her right back.

"How long have you been dating Nero?" she asked Marietta.

"Oh I don't know. A while. It's hard to say for sure. No one keeps a calendar here."

"I think I've been going out with Basta for almost a week," Dafne said, sadly reflecting on the fact that they had spent a lot of this time apart.

"Only a week," Marietta said, distracting her from her thoughts, "I thought you two had been together longer than that. It seems like it was ages ago that you went to live with him."

"We weren't together then," Dafne explained, "I was just his maid. That was up until almost a week ago when we... you know."

"Fell in love?"

Dafne smiled.

"Something like that."

"How did he ask you?" Marietta said, not seeming shy at all about asking such a personal question. But Dafne didn't mind. Marietta acted as if Dafne was an old friend instead of someone she had just met. Dafne was grateful for that. She needed a friend right now.

"He said, Dafne will you be my lady?" she told her, smiling because she remembered Basta's reaction after she had said yes. He had been so happy.

"Hey that's romantic," Marietta said, "Nero wasn't very romantic when asked me. He pulled me aside when I was serving dinner and said 'Hey I like you. How about you come live with me'. And I said go get me some flowers and you have a deal. So the next night he shoves some roses in my face and says 'Here's your stupid flowers, let's go to my place'. Not much of a Romeo huh."

Marietta seemed more amused by this deficiency than regretful. She laughed so loud that she drew Orlanda's attention.

"Marietta get back to work," she ordered, "Save your slacking off for your boyfriend's house."

Marietta did as she was told but mumbled to Dafne out of the corner of her mouth,

"God, jealous much. Just because she can't get anyone."

Dafne giggled.

"She likes someone but he's married."

Marietta's eyes glittered with interest,

"Really? Who?"

"Pietro."

"Pietro? Which one's that?"

"That one over there," Dafne said, pointing. As if on cue, Pietro just had entered the kitchen. But she lost interest in him straight away because Basta was with him. He waved at her,

"Dafne!"

Dafne was suddenly aware of every eye upon her.

Marietta was the only one not looking at her. She was looking at Pietro.

"I like his moustache," she said, "I wonder what Nero would look like with a moustache."

"Dafne! Come here!" Basta was beckoning her over.

Dafne glanced over at Orlanda expecting her to put up some objection. She was supposed to guarding Dafne after all. But Orlanda had been distracted by Pietro and was sauntering over to him with her hips swaying exaggeratedly. Pietro was eyeing her approach looking somewhat puzzled. Dafne smiled knowingly.

"Dafne!" Basta called out a little more impatiently.

"I think your man wants you," Marietta observed.

"Please excuse me," Dafne said, putting down her half-peeled potato.

Marietta smiled,

"You're excused."

"Dafne!"

"Yes I'm coming!"

Basta was bouncing on the balls of his feet as she made her way over to him.

"I'm here now. What..."

Basta grabbed her arm and began towing her away.

"Talk later. We need to go."

Dafne didn't object. She could hear the urgency in his voice.

She looked back over her shoulder and caught a glimpse of Orlanda. She was posing seductively in front of Pietro with her hands on her hips and her breasts pushed forward. Pietro was smiling but it wasn't his charming in control smile. Instead it looked forced and uneasy. She grinned with mirth but sobered quickly,

"Where are we going?" she asked.

"You'll see," Basta said.

Are we escaping? Her mind had already jumped that thought. Why else would Basta be in such a rush?

But he didn't lead her to the front door. They ended up in maid's sleeping quarters.

Dafne was very confused.

"Why are we..?"

"Shhh," Basta replied, testing the door knob of the first room and smiling, "Oh good, it's not locked."

"Basta," Dafne began reproachfully as he swung the door open. What the hell was going on? Why weren't they out the front door by now?

But Basta dragged her inside the room and slammed the door behind them. He leant against the frame for a moment, exhaling a sigh of relief.

When he was done, he smiled at her tenderly,

"Little mouse."

She stared back at him with great vexation.

"What..."

That was as far as she got before he pounced on her and crushed his lips against hers.

It took a split second for Dafne to recover from the shock of being kissed so suddenly. It was a rough and desperate kiss and her heart beat excitedly but she still pushed herself away from it.

"What are you doing?" she hissed, staring at Basta wide eyed.

Why are you kissing me in the maids' bedroom when we should be escaping right now?

Basta didn't answer. He closed all available space between them, pressing his body against hers. Startled she moved back but he moved with her, moved with her until Dafne felt her back hit the wall. She was now pinned in place, staring uncertainly into Basta's amber eyes which were so vast and intense because his face was close to hers.

"Say you want me," he said huskily.

"What?" she breathed. Their lips were almost touching. If she leaned forward just slightly... but she fought the urge. Her heart was thundering in her ears but every other sound was magnified, the sound of his breathing, her breathing, the sound of her swallowing saliva nervously.

"Tell me you want me dear heart," he said, his expression was pleading and his eyes were full of longing, "Tell me you want to be given back to me."

Dafne suddenly realised what he was asking her. She hadn't answered Capricorn's question earlier. But if Basta just wanted reassurance why go about it in such a manner, like he wanted something else.

"Of course I want that," she answered.

Basta closed his eyes with a relieved smile. She felt him sigh against her. She was very aware of the parts of him brushing against her, aware of her own body against him. He had held her before but she had never been so self-conscious of what was touching what.

"You had me worried," Basta's eyes were open again, "When you didn't answer Capricorn, I thought..." he shook his head, "Never mind. It doesn't matter. We're here now."

He kissed her, more gently than before still insistent. Dafne felt her body respond, grow hot, shiver. Her mind was stronger.

Stop it, don't kiss him back. What are you doing? You two need to get out of here.

Dafne prised her lips away. Basta regarded her quizzically,

"What's wrong?"

"What's wrong? You've dragged me into a bedroom to make out," she said, annoyed she was blushing.

Basta smiled, untroubled by the reproach in her voice.

"What's your problem with that? We don't know when we'll be able to see each other next. We need to make the most of it before the old hag catches on and comes to spoil our fun."

"Fun?" Dafne repeated tensely, "Basta, we need..."

She gasped as Basta dipped his head and planted a kiss on her throat. Her body shuddered and she couldn't help a small moan escaping her lips.

Basta lifted his head with a smirk,

"What were you saying?" he said teasingly.

"Basta," Dafne cried frustratedly, catching hold of his face as he went to kiss the same spot, "you need to listen to me. We need to get out of here."

Basta kept smiling though it faltered somewhat,

"Why? There's nowhere else in this house we can be alone."

"I don't mean go somewhere to do... this," Dafne said, indicating their bodies pressed together, "I mean escape. Leave the village."

"Escape?" there was no enthusiasm in Basta's face, only worry, "What are you talking about? We can't do that."

"Why not?" Dafne said, a little disheartened by his reaction, "This is our chance to do it. All we need to do is make it out the front door, get to your car and..."

"Stop," Basta extracted her hands from his face and shook them, "get that idea out of your head right now. We are not doing that. Don't you think we're in enough trouble as it is?"

"That's why we need to leave. So we can put Capricorn and all this trouble behind us."

"That's assuming we don't get caught. Capricorn isn't going to let us disappear off into the sunset little mouse."

"He gave up hunting down Silvio and Netta," Dafne pointed out.

"They were different. They were insignificant to him. He replaced them in a blink of an eye. We're not. We're more useful. Capricorn might not show it but he knows I'm the best person to carry out his work. And you're useful because you can read and write."

"So what?" Dafne said impatiently, "Who cares if we're useful? That doesn't mean we should stick around."

"It matters because he'll be ruthless in getting us back," Basta growled, "He won't stop until we're brought back to be punished," fear danced in Basta's eyes, "He'll probably execute us."

"So obviously not useful enough to be spared from death," Dafne said sarcastically, "But I'm willing to risk death to be free of this place," her expression softened into sadness, "I just wish you felt the same way."

Basta sighed,

"Look it's not as if I don't want to leave with you... What, don't you believe me?"

Dafne shrugged. She didn't really. He had always been hostile to the idea.

Basta still had hold her hands and he caressed her palms with his fingers,

"Well you should believe me little mouse. I'm not lying to you."

"Then why are you so gloom and doom like you don't want to do it?" Dafne said.

"I'm just reminding you of the risks involved. It doesn't mean I don't ever want to leave. It's just that now is the worst time to do it."

"Why? According to you Capricorn is going to have us hunted down regardless."

"That's true. But if we do it now, we won't make it very far before Mortola sounds the alarm because she's figured out your missing. Wouldn't we be better off waiting until you're back in my house with no one keeping an eye on us. If we slip away then it might take ages for someone to notice we're gone. That's the kind of advantage we would need little mouse."

He had a point.

"Does that mean once you get me back, we'll definitely leave?" Dafne asked hopefully.

Basta frowned,

"We'll see," he said, a response she found discouraging after he had seemed so committed to thinking a plan through, "Let me just concentrate on getting you back first."

Therein lay another dilemma as far as Dafne was concerned.

"The things Capricorn is going to get you to do..." she began.

Basta sighed,

"Look I know they won't be the kind of things that your bleeding heart agrees with, but I don't have any choice little mouse. I can't refuse. Capricorn will punish you if I do. You do remember that part of the arrangement?"

Dafne nodded sadly. She did. It was Capricorn's failsafe to ensure Basta did what he wanted.

"And I don't want you punished because of me," Basta went on, "I don't want that on my conscience."

"What about Giulio's children? Are they on your conscience?" Dafne asked.

Basta sighed,

"I had to bring them here little mouse. Like I said I didn't have a choice."

"That wasn't what I was asking. I'm asking if you feel bad about it," Dafne said.

She wanted to know if he felt remorse. It would reassure her somewhat if he did. It would prove that he wasn't entirely bad as Capricorn claimed.

"Well I'm not over the moon about it," Basta told her wearily.

Dafne found this response encouraging. He could have bluntly stated he didn't care.

"But it's one step closer to getting you back," he continued, "And that's something I want very badly," he stroked her face, "I miss you dear heart. I have you with me now but that's not enough, not enough because I know I have to leave you here."

"Please don't leave me here," Dafne found herself saying futilely. She didn't want to stay here, not with Capricorn and Mortola and all the maids who hated her except for her new friend Marietta.

"I'm sorry," Basta's face was pained, "But it's not my decision. You know that. Please don't hate me."

Dafne shook her head, burying her face on his shoulder.

"I don't hate you. I hate Capricorn. And Mortola. And I hate being a slave again."

"I know you do," Basta said sympathetically, "But it's only for a little while."

"How long?" Dafne said, sounding like a child asking a parent.

Basta shifted uncomfortably,

"I don't know," he confessed, "But if I keep pleasing Capricorn, it's bound to be soon."

This answer wasn't any comfort Dafne. It just made her think of all the possible deeds Capricorn might get Basta to do. What could top kidnapping two children? She was sure Capricorn would think of something. Basta seemed to know he hadn't reassured her.

"Try not to worry for the moment," he said, "I know that's a pretty much an impossible request..."

"You've got that right," Dafne said bitterly.

Basta smiled faintly,

"But we don't know how long we have until someone interrupts us," he continued, "So why not try to enjoy ourselves?"

Dafne lifted her head off his shoulder to meet his pleading gaze. She sighed,

"I suppose so."

Basta's smile became brighter,

"Come on then," he said, taking her hand and pulling her away from the wall.

Dafne saw he was leading her over to the closest bed and immediately dug her heels in.

"I don't think so," she said, going to tug her hand away, "I don't care if we're not going to be seeing each other for a while..."

Basta pouted at her reaction,

"Why do you automatically assume my intentions aren't honourable?" he said in a hurt tone of voice.

"Why else would be taking me over to a bed?" Dafne said distrustfully.

"Well a bed's comfier than a hard wall isn't it," he sighed, "Stop looking me like I'm some kind of deviant. I just want to lay down with you. Nothing else."

"Lay down with you?"

"Yes," Basta said exasperatedly, "And don't get the wrong idea about that. I mean with all our clothes on. Why would I try anything? You're obviously repulsed by the idea."

"I'm not repulsed," Dafne said as he looked upset, "I'm just not ready yet. And this is hardly the time or the place. But I will lay down with you if that's what you want."

"Yes it is what I want," Basta said, cheering up.

"Alright then."

"After you," Basta insisted when they reached the bed. Dafne rolled her eyes and settled herself down on it. Basta didn't join her straight away. He stood hovering over her with a smile. It made her feel self-conscious and a little vulnerable.

"Do you have to lean over me? I feel like Snow White," she said.

"Who's Snow White?" Basta asked, continuing to lean over her.

"She was a princess who ate a poisoned apple and fell into a deep sleep. Then a prince came along and broke the spell by giving her a kiss. Snow White woke up and they lived happily ever after."

"Well as far as I can see you haven't been poisoned and you're not asleep," Basta said, "But I can kiss you if you like."

He didn't wait for her answer, just bent down and put his lips to hers. Dafne didn't mind, she used to opportunity to pull him down onto the bed next to her.

"Eager now, are you?" he teased.

Dafne rolled her eyes,

"You were taking too long. I thought you wanted to lay here with me."

"Oh I do," he replied, settling himself down beside her, "Come here."

Dafne slid over to rest her body against his, laying her head on his chest. As she did, he wrapped his arms around her.

"See not so bad is it," he said contentedly, "Lying here with me."

"No," Dafne replied, "It's nice."

This revelation was bittersweet. She knew they wouldn't be able to stay like this forever. She could just picture Mortola bursting in and yelling at them with her shrill voice. She buried her face on Basta's jacket. Hopefully it would be awhile before Mortola made that kind of entrance. Better still, it could be Orlanda who found them. She wouldn't be as angry. After all she had let Dafne go with Basta, too distracted by Pietro to stop them.

Dafne couldn't help giggling. Orlanda had thrown herself at Pietro like a bird presenting their plumage to attract a mate. Pietro's expression had been so funny.

"Are you laughing or crying?" Basta asked, sounding a little worried. He couldn't see her face.

Dafne lifted her head to reassure him,

"Laughing."

Basta looked relieved,

"What's so funny then?"

"Did you see the way Orlanda was acting around Pietro before?" Dafne said.

Basta made a face.

"Of course I did. It was pretty damn obvious. I almost felt sorry for Pietro."

"Almost?" Dafne said with a sceptical lift of her eyebrow.

Basta laughed,

"Alright you got me. I don't feel sorry for him at all. Serves him right for turning the charm on everyone. It was bound to come back to bite him one of these days. I bet he's kicking himself at the moment. Orlanda's the last woman I'd want chasing after me. Make that the second last, I forgot about Mortola."

"I don't think you'd ever have to worry about Mortola," Dafne said, "She's only got eyes for Capricorn."

"Creepy isn't it. She's such an ugly old hag. I don't know how Capricorn stands to have her around. I suppose its useful having a servant who's obsessed with you."

This was ironic coming from Basta, the man who rivalled Mortola in his devotion to Capricorn. But Dafne resisted commenting. Surely Basta was no longer as obsessed with Capricorn as he had been before. How could he be, considering what Capricorn was putting them through.

"I guess," Dafne said, changing the subject, "But back to Orlanda, I may have played a slight role in convincing her that Pietro had feelings for her."

"Is that right?" Basta said interestedly, "Do tell."

"I told her that Pietro said he, how shall I put this, admired her body."

Basta burst out laughing.

"You told her that. Why?"

Dafne shrugged,

"I guess I wanted to cause a bit of trouble for him. I don't why. He's only ever been nice to me but I just get this feeling that he's..."

"Hitting on you," Basta growled, "That's because he is. And right in front of me too. Calling you beautiful. Not that you aren't beautiful," he assured her hastily, "You're very beautiful but he shouldn't be saying that," he grinned, "Ha that's really made my day, learning you did that. I'm so proud of you little mouse."

"Proud?"

"Yes. What you did was really underhanded. I didn't think you had in you."

"Don't say that," Dafne said, "Now I feel bad for doing it."

"Oh come on, don't be upset," Basta said, "It's only stupid Pietro who's suffering. Anyway he's a big man. He can defend himself if he needs to."

"I don't know," Dafne said doubtfully, "Orlanda's a big woman."

Basta sniggered,

"That she is. But don't worry. Getting molested by a big woman isn't the worst thing that can ever happen to you."

Dafne smiled,

"I suppose you're right."

"He might even enjoy it."

"Would you?"

Basta grimaced,

"I don't want to even think about it. You're the only woman I want molesting me. When you're ready that is."

Dafne propped herself up with a smile,

"I won't molest you today but I can give you a kiss. Will that do?"

"Come on then," Basta invited her softly.

His amber eyes watched her intently as she shifted her body to bring her face close to his. She had kissed him numerous times but never on a bed. Perhaps that was why she felt so self-conscious as she went to do it. A bed was such an intimate place. And he had the same look in his eyes he'd had when he had pushed her against the wall earlier, the same intense yearning. She blushed, thinking back to that moment.

She was a mere inch from his lips when she heard the shouting. It was coming from another part of the house but it was so loud it reached them even with the door closed. Dafne froze. It was definitely a masculine voice. Capricorn, she thought at first. Why would he be yelling? But the more she listened, the more certain she was that the voice didn't belong to Capricorn. Capricorn had a deep voice but it didn't rumble like that.

So who was it then? And what was he carrying on about? She couldn't make out the words, it was all muffled together.

"Who is that?" she asked Basta, thinking he might know.

By the grim expression on his face, it looked like he did. But he didn't answer. He sat up, gently pushing her out of the way.

"I knew something like this would happen," he was muttering to himself, "I told Capricorn he wouldn't be happy."

"Who?" she persisted.

Still no answer, he just left her kneeling enquiringly on the bed.

"Stay here," he told her firmly. He hadn't wasted any time. He was already at the door, "I mean it. Stay here."

He gave her a hard meaningful look to show his seriousness before hurrying out of the bedroom.

Dafne sat for a moment, listening to the shouting as it continued.

Then she slipped off bed and headed for the door herself.

To be continued...