She paid the driver as her father grabbed both her cases and they headed inside as the phone rang the second they closed the door.
Alina froze but she didn’t comment as she took her cases and after giving her father a kiss on the cheek, said, “I’m going upstairs to my room and after I take a shower, I will be back down.”
Her father nodded his head as he watched her head up the stairs before he went into the living room and picked up the phone.
“Trace, is Alina there?” He heard Trystan say on the other end and Trace’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully before he responded.
“She just arrived and went upstairs to take a shower. What happened, Trystan?”
His tone was harsh and Trystan swore before he explained what happened when Alina called as she arrived in Witt.
Trace shook his head as he said sternly, “Let me ask you something, Trystan, if you called Alina this early and some man answered what would you do?”
There was total silence before Trystan said in a deadly voice, “Is that supposed to be a trick question, Trace?”
Hearing the controlled jealousy in his voice, Trace nodded as he said smugly, “I think my daughter showed admirable restraint if you asked me because she could’ve just hung up without letting either one of you know who called although I’m sure Bea knew who was calling as you do have her number in your phone.”
Trystan hung up with that information which he had already surmised circling around in his head and he banged his hand on the desk as Trudy walked in the room freezing at the action.
“Trystan, I have today’s work,” she told him with a slight frown as he glanced up and she cautiously walked over to his desk. Then she sighed as she said putting down the file, “I’m guessing that since Alina didn’t call and Bea walked out the office with a smug smile that something happened.”
His scowl spoke more than words as he pulled his work to him as Trudy shook her head and went back to her own desk.
A few hours later, his phone rung and he snatched it with a snap, “Tyeson.”
“You’re an idiot, brother,” Marla told him without an ‘hello’. “But we are planning to have dinner out tonight to welcome Alina home so make sure you come alone.”
She hung up on him after giving the restaurant and a grim look came to his face as he slowly put down the receiver and Trudy said from the doorway, “You deserved whatever she said to you.”
She walked over put some more work on his desk before turning and walking back out without another comment, and Trystan sat back in his chair as a knowing smile crossed his face seeing that his sister and his secretary were backing Alina. He nodded his head with satisfaction as he continued working glancing at his watch because he wanted to make sure that he got to the restaurant on time as he had something to discuss with Alina.
He would’ve made it, too, unfortunately something came up at the last minute so he was almost twenty minutes late and as he approached the table, his eyes immediately took in Alina who was dressed in a very becoming dress although he noted that it was very casual.
“Good evening,” he said smiling at everyone as his mother’s eyes flashed at him from her seat next to Trace.
“Good evening,” everyone chorused as he sat down next to Alina one hand gliding over her shoulder in a gentle touch.
Samuel saw the action and he smiled turning to wink at Marla who hid her own smile by picking up her glass.
Alina turned a startled look to Trystan at his action as he leaned toward and whispered in her ear, “Didn’t I tell you that I missed you?”
“Apparently not enough,” she murmured back as she turned back to her father who was speaking, and Trystan’s eyes narrowed on her but his lips turned up in a smug smile hearing the hint of jealousy in her voice.
Without thinking about the others at the table, he leaned forward and kissed the curve of her neck getting an audible gasp from Alina as everyone stared at them.
“I missed you enough to know who I want,” he told her in a very low voice, but Samuel who was sitting next to him heard and he started to cough grabbing his drink as the others looked at him in confusion.
Alina felt a giggle raise up as she glanced at her brother and Trystan seeing the humor in her eyes felt himself relax since this morning when she called and Bea answered the phone.
She flashed him a narrowed look although the humor still lingered in her eyes as they began talking while their server delivered their food and Trystan ordered.
They had finished eating and were talking among themselves Trystan’s arm resting along the back of Alina’s chair when a sultry voice interrupted Marla.
“How nice a family outing,” Bea said getting their attention and Trystan felt Alina stiffen in her chair as everyone turned to look at her. Bea smiled fluttering her eyes as Trystan before she pouted, “Honey, I thought we had plans this evening.”
Trystan said an indifferent tone, “Not that I was aware of, Bea.”
Alina had the satisfaction of seeing Bea’s eyes flash with anger before she covered it with a light laugh turning her eyes to Alina as Alina met them squarely. “I’m sorry about this morning’s,” there was a slight hesitation before she continued, “conversation. I only answered his phone as he was busy.”
“I’m sure Trystan appreciated your help,” Alina said calmly as she picked up her drink and took a sip.
“He was very appreciative as I recalled,” Bea said with secret smile and the arm that rested across the back of Alina’s chair tensed in anger.
Alina felt Trystan’s anger as Bea smiled again and said, “Well, I will let you finish your family meal. Have a good evening.”
She flashed Alina a speculative look and Alina wondered about it as Bea walked away, and it was Marla who murmured, “Why am I getting a bad feeling.”
Trystan didn’t hear his sister’s words his narrowed eyes following Bea as she went back to her table unaware that if he had, it may have prevented what was going to happen.
Two days later, Alina walked in Marla shop as Bea was getting some new outfits and Marla frowned as Bea threw Alina a look before disappearing into the dressing room.
“That woman has something up her sleeve I just know it,” Marla muttered as Alina and her headed for the back.
Alina shrugged her shoulders casually as she said, “There’s nothing we can do about it until we know what she is planning so why worry?”
“Because she’s going to try to come between you and Trystan,” Marla stated in irritation her eyes narrowed while she crossed her arms over her chest. “My brother is happy right now and I don’t want her to ruin that for him.”
Alina’s eyes glowed with her own happiness making them sparkle and Marla had to admit that gave her a very good glow about her.
“And he’s not the only one,” Marla uttered with a small smile getting a chuckle from Alina.
“I won’t deny it,” Alina said as she went over to the design station as Marla called it.
Although she and Trystan haven’t been able to spend any quality time together in the few days she’s been back, they have stayed in constant contact from early morning phone calls to text messages through the day, and then they had late night calls in which Trystan was still normally working.
“I wonder why Trystan has been working so hard in the last two days,” Alina wondered aloud looking down at a particular design of Marla’s not seeing the knowing look that flashed across her face.
“I don’t know the workings of my brother’s mind,” Marla said offhandedly getting a laugh and shrewd look from Alina as she straightened up.
“I remember that next time I need some advice on how to handle him.”
“Honestly, you don’t need no advice, Alina,” Marla teased as the phone on her desk rung and Alina blushed at the look Marla gave her as she answered it. A few seconds later she handed it out to Alina who took it with her eyes sparkling and a smile on her face.
“Hello,” she said as Marla turned away tryi
ng to hide her laughter but failing miserably.
“Hi, sweetheart,” a husky voice said in her ear, and Alina rubbed her arms has the tone of his voice caused goose bumps on them. “I was calling to tell you that I will be going out of town for about a week.”
“Oh,” Alina’s disappointment was more than clear as Marla glanced back at her seeing the shadowed look that came to her hazel eyes.
“I’m sorry, honey, but it’s…” Trystan began only to have Alina finish.
“Business, I know. Trystan, I understand and although I’m disappointed I can’t expect you to forget about your business because of me.”
Trystan smiled as he leaned back in his chair knowing that if anyone understood it would be Alina which he was very thankful for as he told her, “When I come back, and if there are no emergencies that need my immediate attention, how about we go on a nice weekend trip together?”
“What do you have in mind?” Alina asked on a breathless note.
“I don’t know, yet, but I will definitely have it planned when I come back,” he told her a harsh note in his voice that Alina sensed wasn’t from anger.
“Deal,” Alina whispered her own tone so soft but Trystan could hear her anticipation threading throughout it.
Trudy came to the door and Trystan looked up nodding his head as he told Alina, “I have to get going, but I will call you later tonight. Alina, when I get back we need to talk.”
Alina frowned slightly at those words but the only thing she said was, “Okay, Trystan. Have a safe journey and I will see you when you return.”
There was more that both wanted to say, but each felt as if it was better said face-to-face instead of over the phone.
As Alina hung up the phone, Marla asked quietly, “Is there a problem, Alina” seeing the frown still on her sister-in-law’s face.
“I’m not sure,” Alina said slowly before she shook her head. “Trystan’s going out of town for the next week and just wanted to call let me know.”
Marla hid her smile at the news because normally Trystan wasn’t one to inform any woman if he had business out of town unless it was their mother. He rarely took his women on business trips with him which had Marla’s eyes widening as she remembered the conference in Deluna where he took Alina although he stated it was to keep her occupied so Samuel and her could go on their trip together. Marla learned once she discovered who Alina was that she had refused out right when Samuel broached the subject as it was his time with Marla, and it was even Alina’s idea not to bring cell phones with them although she did advise them to leave the number where they were staying with someone just in case.
“What about lunch, Marla?” Alina asked as they started back down and Marla flinched giving her a rueful look.
“Sorry, Alina,” Marla said as her assistant handed her some receipts. “I’ve already have plans with your brother.”
Alina laughed as she said, “I should’ve known” giving them both Marla and her assistant a wave as she headed out a thoughtful look on her face.
Bea came out of the dressing room with the clothes she was trying on over her shoulders glancing out the shop window watching as Alina climbed into her car.
“Have you decided ma’am?” One of Marla’s associates asked with a soft smile and Bea nodded her head with a smile.
Bea left the store ten minutes later and after throwing her bags in the car, she glanced around a frown on her face before she slid in the driver’s seat.
She flipped open her phone and made a few phone calls, and her eyes narrowed when she discovered that Trystan had left without a word. A calculated look crossed her face as she tapped the cell against her lips so when she saw Alina sitting in a window of a small café, Bea immediately parked and with a shrewd smile she headed inside.
Alina looked up when Bea said, “May I join you, Alina?”
The astonishment of seeing Bea standing there asking to seat with her was hard to disguise and although Alina knew that something wasn’t quite right, she nodded her head for her to sit.
Alina was wondering what Bea wanted with her as she watched the beautiful woman look at the menu with a look of disgust as the waitress came over with Alina’s food and to touch up her drink.
“Would you like anything, ma’am,” the waitress asked politely.
“Coffee,” Bea said in a dismissive tone, and Alina allowed her eyes to narrow slightly before she started to eat.
“Can we be honest with one another, Alina?” Bea said bluntly.
“Please do,” Alina said as she wiped her mouth with her napkin.
“I don’t think you and Trystan suit each other,” Bea said without hesitation giving Alina a downcast look. “I know that you have feelings for him, but unfortunately, I know the feelings Trystan has for you is merely lust.”
Alina stared at her with blank eyes as she stated, “That is possible.”
“It’s more than possible,” Bea told her in a soft voice glancing at the cell that Alina had lying on the table. “Is that a new phone?”
Alina didn’t glance at it as she nodded her head taking another bite out of her sandwich and chewing slowly waiting for Bea to continue.
“While you were away, Trystan and I became close again, and he was able to focus on business,” Bea fibbed watching Alina closely. “We had made plans to announce our engagement when suddenly you called and said you were returning.”
Bea let out a soft sigh as the waitress returned with her cup of coffee and once she left, Bea told Alina, “I know Trystan is attracted to you and I also know that he has to have you before he can finally commit to me. I will have to live with that, and I just hope that you will release him when that time comes.”
Alina sipped her lemonade mentally shaking her head before she asked, “So what’s happens next time, Bea, after you’re married?”
Alina watched as Bea’s eyes flashed with anger before she lowered her eyelids covering the emotion swirling in them as she smiled. “Once we are married, Trystan won’t look at another woman.”
Alina stared at the woman in front of her as Bea pushed her coffee cup aside and grabbed her purse.
“Once Trystan exercises you from his system, he will come back to me,” Bea said a touch of warning in her voice. “Then I hope that you won’t use the fact that you are related by marriage to continuing tempting him.”
Bea stood up slowly her eyes flashing behind the sunglasses she slipped on and she nodded her head at Alina.
“I will see what I can do, Bea,” Alina said in a soft voice. “But I have one question though,” as Bea turned to her with a frown, “why did you ask me about my new cell?”
She lifted the phone in question and Bea merely shrugged her shoulders in a graceful style as she told her, “I merely remembered someone mentioning that your cell was destroyed before the wedding and you hadn’t bought one here which means you must’ve bought it when you went back to where you lived before.”
Alina nodded her head letting confusion cloud her eyes as Bea gave a soft chuckle. “It just tells me that you didn’t keep in touch with many people here while you were gone.”
“No, I didn’t,” Alina agreed. “Not like I should’ve.”
Bea nodded her head and turned heading out of the café, and as she walked to her car a smug smile slanted across her face unaware of the speculative look that followed her out by a pair of hazel eyes as she lifted her cell and dialed a number.
Chapter 28
“Still no news, Marla,” Trystan asked gruffly a few days after his return. “Have you learned where Alina went?”
Marla was quiet for a few seconds before she sighed, “I haven’t heard anything and neither has Samuel although Alina has called us.”
Trystan snarled at that news and Marla told him quietly, “Trystan, do you want to see her?”
Trystan growled at his sister before he hung up, “If I didn’t want to see her, I wouldn’t have went through the trouble of getting her number when she went back to take
care of her mother and some other business.”
Marla smiled as she hung up her own phone and Samuel, seeing it, said suspiciously, “What are you and Alina doing?”
“I’m not doing anything, but Alina is doing exactly what Bea suggested,” Marla said as she continued making lunch.
“What Bea suggested?” Samuel asked in confusion.
He sat down at the table as Marla continued making lunch filling him on what Alina told her after Bea talked with her that day.
Samuel’s face filled with fury, but Marla shook her head as she told him carrying over their plates to the table. “Alina didn’t believe everything she said.”
“So why is she doing this?” Sam said picking up his sandwich. “We know that she is in love with Trystan, but…”
“She’s not sure of Trystan’s feelings for her,” Marla revealed getting an astonished look from him.
Samuel shook his head taking a bite out of his sandwich as he thought about his sister and he muttered aloud, “Alina is being stubborn.”
Marla nodded her head in agreement as she ate her own sandwich at the same time, she wondered if Trystan was willing to do what needed to be done to find Alina again.
“No news,” Trudy asked as she walked in Trystan’s office not too long after he hung up with Marla.
“No,” Trystan snapped at her leaning his head back in his seat. “What the hell does she want from me?”
Trudy stared at him before she asked bluntly, “Do you really want to know what I think?”
Trystan turned tormented grey eyes to her and Trudy decided that was her answer as she told him, “Alina wants to know that you care about her.”
A scowl crossed Trystan’s face as he opened his mouth, but Trudy put up a hand stopping him as she went on. “You said that she sent you a message, Trystan.”
He nodded his head as he leaned back against the chair again indicating his cell that sat on the desk waiting for her to call.
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