Nikolas awoke to the sight of dark eyes, bad breath and a wet nose staring back at him. He would have hollered had he not seen this face before, but the young cherub standing next to the newest member of the Cassadine family gave him pause. "Good morning Zmei," he greeted the dog. His eyes flicked to his son. "Good morning Sevastian."
Sevastian gave a cheered smile.
"Is Mama awake?"
Sevastian shook his head. That meant Nadia was still asleep as well. Lydia had said their daughter had inherited her tendency to burrow under the covers until the sun came up and anything before would result in a grumpy morning.
5:10a.m. He doubted Mrs. Landsbury had taken the rollers out of her hair yet.
"Zmei has to go outside."
Nikolas blanked for a moment as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "Oh, of course. Should we get Taina as well?"
Sevastian nodded and Nikolas moved from his bed to the door, throwing his robe on, Sevastian close behind. "Zmei, heel," the young boy instructed in a firm voice. The dog immediately moved to trot beside Sevastian and all three moved down the hall, past the sentry who stood silently outside Nikolas's room. Nadia's temporary room sat next to Sevastian's and further down the hall was where Lydia was currently housed. All three would remain in guest rooms until their proper bedrooms were arranged to satisfaction. An interior decorator, specializing in children, had been called in from New York and would arrive the next day. Along with the bedrooms, a play room and a library would also be custom designed for the heirs to the Cassadine and Karenin dynasty. Workmen would be coming from the mainland at 8a.m. to start building a kennel to house the two larger dogs, but for now, the dogs would sleep in their respective master's room. Zmei with Sevastian and Taina with Nadia.
Venice, of course, would remain with Lydia.
Opening the door to Nadia's room a crack, Nikolas peeked inside and was immediately met by a soft growl from the foot of Nadia's bed. He opened it further and Taina sat up, ears perked and eyes unwavering from the door. Upon seeing Nikolas, her growling ceased and her tail thumped gently against the rug. A lump in the bed with a small arm hanging off the edge showed that Nadia was not awakened by the noise. Gathering his nerves together, he silently crossed the room. Nikolas pulled the covers back slightly, the mass of red hair burrowing further into the warmth of her cocoon with an unhappy groan. Sevastian came into the room. "Taina, heel," he whispered and the dog complied, quietly moving out the door with the young charge.
Once back outside, Nikolas escorted the dogs and Sevastian down to the kitchens, where as expected, the kitchen was already alive with cooks and groundspeople just preparing for the day. They all stood at attention in surprise as Nikolas entered with Sevastian and bowed respectfully to both. Nikolas politely nodded to the group before speaking. "Is anyone familiar with caring for dogs? I will be hiring a new staff member for their care, but last night's unexepected delivery has made it necessary to have a temporary guardian placed to manage these two," he indicated to the twin dogs flanking Sevastian. A young woman stood, smoothing her uniform nervously. "Sir, my family has cared for many different kinds of animals, domestic pets included. I would be happy to care for them until you choose a more suitable caretaker," she offered.
Nikolas smiled warmly. "Thank you kindly, Layla. Would you be able to take them outside now? Sevastian needs to eat first and I will inform Ms. Karenin of the new arrangements." Two young kitchen aids immediately moved to prepare a small, appropriate snack for Sevastian and Layla took the two dogs out a nearby door for a much needed bathroom break. He turned to Sevastian. "I will tell Mother where we're going and change. You have a quick snack and get ready, no arguments," he stated as Sevastian looked longingly at the door the dogs had just exited. Sevastian nodded reluctantly and followed another staff member to the dining room. Nikolas quickly headed to his room and changed. Mrs. Landsbury would be up and about in a few minutes and he would bring her up to speed on some things. Exiting his room, he moved back down the hall to Lydia's room when Nadia emerged sleepy eyed and clad in her Powerpuff Girls pyjamas. "Papa, where's Taina?" she asked in a worried voice.
Nikolas bent down and smiled, pushing a few strands of hair from her face. "Outside. Sevastian and I were going to take them for a walk around Wyndemere. Would you like to come?" Nadia grinned brightly and gave an eager nod. A maid came from around the corner and Nikolas caught her eye.
"Then you need to get ready. Cecile will help you dress warmly and meet us at the East entrance near the kitchens in 10 minutes." Nadia scurried back into her room and Cecile followed as Nikolas approached Lydia's room. "Is she awake?" he asked the guard.
"No sir. Sven reported no disturbances or unusual activity to me."
Nikolas nodded and gave a gentle knock before entering Lydia's room. The best guest room in the wing had been tastefully decorated on short notice to Lydia's standards. Deep wine coloured panels of drapery flanked each window, blanketing the room in darkness. Nikolas, knowing the room well from his own stay when he and Emily were separated, snapped on a nearby lamp, giving the room a much needed glow. The mahogany coloured armoire near the corner had a door open, with what looked like the morning's outfit ready on a hook. The king sized Edwardian bed sat opposite the masonry fireplace, picture framed by the same colouring as the armoire, bed frame and side tables in the room.
"Lydia," he called out to the bed. No response. He took a few steps closer. "Lydia," he said more loudly. Liberal movement from the bed and a small noise. Nikolas sighed. "I need to speak with you."
A gruff noise near the bed caught his attention. Curled up on one of the two ginger hued slipper chairs lay Venice. Lovely. The cleaning staff would certainly approve of this. "Lydia," he said more impatiently as he stood at her bedside.
"G'way," came a muffled voice from beneath the coverlet. Nikolas rolled his eyes. "The children and I are taking the dogs out for a walk."
"Fine."
"The workmen will arrive at 8 to build the kennel. The dogs need somewhere to sleep at night."
"The children will hate that."
"The kennels will be heated and spacious. The dogs will be fine."
Nikolas turned his attention to Venice. "Venice will need a kennel as well."
This brought her to the living world more readily. "He stays with me," she stated from beneath the cover.
"That's unnacceptable."
"He's a baby!"
"He'll be fine in a kennel at night."
"Then I'll be alone," she pouted. Nikolas looked closely, was she crossing her arms in front of her defiantly? "I won't let Venice stay in a kennel and you can't just decide that he will!"
Nikolas stood for a moment, amused by her childish tantrum. A thought occurred to him and with a devious smirk, he knelt onto the bed and crawled towards the lump in the middle. Lydia stilled as she felt the weight move towards her. She threw the cover from her face just as Nikolas loomed overhead. Dark eyes bored into her and her heart thumped mightily against her chest. "I'm in no mood for a pillow fight," she stated dryly. Nikolas said nothing for a moment, instead choosing to set himself down on top of her frame, taking care not to squish her, but effectively pinned her nonethless. She brought her hands out, as though they would bar him from encroaching on her space even further. Instead he laced their hands together, resting them above her head. Her gaze narrowed and she stared back, determined not to lose this battle of wills. Knowing that moving her body even a fraction of an inch would be seen as defeat, she stilled completely, save for the fiery look in her eyes. The only sound heard in the room, was the even breathing from both parties. Venice watched from his chair, absorbed completely by the drama.
"I thought you were going for a walk."
"I've been distracted."
"That's not going to sit well with the children if they have to wait."
Nikolas's eyes flicked to his watch. "I have 6 minutes."
Lydia took in a slow breath, attempting to calm her quivering nerves. Nikolas looked positively ferocious. A lot could happen in six minutes.
"Venice will protect me."
Nikolas let out a chuckle. "I think Venice likes the drama."
Now it was Lydia's turn to chuckle. "I think Venice makes a better bed partner, even when he sleeps on the chair all night."
Nikolas's jaw twitched arrogantly. "While he sleeps his nights in the kennel, I'm sure I'll find a way to change your mind on that matter." Lydia's mouth opened to refute and Nikolas ground himself against her in an deliberate manner. No words came from Lydia's mouth, but a strangled groan escaped, just barely. He would pay dearly for that. Lifting herself up, she pulled his mouth down to hers. Releasing her hands, he burried his fingers in her waves, his tongue busily exploring her mouth. Without breaking apart, Lydia rolled them over until she stradled him, rolling her hips against him as her mouth sought out new territory, nipping his chin and moving along the jawline to his ear, where she suckled his earlobe. "Lydia," he ground out, his eyes fluttering shut. His fingers sought out her smooth skin, hidden beneath her lilac coloured silk chemise and had she not been ready for his supple fingers gliding along her skin, she would have been putty in his arms. She flicked her gaze to her nightstand before drowning herself in another of his possessive kisses and then pulling away, she easily slid from his arms and off the bed. Nikolas lay stunned for a moment as Lydia grabbed her cashmere robe from a nearby chaise and donned it.
"Time's up," she announced airily, padding across the room to the ensuite bathroom. "Don't make the children wait."
Nikolas let out a cough and looked at his watch. She was right. With a sigh, he rolled from the bed, adjusting himself crossly. Venice watched pacively from his spot. "Those chairs cost $1,700," Nikolas stated with a frown. "Get down!"
Venice offered an argumentative growl but bounced to the floor. Nikolas scooped him up. "Your kennel will be built first."
He left the room and made his way to where Sevastian and Nadia were already eagerly waiting for him. Although it was cold outside and still a bit dark, the children rushed outside squealing as Taina and Zmei ran about with them. Nikolas put Venice down and nudged the small animal with his foot. "Go on then." Venice gave an unhappy growl and issued Nikolas a dirty glare. "Come on Papa!" Nadia shouted, eager to explore the island further with her brother and family pets. A travel mug filled with steaming coffee was placed in his hand by a maid and Nikolas took a small sip, grateful for the warm liquid. Nikolas exchanged another look with Venice as the dog seemingly shivered in his spot. A twinge of sympathy filled him and Nikolas finally relented. "If you go now, I'll carry you the rest of the way."
Venice promptly scampered off to a nearby bush. Of course the dog had bested him, just like his owner had.
The remainder of the walk went off without incident. The children ran and Zmei and Taina more or less ran with them, but what was of greater interest and relief to Nikolas was how protective the dogs were of the children. Anytime the children strayed a bit too far from their Father, the dogs herded them back. When Nadia disapeared for a few seconds among some holly bushes, it was Taina who barked loudly to ensure the impish girl had not pulled a sly trick on her anxious Father. Zmei never drifted far from Sevastian's side and both animals heeded the orders of Nikolas, much to his surprise. At least some of the new arrivals to the family followed his directions. Venice sat nestled within Nikolas's arms, like a football and was content there for the remainder of the walk.
*~*~*~*~*~*
"Dammit."
Emily closed her cell phone with an exasperated snap. Again, Nikolas's voice mail picked up. Again she was left to leave a message for him to call her. Slipping the phone into her pocket, she sighed as she took the nearest chart from the Nurses Station and began her morning rounds.
"Hey."
The familiar voice brought a smile to her face and she turned in time to receive a chaste kiss on the cheek. "I only have a minute. Dinner tonight?"
"That sounds nice. I'm off at eight, so send the car at nine, okay?"
They rounded the corner together and he pulled her behind a large potted plant, allowing a small sliver of privacy from the eyes that latched onto him the moment he approached the young doctor he'd been linked with for the better part of a year. Ensuring no photographer or stray orderly was within eavesdropping distance, Sonny pulled Emily close, kissing her soundly on the lips. Emily threw her arms around him, nearly dropping the chart in the process, allowing the kiss to deepen. "Sure you can't get off sooner?" he asked, nipping her ear gently. Emily bit her lower lip, stifling the moan that rose up. "Nope, we're a bit short staffed and I'm a senior resident, I can't duck out early."
He released her. "Alright, nine on the dot then. Wear that red number I love, it'll go with the meal."
She arched a curious brow. "The red dress with the plunging neckline?" Her hands rose up to her buttoned shirt and she deftly popped the top two. "The one that goes this far? She popped open two more and Sonny greedily drank in the the peek of skin and black lace bra. "Or the one that goes this far?"
"Yeah," he drawled slowly, his lips curving with delight. "The second one." Emily let out a gentle laugh. It was pretty easy to know what made Sonny tick these days. His recent visit with his son, Morgan, down in Florida, as they always did, left him sullen and quiet. Sex tended to be the only thing that tided over his sour mood. She easily buttoned her shirt back up and winked at him. "Can't wait," she purred in his ear before marching back down the hallway to her first patient. She'd try Nikolas again when she got home.
*~*~*~*~*~*
Lydia emerged from her ensuite bathroom still slightly damp from her scathing hot shower, smelling of mangos and ready for the day. The morning's outfit would have to be discarded in favour of something more conservative and elite. When the workmen arrived, she needed to appear respectful but authorative. Muted but solid colours were needed instead instead of the more flowery approach she'd originally chosen. She was going to go over the greenhouses with the groundskeepers, but decided to push that back until the late afternoon. She loosened the ties to her robe and began perusing her armoire, glancing at each pair of slacks critically. She would have continued had she not been interrupted by a thump behind the armoire, or rather, in the wall behind the armoire. She paused in her movements and watched the wall closely. After a few more silent moments, she shrugged, perhaps it was nothing. Selecting a sweater and matching slacks, she set the clothing on the bed and moved back into the bathroom. Ensuring her moisturizers were out, nodded her head with approval when a terrific crash from the walk in closet sent her rushing out and without thinking, hurried to the sound of the noise. Behind the enormous shoe rack on the far end of the closet lay a man, who let out a groan as he clutched his ribs. In horror, Lydia let out a bleat of terror and the door to her room burst open, sending in two heavily armed guards, weapons drawn, just as the man turned over in shock.
In an instant, her horror turned to petulant fury. How dare he? The guards, who'd been training their weapon on the intruder, also relaxed in their stance and immediately reported the intruder, into their minute hand microphones. They frowned and holstered their weapons, their chance to add some excitement to their day soured. "Apologies, Madam. Would you like him removed to Master Cassadine's conservatory?"
Lydia waved her hand. "No, I need to have a word with him first. Thank you, but wait outside." Both men bowed and left the room.
Lydia placed her hands on her hips. "Lucky Spencer, just what do you think you're doing here?"
Lucky quirked his mouth into a lazy smile and sat up. "Why Ms. Karenin, you haven't changed a bit," he stated, his gaze raking over her slowly. Suddenly realizing she was clad in little more than a bra and what passed for panties, she quickly pulled her robe closed and tied it off tightly. "I should have told them to shoot you."
"Hey, Princess, what are you doing here? I thought you'd run off with the Quartermaine cast off years ago. Slumming again?" Lucky stood and leaned against the doorway of the closet, his arms folded in front of his chest. Lydia sat on one of the slipper chairs, moisturizer in hand. "I live here now," she stated in a business like tone as she squirted a quarter sized amount of the moisturizer onto her hand and began lathering her slim arms. Lucky frowned suspiciously. Nikolas's absence and not returning phone calls was beginning to make sense. He glanced around the room. No longer were Nikolas's things strewn about, the room had taken on a particularly feminine decor to it.
"Where does Nikolas sleep?"
Lydia offered a frosty smile. "Not that it's any of your business, but he spends his nights in the Master suite."
"Oh, how disapointing for you," Lucky sympathized.
Lydia opened her robe ever so slightly and crossed one leg over the other and began mosturizing once more. The slip of skin was more for her benefit than his, but it didn't stop his eyes from zeroing in on the shapely legs. "Oh, I don't know. Had you been here 30 minutes sooner and had Nikolas not had an appointment he couldn't break, you might have been witness to something other than me emerging from the shower."
Lucky stiffened at the implication, his mood souring. "What appointment? Where is he now?" He took a few steps into the room.
"He's outside on the grounds." Lydia stood and brushed past Lucky into the bathroom. "Workmen are coming this morning at 8."
Lucky narrowed his gaze. She was choosing her words carefully. "Why? What's being built?"
She emerged from the bathroom, an ivory coloured brush in one hand. "The kennels."
Lucky blinked. "Nikolas hates dogs."
"Well, he'll learn to deal with these three."
Lucky gaped. "THREE DOGS?" This was not at all what he anticipated as being the culprit for Nikolas's odd behaviour. Lydia nodded and continued brushing her long, full mane of red hair. Lucky watched her for a moment, and then shook his head. "Why are you really here?" he asked.
Lydia paused. "To save Nikolas," she said simply.
"He loves Emily." It was almost automatic, the way he said it.
"You sound like a robot."
"He doesn't need saving."
Lydia quirked a brow and gave Lucky a look of disbelief.
"Well, at least not by you," Lucky backtracked.
"I am exactly what he needs."
Lucky's blue eyes flickered but his expression remained neutral. "I don't believe you."
Lydia sauntered up to Lucky, stopping mere inches from him. As was always the case between them, the air seemed to crackle with anticipation. "It's interesting how you've looked at the ring on my hand at least a dozen times and have yet to ask me why," she noted, bringing the hand up for closer inspection. Lucky said nothing.
"I think you and your brother have much to discuss. You can show yourself to the grounds. Join us for breakfast if you like."
Lucky moved to the door and as he pulled it open, Lydia's voice called out once more.
"Lucky?"
He turned.
"Congratulations on your wedding to Elizabeth. I'm sure you make a fine Father to her son."
*~*~*~*~*~*
"Here's where the kennel will be." Nikolas pointed to a small alcove in Wyndemere's south side. Chain linked fencing already sat ready to be unrolled and put up. Nikolas nodded to the groundsman who handed him the simply drawn blueprint for the home of the three newest members of the Cassadine family. He hunched down so his two curious children could see where their precious friends would now reside. Nadia looked at the pictures and then back up, as though expecting it to materialize before her. She blew out a breath impatiently. "Is it big?"
Nikolas nodded. "It will be very large. It'll extend from there to there," he pointed to the two spots against the stone wall. He turned to his son, ever quiet. Dark brown eyes studied the lines and shapes with rapt attention and so Nikolas continued. "The tile flooring, just like the one in your bathrooms, will be heated. They won't ever get cold at night," he promised. Sevastian's eyes relaxed somewhat. He was concerned about the bitter night air and how Zmei would handle it. "Can we play with them?" Nadia asked.
"Of course. The only times they'll be in here will probably be at night. Otherwise, they'll run all over the place and learn all about the island."
Nadia smiled. It would be terrible if Taina couldn't run around and play. The idea of a kennel sounded much nicer now.
"Venice?" Sevastian asked. Nadia covered her mouth and let out a giggle. She knew very well that Mama wouldn't like this idea.
Nikolas arched his brow mischievously. "There's a surprise for Mama. I'll only tell you if you PROMISE not to say anything."
Nadia's eyes widened. She loved surprises. "Promise."
Sevastian nodded, his small mouth curving into a delighted smile. "Promise."
"I promise too."
Nikolas stilled in his crouched position. Nadia bristled at the stranger who'd so rudely butted into their private conference. Nikolas rose and turned. A small hand tucked tightly into his. "Papa?"
Lucky's mouth dropped open slightly. "Papa?" he repeated in disbelief, gaping at the two small children flanking Nikolas.
Nikolas's heart swelled with pride and he scooped up his young son, hugging him close and echoed Sevastian's word. "Yes, I'm Papa."
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