Life After Dark: Book Two of the Dark Series

Chapter 81

"Has anyone ever told you that you move with such style and grace that you could put all of Alvin Ailey's dancers to shame?"

Carrie laughed softly at Marcus' lines of flattery. Her hands patted his lapel as she shook her head. "Does that line ever really get you anywhere?"

"It depends on where I want it to get me," Taggert replied smoothly. His hands rested around her small waist, and he found himself wanting to pull her closer, but he knew that he shouldn't. At least, not yet. Out of the corner of his eye, he could sense that his partner and good friend, Alex, was glaring at him. In defiance, he decided to twirl Carrie around, but stopped when he felt a firm tap on his shoulder.

Marcus looked over his shoulder and was surprised to see Stefan Cassadine, standing there. Raising an eyebrow, he said, "Yes?"

Stefan gave Taggert a scathing glance before he directed his attention to Carrie whose eyes danced with merriment as she looked at the two men. Stefan extended his hand to her in a silent request for a dance. Carrie smiled at Marcus and then, she accepted Stefan's offer, leaving an amused Marcus staring after them.

Carrie rested one hand on Stefan's shoulder while the other was firmly held within his grasp. His other hand rested at the small of her back and his fingers lightly grazed against her exposed flesh. Enjoying the feeling of his innocent, yet intimate, touch, Carrie decided that she'd better divert her attention to other things...like conversation.

"I take it you don't like the detective," she stated, watching his reaction closely.

"I neither like nor dislike him. I will admit that I was surprised when his name was included on the guest list. I was not aware that you and he were such good friends," Stefan replied as he smoothly moved them around the dance floor.

A tiny smile teased the corner of her lips as she recognized a hint of jealousy in his voice. She contemplated whether or not she wanted to answer his thinly disguised question or should she make him wonder. She decided a little bit of both wouldn't be so bad. "I've known him since the summer. I've always found him to be extremely...helpful."

"Helpful? Of all the words that could be used to describe the man, helpful was not one I would have chosen."

"Oh, really?" Carrie asked. "And what adjective would you use?"

"The one most appropriate at the given moment," he replied. Deciding that the time to change the subject was at hand, Stefan said, "The party has been a success. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Yes," Carrie nodded slowly, "but it's not over."

Stefan frowned slightly when a frown formed on her brow. Immediately concerned, he asked, "Why would you say that?"

Carrie gave him a short, tight smile. "I apologize. Alarming you was not my intention."

"There's no need for an apology. If something has you worried, please tell me. I assure you that there is no need for worry tonight. All precautions have been taken and security has never been tighter."

"I'm sorry, Stefan, that wasn't what I meant. I was speaking of my daughters. I'm just a little worried about them is all. Motherly concern, nothing earth shattering."

"If you're concerned, maybe it is earth shattering. Is there something the matter with either of them? Perhaps I could offer my assistance in some way," Stefan said, unaware that he had pulled her closer to him as he extended his offer.

"There's nothing either of us could do. Their relationship has been somewhat strained, and I'm worried about it."

"Strained? Really? That's interesting. I saw them walking arm in arm a few moments ago. They seemed to be content with one another's company."