Thicker Than Water....

Chapter 14 - Lust

We moved through to the dining room, where Kula had already set out our dinner.  Carter had already seated himself at the end of the table.  He stood as soon as he saw us enter the room and eyed me warily.  Vittorio caught the exchange.  "Is there a problem, Carter?"

I inwardly cringed, but didn't allow it to show on my face.  Had I over-stepped the mark earlier?  Was Carter going to end up looking victorious here?

   "I just wondered if Miss Darroway was going to send me away again," he informed Vittorio.

   "Send you away?" Vittorio raised an eyebrow.

Uh-oh! Baby Si was on edge.

Carter's face broke into a sly grin.  "Yes, I arrived earlier, but she sent me away.  Said something about her being in charge when you were unavailable."

   Vittorio looked at me. "You did?"

I didn't answer, I simply held his gaze. My innards were absolutely dancing with rage at Carter though.  Vittorio held out a chair for me to sit.  "Well, Carter," he began, taking his own place at the table and flicking out the  neatly folded napkin.  "I don't see what the issue is here.  It is her home after all. Of course she is in charge!"

Woo hoo!! Baby Si was tying her own napkin round her neck. He's cool!

Carter did a double-take, the grin wiped instantly from his face.  He only sat down again once his master invited him to.  It was good to see the creep put in his place.  I smiled at Vittorio, who winked at me in response.  He was even more delectable now, if that was at all possible.

Kula took the remaining seat at the table.  We began eating.  As usual, she had prepared an exceptional meal.  I had to credit her with that at least.

   "Any word from Peter?" I asked her.

She almost spilled her wine.  Vittorio watched quietly.  "Yes," she regained her composure. "He has to go to Europe, on business."

   "Ahh yes, your husband." Vittorio said, lifting his glass.  "The construction engineer."

   "Yes." Kula replied.

   "And where in Europe is he going?"

She was quiet for a moment.  I noticed her hand shaking slightly.  "Greece." 

I just knew she was lying.  Why would she be so nervous otherwise?  Why?  One thing was obvious though, Vittorio had not met, let alone harmed Peter, so at least in that knowledge,  I was relieved.  So what was she covering up?

   "It has exquisite architecture," he commented.

   "So I believe.  I have never been, myself."

   "And does he not wonder where you are, when he is away?" I asked her.

She shot a glare at me.  "I travel much, Sienna!  He has no need to concern himself about my whereabouts."

   "Girls!" Vittorio smirked. "Claws in at the dinner table please."

I could not suppress a grin. I hid it  with my napkin. 

   "So, Carter.  What progress are we making?"

Baby Si pricked up her ears.  As did I.  Progress in what, I wondered.  Carter finished chewing before he responded.  "Everything seems on track," he started.  "The council has verified that our Elders and Heirs have convened at the High Seat.  They voted in favour.  A large number of  offenders are currently being detained, awaiting trial. "