Rowland, The Senators Son

Chapter 16 Reclaim

It was dark by the time Alexia approached the Manor that was once her prison, a long marble staircase and tall carved columns an epitaph to the owner's heritage. A light rain, touching her face as she climbed the stairs.

"You don't have to do this Alexia" Phillip's soft baritone chimed through the hidden earpiece.

"Yes" she whispered knowing only they would hear her "I do, it's the only way we will get Rowland back... Alive."

Twin ornate wrought iron doors opened at her approach where she was greeted by Michael Wallace, Nerio's long-time head of security.

The man had only improved with age but she noted a faint scar close to the collar of his shirt something he must have gained over the last decade, his words were gentle "Madame Rossocove, I am sorry to see you back again under such circumstances." The man gave a half smile and indicated that she should raise her arms so he could pat her down.

"Nice to see you again, Wallace." Alexia returned his smile, he had always shown her great respect, and she suspected he did not agree with how his employer treated women. Continuing she enquired, "Don't you think it's about time you found a different employer?"

"Anyone you can suggest?" Wallace smiled.

"Yes, Me," she reached out to touch his arm, "anytime you are ready, you are welcome." Alexia hoped that he would take her offer seriously and that those listening would understand she did not want this man hurt.

"Given opportunity Madame Rossocove, it would honour me." Wallace's words were nothing but a whisper.

Once finished, she nodded to a large door to the left. "Is he in the library?"

"Yes, Madame and he is expecting you." She desperately wanted to tell him to keep his head down but she couldn't.

"Take care, Wallace." Her last words as she walked towards the library.

She only hesitated a moment before turning the handle and striding into Rossocove's lair.

"Hello Rossocove." Alexia hoped her words did not betray the fear that clenched at her.

"My Bell'Angela, so nice to see you," Rossocove greeting her as though she was a long-lost friend.

Ruthlessly suppressing the urge to grind her teeth and put her fist into his face, she walked and sat in the large chair in front of his desk. Not giving him an opportunity to rise from his chair to greet her.

There was no way in hell she wanted his hands on her.

"Where is he?" Alexia's voice was firm.

"Direct as ever my Bell'Angela, but where is who?" Alexia surveyed the man that had once stolen her heart with his beauty and strength and if not for the violent beast she knew that lived within him she would have still thought him handsome even now.

"Where is Rowland Jeffers?" She stared straight into the eyes of the animal she had once loved.

"Your lover?" Rossocove spoke as the inquisitor at a witch trial trying to force a confession.

"No, but he is someone I love." Alexia was shocked to hear the words come from her own mouth and even more shocked to feel the truth behind them.

"Come now my Bell'Angela we both know you have a pension for fucking." His words were crude.

"Unlike you I took my marriage vows seriously." Alexia was holding onto her civility but only just.

"You can't tell me you haven't fucked since you have left this house. Men surround you every day and I know you have fucked them all," he spoke as though he needed her to confess her sins.