He embraced her tightly, carrying her into the sanctuary of his master bedroom. Bending slightly, he tenderly kissed her forehead...
Startled awake by his gentle kiss, Alla, mistaking the person for Gordon Collins, opened her eyes in fright.
Relief washed over her as she realized it was not Gordon Collins but Casiano. Her previously taut heart finally relaxed.
"Alla, did I frighten you?" he inquired softly.
Alla shook her head slightly and patted the space beside her, murmuring wearily, "Stay with me a while?"
Casiano, who had intended to instruct Don to prepare for action, suppressed his anger at her request for his company.
He lay down beside her and, extending his long arm, drew Alla into his embrace, soothingly stroking her back until she fell asleep.
Drawing comfort from his subtle, clean scent, Alla felt a profound sense of security and quickly succumbed to sleep once more.
