Aidan stirred restlessly beside Alexandria, but she ignored him. “You’re welcome, Marie, although I’m certain he would have found a way without me. Aidan is nothing if not resourceful. I’m indebted to you for all you’ve done for Joshua.”
Aidan bent his head to brush a kiss onto Marie’s temple. “I have told you for years that you worry too much about me. But you are correct. Alexandria saved my life.”
Alexandria made a face at him. “And it was such a brilliant decision on my part, too,” she whispered for his ears only.
His hand came up to caress the nape of her neck. “I thought so.”
Stefan came in with an armload of wood. “Aidan! You’re up.” He beamed at them both. “And Alexandria, you certainly look better than the last time I saw you. But I give you credit—you know how to get things done.”
Self-consciously she brushed a tendril of hair from her face. “I can be rather bossy, Stefan. I didn’t mean to be. It’s just that I’ve lived for so long on my own, caring for Joshua, that I’m used to doing everything myself and figuring things out. Besides, Aidan is so stubborn, and he seems to have everyone around here buffaloed.”
She was taunting him, the little devil! Aidan knew it, and something inside him responded to the teasing. He felt, for the first time in centuries, for the first time since he was young, that he was not alone. He was in his home—not a house, but a real home—with his family surrounding him. Joshua slept peacefully in his bed, Marie and Stefan were laughing and joking in the kitchen, and beside him was the woman who was his life, his very breath, the blood in his veins. She had given him a heart, so he was now capable of knowing love and laughter and appreciating the miracles he had been favored with.
“That handsome man came back,” Marie suddenly said, her eyes bright and innocent. She remained very busy at the counter.
Stefan choked on his coffee, and Aidan had to pound on his back. He looked suspiciously from one to the other. “What handsome man?” But he was beginning to have a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.
Marie touched Alexandria’s arm lightly. “Your Mr. Ivan. He was quite upset and worried about you. He even called the police when we wouldn’t allow him in. They were by yesterday morning. Nice, polite officers. I believe you’ve met them, Aidan, a time or two.” Marie was beaming.
“Thomas Ivan came by again?” Alexandria asked, shocked.
“Oh, yes, dear,” Marie said guilelessly. “He was quite worried about you.”
“He called the police?” Alexandria couldn’t take it all in.
“Two detectives. They insist you and Aidan contact them as soon as you return. We told them Aidan had taken you to a private hospital, that you were very ill. Aidan has donated money many times to their causes and even helped a few out individually when they needed it. All on the up and up, of course. Loans with very little interest but certainly within the law. I had the impression Mr. Ivan had angered them with his accusations against Aidan.”
“I can imagine he did,” Aidan said dryly, glaring at Marie.
Marie didn’t seem to notice the signal. “I thought it sweet that he was so worried about your safety. One could hardly blame him for his concern.” She smiled. “He wanted them to search the house, but of course, the officers refused. He left his number and wants you to call him, and he left something else. Let me just get it for you.” She sounded like an excited schoolgirl.
Aidan leaned one hip lazily against the counter, but there was nothing lazy about his golden eyes. He followed his housekeeper’s every movement, unblinking, his stare like that of a great predator eyeing its prey. Stefan moved closer to his wife uneasily, but Marie didn’t seem to notice, bustling over to the refrigerator.
“I have to talk to the police?” Alexandria asked, completely unaware of Aidan’s menacing stance. “I can’t talk to the police. Aidan.” She reached for his arm, her hand shaking. “I could never do it. What if they ask me questions about Henry, or something about those women? Thomas Ivan will have told them I was there that night. I can’t talk to the police. What has Thomas done?”