Chapter 4 Shadows

• Eduardo turned off his phone with a sigh of exhaustion; his eyes were heavy from lack of sleep since his escape. He massaged his neck lightly, easing the tension around his neck, before laying his head back against the headrest. Memories of the previous night played in his mind as they drove to Monterio’s estate. Eduardo’s thoughts were still flooded by Tessa.
• He was sure she had gotten the note he left.
• “What about the children?” he asked, trying to divert his thoughts from her.
• “We smuggled them out on time. So they’re safe.”
• Eduardo nodded; at least part of their mission was accomplished.
• “Do you need your prescription?” Marco asked with concern.
• He shook his head.
• “No, I will probably keep myself busy till the morning.”
• “That will tire you out, especially since you’d be meeting with Father.” Marco turned to Luis, who was driving at the moment.
• “Call Dr. Banter; Ed needs his prescription.”
• “Sí Signor”
• Luis replied, casting a swift glance at Marco through the driver’s mirror before looking at Eduardo.
• “No need for that.” Eduardo stopped him before he could make the call.
• “You sure want to tire yourself out, don’t you?”
• “I’ll have more explanation to give to Father if Luis makes that call.”
• Marco thought for a moment, understanding what Eduardo meant. Having Doctor Banter bring his prescription meant their father’s knowledge of everything that happened on La Viva, but was that even possible?.
• “Signor Marco,” Luis called Marco’s attention, whose eyes were fixed on Eduardo.
• “Signora Lolita is in Monterio.”
• Marco sighed frustratingly, making Eduardo chuckle at his expression.
• “Just who we need at the moment,”
• “It’s a good thing; it will keep me busy till morning,” Eduardo said reassuringly.
• Marco wasn’t happy about it, knowing he’d have to stay up with Eduardo. Luis saw the frustration etched on Marco’s face.
• “How the hell did she know what happened on the ship?” he asked no one in particular. Then he turned to Eduardo.
• “You didn’t tell her, did you?”
• Eduardo shook his head. “I didn’t tell her; I didn’t even have the time.”
• “Except she’s been keeping tabs on you,” Marco said, his eyes narrowing.
• Eduard could see the concern etched on Marco’s face. He gently placed his hand on Marco’s shoulder.
• “Don’t worry, Fratello. I’ll handle this one myself. You can rest.”
• “No” Marco protested.
• “I’m not thinking about the task. I’m only wondering how she found out.”
• “Same, same, Fratello, relax,” he said as he turned his gaze to the window.
• “Lolita, that devil.” Marco cursed in his mind.
• Lolita Monterio, nicknamed Lolita della Notte, was one of the few who knew about Eduardo’s trauma, one that occurred whenever he had sex. It was weeks of torture for a night of pleasure, and this had been going on for a long time. Either he kept himself busy during the nights, eventually turning himself to Batman, or he’d have his prescription, which would require their father’s approval and knowledge. That was problematic.
• Lolita was more than happy to help Eduardo during such times, or rather, one who benefited from it more since Eduardo will be attending to most matters himself.
• “But Signor, who would have spiked the drink?”
• Eduard turned to Luis, who was looking at him through the driver’s mirror.
• “It probably was meant for her husband,” Marco replied casually.
• “And what about the wife?” Luis questioned again. “Signor met her in that same state too?“
• Marco looked at Luis annoyed; he was an inquisitive mouse, amongst the soldiers Luis was the most annoying one due to his questions.
• “ And how does that matter? It could have been for both of them,” he replied.
• “Rumour has it that there has been no intimacy since their marriage. He’d rather do that with his mistresses_ one of which is Celine. Mind you, they’ve been married for 3 years. And with the struggle for who will run the Donaldson’s empire, desperate times require ”
• “’Desperate measures.”
• “Good” Marco smiled, pleased with Luis’s response.
• But why is she still in the marriage?” Luis continued.
• “Because I told her to,” Marco replied sarcastically. Luis fixed his gaze on the road immediately.
• Eduardo, who had been silent since the discussion, smiled as Marco kept on answering Luis sarcastically until they arrived at Monterio’s mansion.
• Meanwhile, at Monterio Estate, Lolita sat by the fireplace, swiping through pictures on her tablet. She smiled for a moment, then almost immediately frowned. Zooming in on a particular photo, she smacked her lips and sighed deeply.
• “Eduardo La Rosa De Re,” she muttered softly.
• Throwing the tablet onto the chair next to her, she stood up and walked towards the door, which opened immediately.
• “It was about time,” she smiled, walking towards Eduardo for a hug. She mischievously let her hand slide to his butt, but Eduardo was quick as a bunny. He held her hand, pulling her away.
• “Not today,” he said, rubbing his tired eyes.
• “Uhhhh thought you were still energized,” Lolita continued, placing her hands seductively on his chest, slowly making their way down. This time, Eduardo grabbed both her hands. Marco, who was behind them, cleared his throat briefly, announcing his presence.
• Lolita turned towards Marco, then back at Eduardo.
• “Heard about your amorío,” she said, her voice was laced with sarcasm.
• “That’s not something of importance,” Eduardo replied in a rustic tone.
• “Sí, it isn’t. But then you’ve just caused yourself more pain, and you know I can’t see you in pain. That’s why I’m here,” Lolita said, smiling deviously, with her brows raised.
• “And Father only allows two prescriptions per month. So...” She said adjusting his collar and then sliding downwards again.
• Marco shouted out of frustration, “Just get on with it already!” His patience was worn thin.
• Lolita ignored him, continuing,
• “ Only when you request, my love.”
• “What’s the job?” Eduardo asked halting her.
• She walked towards the fireplace and signalled to Eduardo to sit. Handing him the tablet.
• “I want you to put Alan Drew, aka Rusty, in order. He was apprehended for embezzling goods.
• Sent to the warehouse, but he escaped last night. He’ll be leaving the country tonight.”
• “Then just deal with it yourself.” Marco snapped.
• Lolita tried ignoring him once more but her patience wore thin.
• “Back off, Bozzolo. You are getting on my nerves” she said turning to Marco.
• “What has Father got to say about it?” Eduardo asked, swiping through the tablet, ignoring their banter.
• Lolita took a deep breath to compose herself before replying, “He wants him to come back and pay for his crime.”
• “That’s what we’ll do then. But I’ll need an hour to prepare.”
• Marco scoffed at her, while Eduardo continued swiping through the tablet.
• Suddenly, his eyes caught a familiar face. Lolita frowned at him.
• “She’s beautiful, your one-night stand.”
• Eduardo turned off the tab immediately. Looking at Lolita he asked.
• “Have you been tailing me?”
• Lolita stood up, taking the tablet from him. “None of that matters. Just get yourself ready.”
• As she walked out of the room, she deliberately nudged Marco’s shoulder aggressively. “You should go too, while I get prepared. Be here in an hour.”
• Marco nodded and left the room, leaving Eduardo to his thoughts.
• After going through the pictures once more he made his way to the bathroom.
• Eduardo sank into the warm, candlelit bath, the water was infused with rose petals and lavender, easing his tensed muscles. He let out a short sigh from his lips as he closed his eyes. Just then, a gentle hand massaged his shoulders, relieving him. He could guess whose hand that was. He smiled softly and suddenly felt a soft kiss on the back of his neck, sending shivers down his spine. His eyes flickered open, and he gazed at the shadow on the wall.
• The hand continued moving down his arms and over his hands, each finger being gently massaged, awakening a deep sense of relaxation.
• “Lolita... she was one never to give up easily,” he thought.
• Suddenly, a warm, wet kiss landed on his lips, igniting passion and desire. He instinctively pulled her into the bath, his fingers in her hair. But as he leaned in, he flinched, adjusting his head to see who was in front of him.
• There in front of him was Tessa smiling beautifully, her eyes sparkling in the dim light. He couldn’t believe it, but it felt so real as she moved closer to him placing her palm on his face.
• “Stay with me,” she whispered. “I’ll keep you safe,” she said, gently brushing a strand of hair behind his ear.
• She wrapped her soft arms around him, holding him. Eduardo froze but at the same time, he felt a sense of warmth and peace, something he had been missing for a long time.
• But as the candlelight faded, Eduardo slowly opened his eyes to find himself in the same clothes he had laid on the bed, the previous night.
• He took a deep breath, trying to clear his head. It was just a dream, he told himself. But the feeling of her touch, the sound of her voice, everything felt real.
• He stood up, pouring himself a glass of water. As he looked in the mirror in front of him, he saw a man haunted by his desires. He knew then that he would never forget her.
• He looked at his watch; it was 10:15 am. Then he realized for one night, he had slept peacefully, free from nightmares, without his drugs.