Chapter Thirty Eight

Axel released Allen's hand and took the other woman's hand. He bent his head low over her hand and kissed it. A spike of pure jealousy ripped through rosa, It seemed petty and stupid to have that feeling.
Axel didn't owe her anything, if he wanted a woman like that he could have her and what could she do about it? She would never look like that, Rosa knew she would never attain that level of perfection.
"Lisa, you look delightful, as always." He stood up and attempted to release her hand, it was then Rosa saw it, Lisa's fingers tightened on his ever so slightly and the look in her eyes turned to one of pure panic. It was gone in an instant but it niggled at Rosa, she had seen it clearly, hadn't imagined it, but what it meant exactly, she had no idea.
Axel turned towards Rosa, "Allen, I know you've met rosa before."
Rosa stood and moved to him, her legs were still a little unsteady and her throat remained dry, but that was now more a side effect of seeing Allen and meeting Lisa.
Allen attempted to take her hand in his but she quickly withdrew it from reach, she didn't want him to touch her, It was the last thing she wanted, she turned to Lisa as Axel introduced her.
"And this is Lisa Andre" he said, Rosa held her hand out to her but she narrowed her eyes at rosa before returning her attention back to axel.
"So you have a new sub?" she asked. Her voice was breathy, giving her an extra feminine edge. It reminded rosa of the way all the actresses of old used to speak in the black and white movies—the types that usually fainted at the drop of a hat.
Axel smiled at her. It was the type of look an adult might give a small child. It was an indulgent look.
"Yes. Rosa has very graciously given herself to me. And for that I am forever grateful. She is a rare treasure. I see you are back with Allen. When did that happen?" Axel switched his attention between the two people standing before them.
"I won lisa back last week. I have promised her a trip to Dom Island for a very long time and I thought now was the perfect opportunity to cement our relationship. I didn't expect you here. I would have thought you would be too busy trying to sort out the mess with the file mix ups. A clerical error I'm sure but my father is none too pleased about it."
Axel smiled and it was the look a shark might give its prey. "I have spoken to your father. Everything is sorted. In fact he seemed to believe you might know something..."
Allen looked stunned, be opened his mouth and then closed it again. His composure was entirely shattered. Part of rosa felt sorry for him. But the rest of her felt happy.
Seeing him brought down a peg or two was fun. And knowing that he had something to do with the file confusion made her feel relieved. At least she knew it wasn't a mistake she had made, she was sure before but now she could completely relax.
"We should do dinner. Discuss the pertinent issues then." Axel put out his hand once more to Allen, He was completely at ease. It was the most relaxed Rosa had ever seen him.
"Yes, dinner. We can air out everything then."
"I'll be there, Axel." Lisa once more gave him a hundred-watt smile, she reached out and let her hand slide down his arm. At that moment rosa was beyond glad that axel was wearing a shirt and her perfectly dainty hand only touched cloth instead of skin.
"You should leave your..." She seemed to search for the right word, her blue eyes focusing on Rosa and leaving a shiver of revulsion running down her spine.