English Version: Dandelions in the Wind

1

Marcus stood at the room's open door, a figure of imposing height at 6'2", his deep tan complexion a sharp contrast to the dimly lit ambiance of the spacious suite. Dressed in a casual ensemble of a brown polo shirt paired with black trousers, his clean-shaven appearance and well-defined features made him a striking presence. At just twenty-four, Marcus Del Pierro had carved a niche for himself in the business world, his name synonymous with a successful chain of restaurants scattered across the Philippines. This feat regularly placed him in the limelight alongside renowned chefs.

"Would you like to have dinner? I can order food if you want," he offered, his voice casual as he leaned against the door frame. His gaze fixed towards the bathroom, where the sound of running water softly filled the room.

"Sure. I'll have the wine. I need to go home," came Dionne's voice from within, her tone light yet decisive.

Marcus's stance relaxed, a hint of mischief playing across his features as he casually slipped his right hand into his trouser pocket. "Are you sure you don't want to stay?" he teased, clearing his throat before his smile broadened. You know, Dionne, you can just say it." His eyes briefly scanned the room, taking in the king-size bed decorated with a black comforter. The suite's elegance was emphasized by the panoramic glass windows that framed the city's nighttime glow.

"No, to your first question," Dionne replied as she emerged from the bathroom. Her attire—or lack thereof—was a sharp difference to Marcus's fully clothed form. At 5'10, her figure was accentuated by the simplicity of her black lingerie, revealing a physique that was both slim and toned.

"Say? What?" Dionne countered, a slight frown marking her otherwise calm expression. The absence of eyeliner highlighted the natural beauty of her brows, which perfectly framed her face and chocolate-colored eyes. A small mole above her left eyebrow added a touch of uniqueness to her features, which, combined with her slightly sleepy-looking eyes, rendered her gaze all the more captivating.

The room, blended with modern luxury and artistic flair, boasted two abstract paintings that added color to the otherwise minimalist decor. A 70-inch wall TV flanked by ornamental plants and a large aquarium near a sleek black leather sofa completed the sophisticated setting. The partially drawn red curtains allowed glimpses of the bustling city below, its buildings glittering like jewels against the night sky.

"I can't remember, Marcus. Did I forget something you need to remind me of?" Dionne asked as she gracefully bent down to retrieve a white blouse discarded on the polished hardwood floor. With deliberate movements, she slipped it on, the fabric draping comfortably over her frame. She then gathered her shoulder-length hair, securing it away from her face, before stepping into a sleek black fitted mini skirt that hugged her curves just right.

Seeing the shift in the room's atmosphere, Marcus cleared his throat. "You don't want to stay? Just sleep here for tonight; it's quite late. You can go home tomorrow," he suggested with a hint of concern, making his way to the spacious, dimly lit kitchen that boasted modern appliances and marble countertops. He opened one of the high cabinets and carefully selected two wine glasses, setting them down with a gentle clink.

Dionne found her way to a long stool by the kitchen island and took a seat with playful grace. "You left me unsatisfied; I need to take my frustration to my bed," she teased playfully.

"That's not what I heard a couple of minutes ago," Marcus retorted, a slight smirk teasing the corner of his mouth. He displayed a refined elegance as he chose a bottle of wine, uncorking it with a practiced ease that spoke of many such evenings, and poured the deep red liquid into the glasses, the rich aroma filling the air between them.

"Uh-uh. What did I say?" Dionne challenged, provocatively arching her eyebrow and leaning against the marble counter.

"Oh! Harder!" Marcus couldn't help but laugh as he recounted her words. He placed the wine glasses on the counter before taking a seat beside Dionne, his laughter mingling with hers in a moment of shared humor.