Storm at heart

Chapter 3

Marianna was furious! That bastard!  That arrogant, rude scum! She didn’t even realize how she arrived at the hotel. As soon as she entered her room she threw her purse and her shoes across the room and sat on her bed. 

«I did my best!» she said to the picture of Dimitris. « Enough with this nonsense. And now, I am going to explore London and after that, tomorrow we will be back home!» 

Before she got out of her clothes to wear something more comfortable she heard a knock on the door and when she opened it she could not believe her eyes. Never, in her entire life did she see so many flowers. 

«What is this;» she asked the young man who was holding the heavy bouquet.

«Our flower shop received an order for you Miss Stamou.» 

Marianna gave the man a tip and took the flowers. They where absolutely beautiful, a lovely combination of wild flowers, gerbera and crown daisies. In front of the arrangement she discovered a small envelope. She put the flowers on her nightstand and red the note.

 «You have misunderstood me! When you join me today at 1.00 at Petrous at Knightsbrigde, I will gladly explain what I meant.  Besides how many words can one write on a small card?  Alexander».

How did he know where she stayed? Her instinct told her, no, it was screaming at her to stay away from this man. He was so sure of himself, so sure she would accept his invitation. And his reflexes where, wow. How did he manage so fast to send her flowers?

«Misunderstood - yeah right! When you come-! Where is this place anyway?» she turned to the picture of Dimitris.

 «I will go. But just to get it over with», she decided. «Than, I will never have to see or deal with this gentleman again! He could never be interested in the Hotel. Worst case scenario, I send him a yearly report and that’s it.»

She looked at her watch and saw no reason to postpone her walk. Three hours where enough to wander around and have a look at this beautiful capital city. After that she could face him for the last time. 

Marianna arranged it so, that she was in Knightsbrigde on time. The city map that she bought had proven to be a valuable companion. 

Once outside the restaurant, it took all her willpower not to turn in her heals and walk away. The first mistake was, that she actually showed up. The second however was the worst. She was completely improper dressed.

This was a place that she would never dream of entering and although she in general disliked this kind of restaurants, she had to admit that it was very elegant with a great atmosphere. 

She took a deep breath and walked -head high- inside. By mentioning the name of Alexander Stone she was immediately taken to their table. It was unbelievable how the female employee tried to hide the venomous looks that she gave her  as soon as she heard Alexanders name. 

But she could spot mister Stone without any help. Her eyes where fixed upon the gorgeous man that sat at a corner table. He returned her stare, he was following her every move until she approached him. 

After a few uncomfortable moments, he broke off his silence.

« What I meant this morning miss Stamou, at our meeting, was that I know that mister Papas used to help people. I know that he was an exceptional human being and I am truly sorry for his loss.» His expression was cold, controlled without any deep emotion but his words made her feel ashamed. She couldn’t help but wonder if this man ever smiled. Her gaze travelled to his lips and than to his strong jaw with its small dimple and back again to his sapphire blue eyes.