Storm at heart

Chapter 8

  The mirror had no intention to hide the truth from her. She looked like a mess. Black circles surrounded her eyes and her skin was pale. No wonder considering that she hadn’t slept all night. So many things puzzled her. Usually she didn’t mind other people’s business. She even handled the last wish of mister Dimitris with discretion. But this story with Alexander Stone was getting really peculiar.

She was certain that there was closer connection between the two men, than Alexander left to believe. How did he learn to speak Greek and fluently!

But that wasn’t the only reason why she spend all night tossing and turning all night in her bed. It wasn’t just the mystery around Alexander, it was his kiss, his caress which enflamed her body. Every time she closed her eyes she saw his face and unfortunately not just that! The image of his naked body rising from the cold waters was branded in her mind. In vane she tried to remind herself that men like him meant nothing to her. 

She looked again at herself in the mirror and absently touched her lips. She still could taste him. Damn him!

The use of make up was today a necessity! With a small amount of foundation, blush and lipstick she hid her tiredness. She chose to wear jeans and a olive green tank top.

After braiding her hair she left reluctantly her room. The mere thought of seeing Alexander after everything that had happen the night before frightened and excited her at the same time.

Marianna decided to act normal and cool as possible, like nothing had happen.  She left her room reluctantly and headed with confidence to the office.

 «Good morning» Manos smiled without glancing at her. 

«Good morning to you too. What do we have?» she asked him looking at the mail on the desk.  

«Well I filled out the departure form. And we have three reservations for this Weekend.» he added going through the guestbook.

«What departure?» she asked surprised «Τhere wasn’t any scheduled departure.»

She drew the guestbook towards her. 

«Alexander left early this morning», Manos looked surprised at her. «He told me that you knew about this.» 

Marianna nodded.

«Yes, right... But...» it was impossible to hide her disappointment. The last thing that she expected after last nights passionate kisses was his departure. It was obvious that last night meant nothing to him. Men like Alexander had «pleasant moments» all the time. But she wasn’t the «pleasant moment» kind of girl and she still had succumbed to his charms like a stupid teenager.  

She pushed the book away from her and froze to the though of what might had happen if Alexander didn’t pull away. She was the one, who drew him with her leg towards her. She was the one who practically offered herself to him and he was the one who put an end to it and left today. Everything was clear and simple. He had rejected her. 

«Are you ok?» Manos asked seeing her distress.

«Just peachy! I’m going to clean the terrace.» she answered dryly and left like hounds of hell were after her.

The humiliation! For the second time, by the same man! Suited her right for wanting to pose as a femme fatale. She just wasn’t the type for games like that. The result was saddening to say at least. 

She grabbed the broom and the water hose and released all her frustration on the stone tiles on the floor. 

«I‘m not cut out for something like that! I‘m uptight and traditional and I have to learn to live with it.» she mumbled while she looked at the room were Alexander was staying. 

«Never again!» she scowled herself. «May I never find this bloody fifth element!» and with those thoughts rerunning in her mind she continued to scrub and rinse the already impeccable floor.