Storm at heart

Chapter 14

«Shall we dance?» Matthew stood right beside her offering his hand. Alexander was at the other end of the large ballroom, talking to three executives from three different  construction companies, having them introduced to her only a few minutes ago. 

Marianna nodded to Matthew and followed him to the dance floor, where other couples were swaying to the music.

«Have I told you, that you look ravishing tonight?» he said to her putting his hand softly around her waste.

«Yes and I thank you» she replied restrained.

«Sophie and I were quite surprised when Alexander came to Greece» It seemed that he was lingering to see her reaction.

But keeping her calm, Marianna just looked around her with disinterest.

« We didn’t even know, that his uncle left his hotel to him. And it’s strange, if you consider that everything started there» Finally he had the response he aimed for. Her big eyes looked surprised.

«I see, you have no idea what is going on, do you?» He said almost in triumph. 

This was her chance. If she whished, she could just ask and find the answers she was looking for. But somehow, for some reason it didn’t seem right. She looked at Matthew and smiled coldly.

«I don’t think that any of this is my concern. I’m just the co owner of this small business and I’m here to repay a friend a favour»

She managed to appear calm, but her heart was beating fast in her chest. Was it really possible that mister Dimitris was in fact the uncle o Alexander? And if so, how did he never mention his name? 

«Oh, but you are not just a friend Marianna. It’s quite obvious by the way you two look at each other that there is something more between you and Alexander isn’t the type to move heaven and earth for a woman. Believe me. As a friend of his I am bound to know those things. The point is, how are you planning to handle this weakness he seems to have for you. Alexander is a very powerful and wealthy man. His fortune is not at all negligible» His insinuations were like a slap on her face.

«I‘m not going to dignify this with an answer! You don’t know me mister Nocks and therefore have every right to believe what you want. What I want, believe me, is to return back home. As soon as possible» Marianna took one step back and was ready to leave him, when his hand got hold of her arm.

«I’m afraid that you misunderstood what I was trying to say. I’m well aware of your transactions with Alexander and I know that pride and dignity mean a lot to you. I didn‘t suggest, even for a moment, that you are out for his money. On the contrary! You could never accept what Alexander is and everything that his position represents. I saw the horrified look on your face when you saw those paintings.»

Just when she wanted to drag her arm away from Matthews grip, Sophie appeared and put her hand on Matthews shoulder, whispering something to him. He let Marianna go and followed Sophie to the buffet.  

Marianna was left alone with her thoughts. He was right. She could never see herself in Alexander’s world. He deserved someone like Sophie. Sophisticated, elegant, gorgeous. Sophie, not her. 

Her eyes spotted him, approaching her with two glasses of Champaign in his hands. 

«I‘m so stupid», she thought, «who told me in the first place that he would want me at his side. In his bed, perhaps, but not at his side. Although the last is also questionable». 

She smiled at him feeling suddenly depressed. She took one sip of her glass and on second thought she tossed back its contents in one swallow. Seeing his amused look on his face, she took the second glass off his hand and emptied it as well.