One week from the meeting in which he had come to the flat so early in the morning, a large luxurious car had arrived to pick them and their multitude of luggage from the flat. It had taken them to a private air field in which Marc’s small jet waited for them on the runway. Kelly had not known if Marc would be joining them on the flight and therefore when she had seen his tall lean frame standing beside the plane, talking intently to the captain, her heart had performed a somersault.
He had welcomed them and helped ensure that all their belongings were stowed away safely, before ensuring that Max’s car seat was firmly secured to one of the many plush chairs. Kelly had looked around the plane with awe. It was a far cry from the plane trips she was used to, journeys in which passengers were herded into rows packed far too tightly and fed barely recognisable food at set times.
The interior of the plane was luxurious with sofas, tables and large leather upholstered seats that looked as though you would sink into them. Marc had caught her expression and smiled before escorting her to one of these large chairs and ensuring that she was fastened into the seat. As he had leant over her to secure the belt, Kelly had taken a deep breath as she caught the familiar aura of his aftershave, the smell of him making her close her eyes with pleasure while his head leant so closely into her body. She had felt a deep desire to put her hands through those dark locks and to pull his head against her feeling him touching her now throbbing body. Mortification at these thoughts caused her to flush hotly, however, she had noticed when he raised his head that he too was breathing a little more raggedly and his eyes had burned brightly, sending her pulses racing, before he had lowered his eyelashes to hide some inner turmoil within.
“There all safe now” he said dropping down into another chair and securing himself and soon they were in the air.
The journey had passed quickly, with Max falling straight to sleep in the way that children always seemed to do when travelling as Marc had talked about the villa and the island they would be staying, speaking with such pride that Kelly was looking forward to seeing it. He was an attentive host ensuring that she always had a drink or something to eat, while making her laugh with jokes and stories. Kelly had found herself relaxing in his company and joining in with the conversation, as Marc had laughed with her as she shared many of the antics of the small child now sleeping so peacefully beside them, finding to her surprise that she had even talked more about herself to him.
Just as they were approaching the Mainland he had asked her a question about Danny. It had shocked her to hear his name and he had seen the mask come down over her face and the haunted expression in her eyes. Averting them she had not answered his question, but looked out of the window asking questions about the landscape they were approaching. Marc had not pursued the matter, letting it drop heavily between them.
CHAPTER THREE
After clearing customs and stowing their luggage in the large car waiting for them, Kelly had smiled ruefully to herself noting that Marc didn’t slum it as they were whisked away to his villa in yet another luxury vehicle.
The journey had taken less than half an hour and they had passed through beautiful little villages with their white washed flat roofs and cobble stoned roads, some of which only just allowed the large car to pass. Kelly was excitedly taking in everything about this new country which she had never before visited and pointing out trees, shrubs and different landmarks to Max, who looked at her with large adoring eyes in complete disinterest.
The artist in her had loved the different shapes and textures of the scenery and the way the light flooded the landscape. The way parts of the countryside seemed so flat and barren, while large thin trees seemed to grow from them cutting through the blue sky itself. Marc watched as she took in his country, watching as the love of it entered her eyes, something so deep inside him glad.
While she had been told that the villa had 10 bedrooms, this had still not prepared Kelly for the house itself. He had not mentioned that it was part of a large estate and that to enter they had to pass through impressive gates which allowed the car to travel up the long sweeping drive, with its lush carefully manicured lawns and flower beds. However, she had gasped in awe on seeing the house itself, her eyes mirroring her thoughts that she had never seen anything so beautiful.
It stood on two levels, its white walls topped with the terracotta clay tiles which covered the many different roof levels. Large verandas seemed to be everywhere, some contained within pillars and others open with ornate railings protecting them. On both levels the windows ran from ceiling to floor giving the house an elegant yet friendly feeling. Flowers, shrubs and greenery grew everywhere. Some winding their way up the building itself and others hugging the landscape in which the building was set like a jewel.