My Son(32)

He had chuckled back at her

“Alfredo, please……..well after the auction perhaps I can make you believe that I meant it on our date…the first of many I hope” he said softly, before his eyes had twinkled mischievously

“I find it very hard to believe that such a lovely woman as yourself would be alone at this party” he said “so who is the unlucky man I must win you from” his voice full of laughter

“That would be me” Marc had said coldly from behind him. Turning in surprise Kelly had looked up at Marc who was glaring at Alfredo a cold glint in his eyes, aware too that the Spaniard was looking back just as icily.

“Marc…I see” he had said his voice as cold as his eyes.

Firmly taking her arm Marc had pulled her away “Kelly the auction is just about to start they need you in the enclosure”

“Ah Kelly..” she heard the other man say “I will look out for you at bidding”

Looking at Marc she had seen his mouth clenched tightly shut

“That wasn’t very friendly” she said aware that she was being dragged along at a brisk rate “Please slower” she said softly, as Marc had slowed down, his eyes finally finding hers.

“The man is a snake Kelly” he replied his voice cold

“He treats women like objects…and you should avoid him at all costs”

Kelly had raised her eyebrow

“I am over 21 Marc, I think I can look after myself” she had replied haughtily as she took her place in the enclosure, seeing him open his mouth about to speak before closing it again with a scowl and huffing away sulkily

Nervously Kelly had watched as the women took to the stage. They were directed to walk to the end of the runway turn and then walk back, when the bidding would start. She had cringed watching as each girl carried out this same manoeuvre embarrassed by the way that each was ogled, and once more she wondered at just how drunk had she been that night to agree to this. From what she could see the charity was making a lot of money and this was the one saving grace of the whole event.

Finally it was her turn and taking a deep breath she had walked to the end of the runway not aware of just how gracefully she completed the required steps. As she turned her hair swished around her shoulders and she had smiled gently, causing many men in the audience to reach for their cheque books. Standing at the top end near the podium she had listened as the bidding had quickly risen, until finally she became aware that only two men where left Alfredo and Marc. When the bidding had finally reached 20,000 euros Alfredo had conceded to Marc with a small clap and a cold look. Kelly was astounded and stared at him in shock, as he had looked back at her with relief.

In the car on the way home she had finally had a chance to speak to him

“Marc why did you do that” she asked her eyes so confused, as he had looked quickly at her

“Because I let you put yourself up and I was not about to have you put in some kind of danger from …..HIM” he said his mouth clenched tight

“Why do you think I can’t look after myself?” she had asked so softly

“Men like Alfredo mean nothing to me…..I’ve been dealing with his type for years” she said with a small sigh

“20,000 euros……..such a lot of money” she had groaned, seeing as he had clenched his hands tighter on the steering wheel

“Worth every penny to keep you safe from him” he had replied grimly

After a lengthy silence between them he had halted the car. Kelly was surprised to see that they had stopped beside the beach and even more surprised when he had opened the door and got out. Silently following him they had moved onto the soft sand where he sank down drawing up his knees within his arms looking out at the sparkling water.

Kelly had sank down beside him her legs folded neatly beside her while she leant on her arm looking at him with concern

“What’s wrong Marc” she asked, real concern in her voice, seeing how his eyes had shifted from the water to look into hers, seeing real hurt in his

“Alfredo and I have a bit of history” he said softly pausing for a while those black eyes holding her blue ones

“Did I ever tell you I was nearly married” he said softly, as Kelly had shaken her head in surprise, even Beth hadn’t told her this

“7 years ago – 1 was 26 and thought I was in love” he said his eyes glazing over at the memory

“Alfredo and I were friends…good friends.

He had given a short derisive laugh before continuing

“Anyway one day I arrived unexpectedly at her flat – to pop the question actually - and found the two of them together.”

Kelly had gasped placing her hand on his arm. Lifting it to his lips he had kissed her fingers distractedly