“You are the best mum in the world” she had said with feeling.
Her whole life, her mother had been the only one to show her kindness, her father often chastising her for being so soft on the child, preferring instead to reign with an iron fist, terrorising his daughter. However, when she would hide in her room, tears falling down her small face, her mother would always find her, hold her close and tell her that she was loved.
Together the two had made their way downstairs to join the other girls and their mothers, all laughing and exchanging stories of their husbands’ wealth while the girls noisily admired each others’ dresses, at the same time talking about each other behind their backs. Grace felt out of place as she had been given derisory looks by the other girls; she was shocked by the amount of flesh their dresses showed, leaving very little to the imagination.
As they had stood others had joined them, Grace glad that the small gathering had turned into more of a crowd, knowing from much experience that it was always easier to disappear into a crowd. The sound of the dinner bell had seen the throng of about twenty, many single men move as one to the dining room.
Grace had found herself seated beside a pleasant man in his early 20’s, Grace herself only nineteen, the two chatting amicably as she had discovered that he was a vet, this interesting her very much. He in turn had enjoyed the intelligent questions and real interest of the young woman, not missing how beautiful she looked as he had looked shyly back at her.
Alexos had been the last to arrive, taking his place at the head of the table a hush falling on the crowd as he had welcomed all, before the buzz of conversation had increased as the servers had moved in to lay down the starters.
The food was delicious, Grace knowing that no expense had been spared on the sumptuous meal, enjoying it very much. Looking at the other four women, she had stifled a smile seeing how little they ate, shaking her head knowing that their figures were of more interest to them than the food before them. Raising her head she had flicked a look at the man at the head of the table, feeling once more the blush rise to her cheek as their eyes had met, Grace quickly dropping hers as she had nervously turned to her companion to answer his questions.
After the meal, the group had moved to the huge living room, part of which had been cleared to allow dancing. Grace had been surprised to see the small band which had immediately started to play, her lips quirking knowing that this was an often repeated event, her mind returning to Daryle’s words, that the weekends happened every month, as she had found herself relaxing.
For the rest of the evening, she had danced often with the man who seemed to have taken a liking to her, Grace finding herself liking him very much also as the two had talked about the different marine life on the island she listening so attentively as he had spoke.
From a distance Alexos had frowned, tired of the attention of the four women who seemed to constantly be appearing before him. Looking over he had once more admired the fifth, Grace Leotta, her face smiling with real warmth at the man who normally so quiet was talking animatedly to her, his hands holding her as they had danced together. The feeling of jealousy had been unexpected. Alexos so used to overshadowing any man in a room, able to take his pick of women at any event. Lifting his glass he had frowned, watching as the two had broken apart and made towards their table. Placing his drink down with a decided motion he had stepped before them, a smile on his handsome features
“A dance Grace?” his sensual voice sending strange tremors down her spine, as nervously she had extended her hand for him to lead her back to the dance area.
He towered above her, her head neatly fitting under his chin as his hands had spread open over the small of her back. Grace found the warmth of them disturbing, not understanding why. One arm had draped between them to rest gently on his shoulder as the other had been enveloped by his hand, Grace aware of how firm that hand was. Leaning against him, she had closed her eyes with pleasure as the scent of his aftershave had filled her, her nostrils flaring with the pleasure of his scent.#p#分页标题#e#
“You look beautiful” his silky voice had brought her around from the mesmerising effect of being in his arms.
“S…so do you” she had replied, closing her eyes with embarrassment as she had stuttered
“Well…not beautiful…I mean you look…..nice” mortification filling her as the rumble of his throaty laugh had reached her ears
“I think I know what you mean……and thank you” his voice full of mockery, as she had bitten her lip wishing that the ground would swallow her up whole.