Chapter 10.
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He did touched me, Marta said. But then why do I feel shivers?
He said abruptly, 'The rules of the garden states that dogs must be kept on leads at all time. Did Melissa not tell you?'
Marta bit her lip , recalling the type written sheet she hadn't bothered to glance through. ' yes.. I mean, I think so.
'But then rules don't mean much to you, do they, miss Wellman?.
'And you seem to invent yours as you go along, Mr Royal, she returned icily. 'But I'll make sure I remember in the future.
' well, you do that, he said with a certain grimness.
' Before I go, she said, ' there's something I'd like to say, you implied I was a home breaker. But it's not true. Hermes's marriage was finished before we met again.
' You've known him for a while?
' You could say all my life. We grew up together.
' Just a repetition of advice already given. Which is: go back to wherever it is you came From.
Unfortunately, ' I'm staying here . She clipped Lulu's lead to his collar. 'I'd take him home. ' And u apologize for letting him chase the cat . Is it all right?.
' Take care Miss Wellman ,he put out a hand and scratch the top of Lulu's head.
'of lulu ?, Her voice saccharine sweet. Of course I will.
' Of everything, he said. ' And I'm sure you won't .
' We will see about that. She turned and descended the steps ,aware of his eyes boring into her spine . As she reached the path she looked Back at him .
'When Hermes comes back, will you ask him to call me, please, on my mobile? He has my number
His mouth twisted. I'll refrain from the cheap retort. And , yes , I'll inform him to make contact if that is what you desperately want Miss Wellman.
' Yes , she said. But desperate?. 'it is.
Royal gave her one last cold stare, he turned and walked back into the house and close the french window behind him.
I will take immense care never to set eyes on Royal walker again.
In a city the size of London, it wouldn't be hard. And she'd begin by never straying to his side of the garden again. She swore silently.
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I feel like introducing this Wellman girl to Melissa was a bad mistake,he told himself savagely. What the hell got into him to do such, instead of sending her back and save everyone the heart break. Now she was ensconced across the garden, and far too close for his comfort.
Oh, come off it, he derided Himself. She's just a passing irritation, never a major problem. When Hermes returned, I'll give him a sharp piece of my mind, either he gets rid of her or get out . And that , I believe would settle the matter.
Royal's thoughts switched to last night's dinner with clawden. She was lively, intelligent and most importantly attractive, he reflected. And she'd let him know that she was attracted to him.
That was enough reason for him to have ended the evening in her bed . But then he'd decided to slow the pace . Establish a relationship before taking the leap into intimacy.
They'd talked about music and movies over their meal. He'd give it a couple of days , then ask her if she'd like to go the media event that had been so well reviewed.
His thoughts came back to Marta. I should have sent her packing, he told himself. So why didn't I ? And what can I do to salvage the situation?
He stood up and picked up his phone, punching in a familiar number.
' Jenny?' His face brightened up. ' So how's it going?. They spoke for some minutes before be hanged up.
So? Why not get her caught in my love web then, let say make her forgot Hermes Attwood.
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As evening approached Marta kept pacing up and down her room, eyeing and praying for her phone to ring.
When it finally rang, she pounced on it with a sob of relief. 'Hermes?.
'No it's Cindy. Just calling to know how you're settling in?. 'I guess lover boy isn't around?'.
'Not at the moment. Marta manged to say. ' I would choose a weekend when he's working away. But I'm expecting him back any moment, she added hastily.
'Then I won't keep you. I just wanted to check up on you, and check on your address. It is seven, isn't it?.
Marta hesitated. 'Yes.
' Well , Cindy said, after a minute of silent, 'Just as long as you're OK. Let me know how the job hunting goes.
' I will. Bless you. Marta switched off the phone and put it down beside her, feeling home sick. She wasn't used to hiding things from her people or pretending. She'd let them believe that her moving to London was for a career purpose. She hadn't told them het future included Hermes, because she knew they wouldn't give their consent while he was still a married man.
She wished to open up to someone. Nothing was working out as she'd planned. She felt stranded in a strange land, and lonlier than she'd ever imagined.
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*NEXT MORNING**
Marta woke up feeling tired , which wasn't how she needed to present herself this morning, she thought, giving herself a mental kick, she was hoping to start her job hunting today, and she wanted to impress.
She dressed with extra care, choosing a dark green suit with a white shirt and black pumps with heels. She would settle for a temporary job to eases her cash flow situation, she'd decided, but she also planned to register with a couple of recruitment agencies.
Perphas, when she and Hermes were living together and settled, she'd working from home or freelance, she told herself, determined to be positive about their relationship.
After all , there could be dozen reasons why he hadn't rung her last night. And she wasn't going to allow herself any more doubts.
Hermes and I will surely end up together...
TBC.