Our eternal affairs

Anna bent awkwardly beside a table that held a vase filled with wild flowers. She dug into her calf, trying to massage the pain away.

She had been standing for hours, and her high heels were finally taking their toll on her. She was at the Venice Resort, which the Being directed her to, to see Mister Truce.

Her stomach growled, demanding food and she whispered as she patted it, promising comfort.

Just as she was starting to feel some relief in the calf, a stern voice spoke from behind her.

 "Miss Anna?" He called, and her heart skipped.

She turned to see, a stoic-demeanored bodyguard, in a nondescript black suit, and sunglasses. Sunglasses at night? She answered in amazement.

 "Please come with me." He said boldly. She straightened up, and smoothened her dress for the umpteenth time, trying to ignore the twinge in her legs.

 "Where are we going?" She asked curiously. 

 "Truce Avidon, is waiting for you in a private dining room, please follow me." The agent replied in a firm, but polite voice.

Fear washed over her, as she trailed behind the agent. Her mind raced with all the things that could happen. She felt a flutter in her chest, as the agent pushed open a door and gestured for her to enter. 

 "Enjoy your dinner, Miss Anna." He said, his expression softening ever so slightly. He thought she was so beautiful that she deserved a smile from him.

Anna took a deep breath, and stepped inside. Her eyes scanned the grand room for Mister Truce. The walls were adorned with beautiful artworks, soft light illuminated the room, from the chandelier above. The dining table was set for two, with fine linen, crystal glassware and sterling silverware. Green plants in vases, were scattered throughout the room, completing the grandeur.

 Then she saw him, standing tall, about six-three, by the expansive window; the night air fluttering his shoulder-length hair, perfectly styled, with his hands in the pockets of his bespoke, midnight blue suit. 

He turned around, slowly, locking his eyes onto her, with an intensity that made her heart race. She felt a sudden jolt of nervousness, and her palm grew sweaty, as he began to walk, to the centre of the room.

His perfectly tailored suit, complemented his lean, athletic build. Broad chested, his celestially chiselled physique, radiated an aura of immense power, and control. Anna's breath caught in her throat, as he approached. 

Her stomach suddenly churned with a strange gurgling sensation, as he crossed the centre of the room, and drew near to her. Her eyes widened, and she felt pressure build inside her. Before she could even process what was happening, a soft "parp" sound escaped from beneath her.

Her face immediately turned beet red, and her jaw dropped in utter shock, when she realised, to her horror, that she had just farted. She wanted to melt into the floor, to disappear from her embarrassment. Truce stopped short, his eyes narrowed slightly, his expression was unreadable, but Anna thought she saw a flicker of surprise in his gaze. This wasn't how she envisioned her first meeting with him.

They stood for what seemed like an eternity. The only sound in the room was the soft purr of the air conditioning, condensing the air and the awkward silence. He could feel her mortification. 

Her face was a mix of emotions, with a hint of tears, lining her eyes, as they darted round the room, in search of an escape. But then something unexpected happened.

 Truce's lips twitched slightly, his lips were full and inviting, with a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes, as he shook his head in wonder. 

 "Well... I suppose that's one way to break the ice." He said, his voice low, and smooth with a subtle hint of humour.

A shaky smile curled up Anna's lips, as an inch of her embarrassment ebbed slowly.

"I'm…I'm really sorry about that, sir." She apologised.

He stared hard at her, saw the resemblance in her reflex responses, and the glint of fear in her eyes. How was this even possible? He racked his brain, trying to find an answer, but he remained calm on the outside. Anna thought he was displeased, at her first impression. She let her eyes droop, and remained still.

A small flutter in his chest, at her demeanor seemed to arrest him, and he crashed back to the present.

 "Please, have a seat." He gestured towards the set dining table.

It was prepared to the taste of the wealthy, of course. But she felt appreciative to him, for the privileged opportunity.

 "Thank you sir for your time." She said in a low seductive voice, and he was forced to think she was here on another mission.

His response was a grunt, and as if on cue, a waiter entered the room, his eyes scanning the room before settling in them.

 "Good evening sir, madam. May I take your order?"

As he bent in a curt bow, his nose twitched, and he thought he detected a peculiar odour. Anna's eyes darted to Mister Truce, who seemed oblivious to the waiter's reaction.

As Anna perused the menu before her, her best smile faltered down the list, as she stared at prices that were triple her house rent. She glanced at Mister Truce, who seemed unfazed, ordering a French dish with ease, like a child deciding which shiny stone to play with.

 "Duck l'orange, followed by coq au vin, and finishing with crème brûlèe," he said, his voice as smooth as silk.

 "And the madam?" The waiter asked. 

 "Uh.. I'll get the same as well." She smiled, and thought she saw a glint of scorn in his eyes.

Truce leaned in his chair, and stared at the woman in front of him in amusement. She smiled at him, as the waiter retreated, and he thought he would grab her right there. He coughed slightly, to clear his throat.

Anna stammered shyly, not sure of what to say. "Thank you for having me sir. I'm grateful." 

His commanding gaze remained on her, and Anna felt like melting away from his eyes. Those eyes that seemed to open her up, like a specimen in a lab, and knew what she was feeling inside. The room became very hot.

 "Tell me Anna," he began, coolly. "Why do you want to be healed?" 

She stared at him dumbstruck. She didn't expect the question. Her head immediately went blank, and when she opened her mouth to speak, she realised, to her dread, that she had no answer.