Our eternal affairs

Anna felt like her insides would melt when she heard her name on his lips like that. 

She had gotten his personal number from his personal assistant and wanted to thank him for saving her life. She cringed to have some form of control over her feelings.

When she said nothing, he doubted she was fine at all. "Anna... Should you be calling anyone now? You don't sound fine to me." He frowned.

He felt a jolt of heat spread through his body as she sucked in air. He was grateful that she was at the other side of the phone, he didn't think he could face her.

"Uh… I wanted to…" she trailed off, her mind was not in order as she thought of his hands on her skin. Her pulse shot up.

He seemed to sense her unease and smiled to himself. Grateful it wasn't unrequited.

"You wanted to?" He raised an amused eyebrow. Anna tightened her grip on the watch to contain herself.

"Thank you very much for saving me again,sir"

"Sir? Ah.... getting a little formal now, aren't we? His voice hardened a little. "Pleasure. I'd rather you ask questions next time Miss. This was a close shot." 

"Um, right." She hesitated.

"Got anything else to say, Anna?" Her name on his lips unnerved her.

"I think you forgot a very expensive property in my house." 

My bed… that would've sounded seductive. 

He had thought about seeing her again when he got to his house in Beacon Hill. This would be an excellent opportunity to know more about her. 

"I'm free by three pm tomorrow. I'll send you the address." He said confidently and Anna was taken aback. He didn't sound like he was in his usual bossy mood. But that easy? 

"Take care of yourself, Miss Gabadon. And yes," as if remembering something, "come alone." He ended the call.

The next day at noon, Cliff who was mounting guard on Anna, hurriedly left for his studio for an emergency.

That gave Anna much needed space to breath, and time to look for a dress. She frantically dug through her wardrobe with scorn on her face. Then thought about pairing. After a while, she was exasperated and wished Cliff was with her, but she knew he wouldn't let her go.

She checked the time, she had an hour and half left to decide on something. When she resolved to a dress, she went into her bathroom and washed. 

She dressed in a gray-blue lace fitted dress that stopped just before her knees, with black boots and furry blazers. She let her dark curly hair down. Satisfied with her face in the mirror, she picked her bag and closed the apartment door behind her.

In the cab to Truce's mansion, she texted Cliff her whereabouts, then switched off her phone.

When she stepped out, the October chill rushed at her and she snuggled into her blazer, grateful she had chosen the more furry one. 

She walked the rich earth, her feet crunched withered leaves from the tall trees, whose branches etched toward the sky like skeletal fingers. They lined the open space at the black gate, and the long driveway behind it.

She jibed at an intercom in the wall at the gate, and a voice rang out, causing her to jolt in fear. It asked who she was.

She bent to speak into it. Moving her disturbing tendrils away from her face.

"Anna Gabadon, I'm here to meet mister–"

The gate flung open on its accord, shutting her up instantly. She was grateful the staff, or whoever it was, was notified of her coming.

She sucked in cold air as she walked down the long driveway, rustled with leaves. Her mind was filled with what would happen here, as her eyes darted round, taking in the estate. She was impressed.

The brick exterior of the mansion, weathered into a warm, honey brown, as if glowing with the essence of the season itself. The windows glinting with a soft golden radiance of the evening sun. The once manicured lawns were now covered and ablaze with a kaleidoscope of autumn leaves, on both sides of the driveway.

Closing her eyes, she inhaled the scent of the place. Odd, she couldn't pin a particular scent and she thought the winds seemed to whisper secrets through their boughs.

She walked up some steps carefully and knocked on a sturdy oak door. It was opened by an aged man, early sixties, had a warm smile spread on his face as he greeted her.

"Welcome madam, please come in, make yourself at home." 

She stepped into a warm cozy haven, carrying scents of cinnamon and wood smoke, promising crackling fires within.

And as was expected, the massive fireplace was lit, casting a warm glow in the room. Plush armchairs and sofas, upholstered in rich gold and black velvet, surrounded the fireplace and for a second, Anna felt like Mister Truce was a family man.

Her charm deflated instantly. The last thing she wanted, was to be infatuated with a family man. He did act sensible since their first meeting. She glanced round, and she thought about dropping the diamond watch with the aged Butler, and turning around.

The walls were painted rich creamy white, against towering colums. Anna's mind immediately went to a picture of Zeus's palace. Seemed pretty much like it.

The floor was polished in black marble, that reflected the soft light that poured from the crystal chandelier above.

She felt like sitting down, but thought against it; that would'nt portray her as respectable. The house was so big, she wouldn't mind if it took the butler all evening to get his master.

She began hearing footsteps from above, and turned to see at Mister Truce gracefully walking down the spiral staircase. It was curved like a swans neck, the barristers adnorned with delicate carvings and gilded accents.

Her heart swelled as she stared at him. He let his sleek dark hair down, fluttering about his neck. There was a stubble on his jaw, and somehow, her fingers ached to get a feel of it. Eyes glinting coolly, with a faint smile plastered on his face.

He was dressed in casual denim t-shirt and jeans trousers. Anna thought he looked hotter than all Victoria's secrets she'd laid her hands on. And beautiful too. No wonder no one's ever seen him in public, think of all the attention he would draw.

"Morn–evening sir." she closed her eyes in embarrassment. 

He frowned at her dressing. Didn't she feel the cold? Or was she trying to impress him? An evil smile curved his lips.