curled up on the sofa and began to pour over the diaries looking for answers, taking a while to finally find the entries in which Trudy documented how she had met Marc at a social event. Trudy had described how he had swept her off her feet with gifts and flowers and how much of a wonderful lover he had been, Kelly having no difficulty believing this based on the effect he seemed to have on her every time he was close. She had never met a man who’s presence was so sensual not even….swallowing the lump that had risen deep within her, she had pushed that memory to the back of her mind , her thoughts wandering as she had remembered the party at which she had first met Marc.
K elly had felt awkward and out of place that night, as she had followed her cousin around the room, there only to cheer up Trudy, who seemed to come alive with the constant attention of the many men she knew. Having bumped into Marc, Trudy had introduced him to her, and he had lightly kissed the tips of her fingers. She remembered the way a shiver had tingled through her whole body firing something deep within her. She hadn’t known if it had been the open admiration in the darkest eyes she had ever seen or the most dazzling smile he had flashed her which had turned her legs to jelly and for a second she had held her breath at the physical sensations which this man had unleashed within her.
Then she had remembered Max , remembered that this was Max’s father who had abandoned him and Trudy, and who seemed so easily to turn on that almost boyish charm to her. She had pulled her hand away from his and had been tempted to tell him exactly what she thought of him, until Trudy had almost dragged her away to the other side of the room, pleading with her not to say a word
The rest of the night had passed in a whirl with Trudy flirting and laughing her way around the room, while she had stood back. She had not wanted to come to the party, it not really being her thing, but Trudy had insisted telling her that she needed to get out and get on with her life. After she had organised a baby sitter, Kelly had no option but to accompany her, but soon had wished that she had been more insistent. Although only 23, Kelly was older than her years, and found events such as these tiresome, wishing that she was back home away from the many annoying superficial people who would try so hard to find out her whole life story.
She had been totally aware at all times where Marc De Santo was as she could almost feel his presence. Every now and then she had risked a look and was struck with how relaxed and charismatic he was, as his latest mistress had stayed by his side hanging onto his arm and every word. Kelly had noticed how beautiful she was and so perfectly turned out, and with a grimace she had wished that she had done more with her hair than the usual brush. Looking back at Trudy she had sighed to herself, yes Marc De Santo certainly had a type, and fleetingly she had thought it hadn't been her.
Kelly was not someone who would enjoy being arm candy even for somebody as handsome as Marc De Santo. Nor was she somebody who would simper and agree hanging on his every syllable. She was not afraid to speak her mind and was passionate about certain topics which Danny had always said made her glorious. Remembering Danny had brought a haunted look fleetingly to her expressively beautiful face as sadness had once more filled her.
Kelly had remembered the whole night as she had constantly been hit upon by men who seemed to think that it was OK to assume that she would like nothing more than to spend the next day with them on their boat or jet. For Trudy’s sake she had been polite but aloof with them, however looking around she saw the same dance happening everywhere, and she had missed Danny, missed him with all her heart.
Shaking herself back into the present Kelly had continued her search, after a while finally finding the entries relating