Chapter 6
Marianna felt the usual exhilaration that washed over her when she debated political issues, but arguing with Amit had a particularly delicious edge that she didn’t fully understand. But she loved it. She had to admit that she felt more alive when she was debating with him than with anyone else. It was thrilling! She had to keep up with his arguments and he was fast to slide in a point she hadn’t considered.
Goodness, she loved this! Taking a sip of her wine, she suddenly realized that she and Amit had been arguing so single mindedly that they’d completely dominated the conversation.
“I’m so sorry!” she gasped to her brother and Tasha, setting down her wine glass. How many glasses had she consumed? Perhaps what she was feeling wasn’t exhilaration so much as being tipsy! “We’ve been very rude.”
Tasha laughed, touching Marianna’s forearm gently. “It’s been a delight to listen in on the debate,” she countered, leaning back slightly as a waiter set a beautiful dessert made of chocolate and a creamy sauce with a perfect strawberry on top. “I think we’ll have our dessert in our private suite.”
Tasha stood up, shooting her husband a stern look.
Marianna was startled to see her brother rise as well, although he appeared reluctant to leave. Tasha ignored his hesitation and laced her fingers through his, then started walking towards the door. “Your Highness, it was a delight as always,” she said to Amit, then pulled her husband out of the dining room.
An awkward silence followed their departure.
“Well, that was unexpected,” she blurted out, touching the edge of the delicate plate underneath the beautifully presented dessert. She turned the plate slightly, pretending to admire the artistry from different angles. “I didn’t think that my brother would…” she stopped, startled by where her mind had gone. She lifted her eyes to his and her heart began to race.