Chapter 22
Amit tried to focus on the comments in the meeting, but he couldn’t seem to get his thoughts away from the fact that Marianna was here, in his home! He’d fantasized about her for so long, he couldn’t remember a time when she wasn’t on his mind, in his fantasies.
What was she doing right now? Was she going through his closets? Searching for his secrets? Amit enjoyed the idea of Marianna…no, she was Mari to him now…touching his clothes with her soft, delicate fingers. He smiled quietly at the thought of her flipping through his suits and shirts, deciding which she liked and disliked. That wouldn’t be difficult, he thought with silent amusement. He didn’t have a wide variety of clothes. He had ceremonial robes for special occasions, but he tended to prefer the suits and slacks that western men wore. The robes were cooler during the hot, summer days, but the pants were more practical, easier to move in.
Unfortunately, he suspected that Marianna was too ethical to secretly go through his personal things. He’d read every article she’d ever published and honesty, fairness, and concern for others were always prevailing themes.
How could he get her to touch him? Amit contemplated that while someone droned on about roads or…hospitals? Had they changed topics? He didn’t give a damn. He’d spent his entire life working to heal the wounds of Uftar. For one day, he wanted to think about himself. He wondered what it would be like to have Mari’s hands on him, her fingers exploring his body, running through his hair, and…!
Nope, that wasn’t a good idea. His thoughts would become too obvious if he continued down that road.
But damn, she’d looked beautiful earlier today. Her dark hair had been pulled over one shoulder and her chocolate eyes had seemed huge without her usual makeup.
However, that wariness still followed her. He was horrified that Marianna had been hurt by his comment all those years ago. He’d only offered the offensive trade in order to show Marianna how important she was to her brothers. Khal, Joran, and Raj had immediately jumped to her defense, refusing to trade her, even if the trade could have eased tensions between the two countries.
Unfortunately, Amit now realized that she’d been too vulnerable to grasp the lesson implied. She’d been too raw to see the point he’d been trying to make.
With a soft sigh, he realized his efforts to help her feel included and important had only magnified her hatred and distrust of him.
Damn, he doubted there was a better way to muck up his intentions.
But now he had her here. Amit was determined to make the most of his time with Marianna. Somehow, he would prove to her that she was not chattel to him, but an incredible, glorious woman.