Chapter 27
As Marianna heard the front door click shut, she instinctively tightened her grip on her towel. The tension she had just managed to release in the pool came rushing back, her muscles tensing in anticipation of Amit's imminent arrival.
However, when his imposing figure failed to materialize, Marianna couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. Her muscles relaxed, leaving her feeling oddly empty. She had been braced for confrontation, but...there was nothing. Just a lingering sense of unfulfilled anticipation.
“Shower,” she announced to the silent room. She quickly showered and changed into dry underwear, loving the naughtiness of the lacy style. She normally chose functional but pretty pieces of lingerie. Wearing these daring pieces made her feel bold and sensuous. Was she walking differently? She definitely felt more feminine and sexy.
Once she was dressed, Marianna looked at her reflection in the mirror. The image staring back at her looked different somehow. There was a flush to her cheeks that she didn’t recognize. Was that because she was in a new place with a dynamic, powerful, fascinating man that made her blood boil with frustration one moment, then sizzle with anticipation the next?
Or was it because she genuinely disliked the man?
No, that wasn’t it. Amit had taken good care of her. Except for that brief moment when she’d thought he’d been behind her kidnapping, Amit had been genuinely kind and openly concerned for her. He’d provided food, shelter, clothing, and even a cell phone and laptop. He’d been nothing but kind and considerate.
Her entire life was dedicated to the premise that people’s minds could be changed when presented with evidence that challenged one’s opinion. Her work’s goal was about presenting facts and hoping that someone’s mind might shift and accept a new reality.
So here she was, standing in her “enemy’s” home with a vast amount of evidence that he wasn’t the villain that she’d considered him to be.
Marianna had to accept that Amit wasn’t the villain.
Which meant that her whole impression of the man was wrong. She needed to gather more facts and alter her perception of him.