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I took a few minutes to enjoy the view, something I hadn’t done before. Maybe today I wouldn’t feel so much like a prisoner. A strange series of sensations kept me tingling. Could it be possible he actually cared about me?
Stop thinking that way. This is just a business arrangement.
The little voice was right, although I hated to admit it. I noticed our glasses of wine remaining on the table and smiled as I sipped my coffee. There were employees everywhere, several working on the gorgeous landscaping. On the drive from that horrible building, I’d seen several lovely little houses. It would seem Sevastian took good care of his employees.
My thoughts drifted to our conversation from the night before. Why would I be the intended target?
I couldn’t let go of the way my father had acted when I’d walked into his office the morning he’d told me about the contract. Something had been wrong, and it wasn’t about my late-night jaunt to a party either.
As I tried to remember the conversation, I returned to the room, easing onto the chair. Suddenly, I wasn’t certain I was very hungry any longer. Who had threatened my father to the point he’d almost broken down? The only person who could have told him about Sevastian’s appearance was the senator. I seriously doubted Reggie would pick up the phone and call. He’d been humiliated enough.
I’d always thought my father hated the senator. Was it possible the politician held something over my father’s head? I rubbed my forehead as I closed my eyes. At least I’d remembered something that might be useful.
A light tapping on the door make me jump. That’s when I realized it hadn’t been closed and locked. A strange, unwieldy sense of freedom rushed into me. Maybe he’d decided to at least trust me.
“SeñoritaGiada,” the girl said as she walked in. Up until now, my name hadn’t been used.
“You can call me Giada.”
The girl nodded and held out her arm. “SeñorKozlov asked me to give you this. May I place these in your closet?”
In her arms was a dress bag, another shopping bag dangling below.
“Of course. Where is Sevastian?” I asked, curious as to why everything seemed different. A feast meant for a queen, fresh flowers, an expensive silk robe, and now clothes? My head was spinning as I tried to figure out what he was trying to accomplish.
“SeñorKozlov had a flight early this morning,” she said cheerfully as she walked to the closet, opening the door.
“A flight? To where?”
“I do not know,SeñoritaGiada. But he asked me to tell you that he would return by early afternoon.”
“Thank you. May I know your name?”
She finished hanging the bags, making certain the dress bag had no wrinkles before turning to face me. “My name is Amalia.”
“Amalia. What a beautiful name.”
She nodded, keeping her head bowed as if her head movement was one of respect. That also hadn’t occurred before.
“Tell me, Amalia. Am I allowed to leave this room?”
She seemed confused, a slight flush appearing on her cheeks. “Of course,Señorita. SeñorKozlov told everyone you are the lady of the house.”
Lady of the house.
I sat back, taking several deep breaths. “Thank you very much.”
“I will be downstairs if you need anything.”
When she left, I found it difficult to get up from the chair. Why the dramatic change? I finally stood, grabbing another strawberry as I headed toward the closet. This was his room, the furniture bold and structured just like the man. The single chair was in deep brown leather, the bed almost old-fashioned in its gothic design.
Even the dresser was a representation of another time. Another place. It suited him. Simple. Masculine. Powerful. The flowers provided an interesting touch, a slight femininity that broke through the stark barriers. Maybe I was far too philosophical, but just observing his private quarters allowed me to catch a glimpse of the man.
I opened one of the dresser drawers, marveling over his collection of watches. What I found interesting was that they were all designer brands, Rolex and Movado, some encrusted with jewels, but they hadn’t been placed in a locked box or drawer. While he might lock the bedroom door when he left the island, it would be easy to pick.
He trusted his people completely, valuing their loyalty. That was an admirable trait. When I opened the closet, the scent of him was overwhelming, awakening all my senses. I glanced at the bag, uncertain what I’d find. When I unzipped, pulling the material away from the canvas bag, a laugh bubbled to the surface.
He was determined to make me into a frilly girl. The dress was insanely gorgeous, tropical in design, the colors perfect for my hair and eyes. But it wasn’t me. However, I would wear it for him if for no other reason than that’s what he wanted.
