Conflicting thoughts and emotions tore at Amanda as she sat beside her aunt’s hospital bed the following morning, anguishing over Jake’s contradictory reactions to her. He’d supported her since he learned of Irene’s stroke. Nothing in his actions or words conveyed his true feelings of contempt for her. Last night there’d been no sign of the ruthless multi-billionaire who’d blackmailed her into sharing his bed. Instead he’d been prepared to give her space, and she appreciated that. The earth-shattering sex had happened at her instigation. It was nothing like the tender lovemaking they’d shared two years ago, but it was incredible all the same. It was all physical. Both of them were driven by a powerful, all-consuming lust, and they’d been equal partners. She’d gained as much as she’d given, maybe more. Amanda’s heart was heavy. This morning had been a different story. Oh, she’d reached a cataclysmic climax—Jake was far too expert a lover and way too in-tune with her body for her not to have reached that sensational peak.
