When Bridget answered the door, Marissa's eyes widened in shock.  This did not look like the same woman she had surreptitiously met for coffee.  Where before, the other woman had looked ordinary, now her very essence oozed overt sexuality.  She had not understood before how a normal woman commanded men, which Bridget had explained to her as a description of her business, but now she got it; the word<em>mistress</em>fit the woman very well, indeed.<br/><br/>She waved Marissa into her home even as she demanded a proper greeting from Cyril, and the brunette's mouth curved into a little frown as she wondered what Bridget meant.  She stepped into the house, her eyes widening in shock as she watched her husband.  What was he<em>doing?</em>She looked out the door, mortified that neighbors that weren't even theirs would see him debasing himself, and immediately she noticed how strategically bushes and trees were planted in Bridget's yard.  Only someone who was specifically looking would see what was happening in the doorway.<br/><br/>Blood flooded to Marissa's cheeks in embarrassment for her husband, and once again the need to flee flooded her, this time almost overwhelming her.  What was she doing here?  It was sick that Cyril wanted this sort of humiliation to the point that he'd ruined their marriage.  Disgusting.<br/><br/>Tears welled in her eyes, and she looked away from him, unable to meet his eyes or watch him anymore.  "I... I'm sorry.  I can't do this."  She turned, stepping past him and rushing to the driveway, breathing in deep gulps.  What had she been thinking to come here?  Not knowing would have been better!<br/><br/>What was she thinking?  She was thinking she wanted to save her marriage.  She wanted to give Cyril what he needed, to be enough of a woman to hold his interest.  She thought back to her meeting with Bridget.<em>I'll only do this if you're committed, Marissa.  You won't like what you see sometimes, and it will take you out of your comfort zone.  Are you strong enough for this?</em><br/><br/>She had insisted then that she was and had just proven otherwise.  It hit her in that moment that by walking away, she had just given up on their marriage.  In her heart of hearts, she knew it was over... and she wasn't willing to do that, not without a fight.  Straightening her spine, she turned and walked back toward the house.  She couldn't leave anyway; Cyril had the keys to the car.