“I’m sure she is,” he said harshly as he took her hand away from his mouth and put it aside. “But no, I don’t like rape. Never. And I don’t want Maria to give you lessons.” He muttered a curse between set teeth. “I’m an idiot. I knew how you grew up and how you had to fight to survive. I suppose I just didn’t want to admit that your layer of toughness might not translate to experience, because it would keep me from getting what I wanted.” He got to his feet and took her arm. “Those bastards have already robbed you of enough. I’ve no desire to take anything else from you. Shit. That’s a bitchin’ lie, but I’m not going to do it.” He was pulling her toward the door. “So go back to bed and I’ll see you in the morning.”

She went out the door and started up the stairs. Then she looked back down at him. “You’re a strange man, Tanner.” She was gazing down at her hand. “It’s still…tingling. Maria told me that sex can sometimes be very pleasant, if it’s done right. I think I would have liked it with you.”

“If you don’t get out of my sight in the next few minutes, you might find out. I’ll chalk this up to that whiskey I gave you, but I can only take so much, Lara. That dips into the category of teasing.”

“It wasn’t the whiskey. And I’m not teasing. I don’t know how.” She suddenly smiled. “But maybe I should learn. I’ll have to think about it. I’ll see you in the morning, Tanner.” She turned and ran up the stairs.

She hesitated at Maria’s door before she continued down the hall toward her own room. She had to tell her what had happened at the airport tonight, but it could wait until morning since Tanner had assured her that they were still safe. Although that had obviously been the most important thing that had occurred since Tanner had dragged her out of her room tonight. But it had not been the only thing.