“Of course. But it won’t hurt to give him the benefit of the doubt. Most of the time he makes things…easier.” She shrugged wearily. “And I do get so tired of not trusting anyone. I guess it’s because this place seems like a different world. It would be nice to at least pretend that’s different, too.” She got up from where she was sitting on the edge of Maria’s bed and headed for the bedroom door. “I’m going to get a bowl of cereal in the kitchen before I start practicing. What are you going to do today?”

“Work with that new computer. It’s magic. It opens all kinds of new doors for me.” She made a face. “A gift that makes my life easier and is fascinating. Another reason Tanner is at least temporarily invaluable. He chooses wisely.” She added, “Then perhaps I’ll go and see if I can find Sam Rennell. Mallory might be able to help me. It might not be a bad idea to get to know him if he has influence with Tanner.”

“I don’t know if anyone has influence with Tanner. Except Sandrino, Sandrino mattered to him.” She stopped at the door and looked back at Maria. “Why Rennell? Why would you want to look up anyone here? You made sure that you kept me away from all of Anton’s men at the compound.”

“Because I knew exactly what kind of predators they were. But if this is a different world, the people and the rules are different, too. We have to weigh them and see which ones we can use and which ones we have to avoid.” She met Lara’s eyes. “I should be the one to decide which people are best to cultivate. I believe you’re showing signs that your judgment might be a bit impaired.”

Lara went still. “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying that I’m noticing a change between last night, when I sent Tanner into the music room to see you, and this morning when you walked into my room.” She asked gently, “Did you sleep with him?”

Lara’s eyes widened in shock. “No.” She moistened her lips before she admitted, “But I thought about it.” She should have known Maria would sense even the subtlest change in her demeanor, particularly if it was triggered by sex. Because Maria herself had been forced to study and learn every facet of sex over the years. And they were so damn close. “I wanted to. He touched me and I felt…” She shook her head. “He kept talking about feeling guilty. I think it was the virgin thing. Even when I told him you’d teach me. But I probably said all the wrong things.”