“Maybe. How do I know anything about relationships?” Maria shook her head. “I’ve always just played everything by ear that wasn’t connected to sex. I knew all about that, and it went a long way toward surviving. Sex is everything to most men.” She paused. “But it doesn’t sound like Tanner was being a bastard about it. That was the only thing I worried about when I saw where he was heading.” She frowned. “No, I also worried that you’d think that sex was love and might get hurt. That would have been bad. I would have had to do something to him if he’d not been honest with you.” She suddenly crossed the room and took Lara in her arms. “But I think it will be okay if you want to go to bed with him. You might like it. It’s time you had sex. I was worried that living with me would ruin the thought of it for you. I don’t want you robbed of anything. Sex is fine as long as you remain the one in control. I can teach you how to do that.” She shook her head. “Not that there have been any choices I’d approve. I thought you might find someone yourself while you were away on one of those damn Trials. But I guess you were always too absorbed in completing them to think about anything else.” Her brow wrinkled thoughtfully. “I don’t believe Tanner will hurt you, and if he does, it will only be once. I’d take care of it.”

Lara shook her head dazedly. “Stop right there. I didn’t ask your permission, Maria. It was a complete surprise to me when you asked that question, and my answer just tumbled out. He might not even want to go to bed with me. He turned me down flat. Maybe it was an excuse. It’s natural he’d like women with more experience.”

“You can get him over that. It’s hardly your fault. I’ll show you. It won’t take any time at all.” She turned away. “We can manage it.”

Maria was going too fast, and Lara suddenly felt panicky. “Back up. That was last night. He was kind and I was a little shaken. I’d never felt like that before. I might have changed my mind since then. On second thought, I’m almost certain that I have.” She opened the door. “I’ll see you later, Maria.”