“With me?” She stared at him blankly. “What has that to do—” She started to laugh. “Sex? You were talking about me? I thought you were talking about Maria.”

“Maria?” He shook his head. “Though I’m beginning to realize why you were being so fierce back at the office. You were protecting her? You thought I was making a move on her.”

She nodded. “Of course I did. It’s always about Maria. She’s beautiful. It’s natural you’d want her.” She shrugged. “And you’re probably like all the others. You don’t know or care how good she is. All you can think about is getting her into bed. She’s worth so much more than that.”

“I’m sure she is.” He was studying her expression. “And how long have you been defending her with such ferocity from us predatory males?”

“As soon as I realized how you all treated her. There was no love, no gentleness. There was only pain. I had to protect her. We took care of each other.”

“And she protected you, too?”

“Whenever she could.” She made an impatient gesture. “That didn’t matter.”

“Well, this time she’s trying to protect you,” he said quietly. “And it matters quite a bit to her. So if you’ll go along and try to trust me, I’ll see that you both come out of this with a better life.”

She gazed at him uncertainly.

“Look, I don’t want to have relations with your very gorgeous mother. I admire her, and I think that I could like her. But you’re the one I’m having trouble keeping my hands off.” He reached out and his finger traced the line of her cheek. “But I’m not into pain or force, so you don’t have to worry about S and M. I’ll try to keep away from you, but if it doesn’t work out, feel free to give me a karate chop.” He smiled slightly. “I promise I won’t return it.”

She couldn’t look away from him. Her cheek felt warm, almost hot, beneath that light touch. “You’re very good at karate, but so am I. As I told you, last time you caught me off guard.” She added absently, “And I don’t worry about pain. I know how to take care of that.”

He went still, and then his hand fell away from her cheek. “You do? Someday you must tell me how you learned that particular skill. You’re a constant surprise to me.” He got to his feet. “But not right now. I’m feeling a bit volatile at the moment. I think it’s time you went back to the office and told Maria that we’ve come to an agreement.” He pulled her to her feet and tucked the fleece collar of her jacket closer to her throat. “Jordan is going to escort you back. I’m expecting a very special delivery and I have to be here to receive it.” He was nudging her toward the door.

“I don’t remember coming to any agreement,” she said impatiently. “You were the one doing all the talking and planning.” They’d reached the door and she felt as if she was being tossed out. “And you’re being ridiculous. I don’t have to have anyone go with me.”