There was both amusement and arrogance in his tone, but when Hannah looked back at him, she saw desire as well. She sipped again to moisten a throat that had gone bone-dry. “Not afraid. Uncomfortable seems a better word.”

“It would give me great pleasure to make you uncomfortable, Hannah.” His voice was low, a caress to accompany the brush of his lips over her knuckles. “I want to make love with you in some dark, quiet place. Very slowly and very gently.”

The need sprinted inside of her until she had to fight off a shudder of anticipation. It could be like that, with him, it could be. If only . . .

There could be no “ifs” in her life. They meant uncertainty and uncertainty was lethal. Hannah, pulling herself steady by nerve ends, looked at him. He meant it. There was desire in his eyes—but more a kindness, a sweetness that was almost her undoing. She could marvel at the fact that he felt something real for her, that somehow, he’d looked beyond the surface and cared.

She could want it, but she couldn’t accept it. There was only one way to stop what should never have started. She had to hurt him, and she had to do it now.

“I’m sure I should be flattered.” Her voice was cool and calm again. “But if you’ll forgive me, sir, I’m aware that your tastes are not very selective.”

He stiffened his fingers on hers before he released her hand. She saw by his eyes that the arrow had hit its mark. “I’d appreciate an explanation for that, Hannah.”

“The explanation seems obvious. Please let me pass, you’ll cause a scene.”

“I’ve caused one before.” There was something new in his voice now. It was anger, certainly, but a reckless, heedless anger. Hannah knew that if she didn’t play her game exactly right now, she’d find her name splashed in headlines for battling with Bennett in public.

“Very well.” Setting her glass down on a nearby table, she folded her hands in her usual fashion. “I’m a woman, and therefore of some passing interest. To be blunt, the interest isn’t returned.”

“That’s a lie.”

“No.” Firmer now, she cut him off. “Though it might be difficult for a man like you to understand, I’m a simple woman with simple values. As you told me yourself, your reputation precedes you.” She paused just long enough to see him wince.

Oh, Bennett, I’m sorry. So sorry.

“I didn’t come to Cordina to amuse you,” she murmured as she took a step to the side.

He suddenly lifted his hand to stop her, and she waited. “You don’t amuse me, Hannah.”

“Then I must beg your pardon.” Knowing it would be more insult than courtesy, she dipped into a curtsy. “If you’ll excuse me now, sir, I’d like to speak with Eve.”