“Then why do you want it?”

Because she wanted to be close to him. She had wanted that closeness since she had met him all those years ago, and now she saw a way to gain it. “Why do any of your lemans wish it?”

“But you’re not like anyone else.”

“Ware and Thea need not know. I could meet you in the hills and-”

“You think I wouldn’t bed you because of my friendship with Ware and Thea?” He shook his head. “You don’t know me as well as I thought. If I decided it was right for us, nothing in this world would stop me.”

Hope leaped high within her. “It is right. You’ll see.”

“Ah, how I wish it was.”

“Then stop wishing and do something.” She took his other hand and plopped it on her shoulder. “Now.”

He chuckled. “You lack a certain subtlety. Should I drag you down on these stones?”

“If you like.” She was losing him, she realized in despair. Lust was fading, and amusement and tenderness were taking its place. She was probably doing this all wrong. She slid one of his hands down to cover her breast. “Anything you like.”

His smile disappeared. “Selene…” His hand tightened on her breast and he squeezed gently, sensuously.

She lost her breath and felt a twisting in the pit of her stomach. Her eyes widened in shock.

“You didn’t expect that?” He squeezed again, watching her expression. “What a delight it will be to teach you pleasure.”

She swayed toward him. “Then stop talking and do it…”

He bent and brushed his lips in the hollow of her throat. She shuddered as a wave of heat went through her.

“But not now,” he whispered. “You’re not ready. Go back to the hall, Selene.”

She felt as if he’d doused her with cold water. Shock turned to anger. She shoved him away. “Ready? I’m tired of that word. If it’s not now, then it will be never. I won’t wait on your convenience. I’ll go away. I’ll marry Lord Douglas or Kenneth or-” She turned on her heel. “I hate you, Kadar.”