But what of next time? There was more at stake than a night's rutting.
That silky blue gown, clinging to her breasts, revealing the softness of her shoulders.
Stop thinking of her. He was already heavy and hurting.
Would it have harmed anything to have bedded her tonight? So there would not have been honesty between them. He would have been inside her and feeling the heated friction that--
"Where are you going? Why aren't you with Selene?"
He turned to see Layla standing at the door. All he needed was to have to suffer through explanations to her, he thought in exasperation.
He didn't answer as he ran down the steps.
He had left her.
Selene crossed her arms over her chest to still their trembling. He was gone.
Well, good riddance. He had lied to her and--
But hadn't she also lied to herself? Who had been the most at fault?
Excuses. Lies.
"What happened? I saw Kadar leaving the villa." Layla swept into the room without knocking. "I knew you wouldn't send him away unless he did something--You look like a sick cow."
Selene shook her head. She couldn't deal with Layla right now. "He didn't do anything."
"I don't believe it," Layla said flatly.
"I don't care what you believe. Will you leave me?"
Layla frowned. "You're right, it's none of my concern. I just wondered if he'd said anything about--I'll leave you." She didn't move. "But if you want him back, I could send someone to--"
"I don't want him back." She did want him back, but she didn't know what she could say to him. She was confused and hurting and frightened. Kadar's words had resonated with finality and truth.
It was as if he had stripped all the barriers and subterfuges to which she'd clung throughout the years, throughout her entire life.
Leaving what?
"Call if you need me."
Layla was leaving, Selene realized dimly. She barely heard the door close.
No bargains, no promises.
You're a woman now.
Trust me. Belong to me.
"I told you I wouldn't be ready until tomorrow." Vaden leaned back in his chair and gazed quizzically at Kadar. "What are you doing here?"
"This was the farthest I could get from the villa." He sat down at the table opposite Vaden. "I take it this foul place now has sufficient wine to suit you?"
Vaden nodded slowly, his gaze on Kadar's face.
"Well, it may not have enough to suit me."
"Interesting. I'd judge you a man who'd resent losing himself in Bacchus's embrace. What happened?"
