A gentle flush of pleasure traveled across her cheeks.
“I want to meet your family and state my intentions to your father.”
His words jolted her like a slap across the face. Panic overwhelmed her at the thought of him meeting her father. She tried to gather her thoughts, muddled by the closeness of his hard, male body and the soft, loving look in his eyes.
When she was sixteen, a young man had shown interest in her. His name had been Jonediah. One evening, she had met him by the river, and he’d held her hand while they’d enjoyed a pleasant walk together. He had been about to kiss her when her father found them. Horrified, she had watched while her father beat Jonediah senseless, almost killing him. Afterward, he’d told her if she ever showed interest in a man again, other than one he’d chosen for her, he would kill him.
Keern leaned forward and kissed along her jaw, then murmured into her ear, “If things go as well as I expect they will, I can see us exploring more pleasures of the body ... in our wedding bed.”
She stiffened and pulled away from him, then pushed herself to her feet. She would not allow him to be hurt because of her, but if she explained what had happened to Jonediah, he would probably try to rescue her from her father. Such recklessness would cost him his life. She needed a reason why she couldn’t see him.
“What’s wrong, Shena?”
She gathered her clothes and pulled them on. “What is your name?” she asked.
He stood up and retrieved his own clothing. He smiled. “Keern.”
“And your last name is Herrington.” Her throat tight, Shena watched as he tugged on his pants, hiding his magnificent maleness.
“Yes, that’s right.” He pulled on his shirt, hiding his broad, muscled chest from view.
She turned away. “I am a Wakefield. My father would never accept you.”
“Ah, is that it.” He reached for her, but she slid away. “If it’s about this pond, I’d gladly give it to him if it would help win your hand.”
“It’s not about a stupid pond,” she grated. “If my father knew what we had done here today, he would kill you. Just forget about me.”
“I won’t forget you,” he said with determination. “And you won’t forget this.” He stepped forward and pulled her into his arms, then kissed her. Her ragged breathing revealed all too clearly how he affected her.
Staring at his fierce expression, she knew he would not listen. He would chase her -- to his death. At the thought of him skewered by her father’s sword, his life seeping away, agony sliced through her.
She had to stop him. She settled her weight evenly on her feet and slowed her breathing, feeling it move through her. Sometimes, when she was very afraid, she could reach within, to a strength deep inside herself, and, distancing herself from reality, draw on calm she did not feel. She thought about her father and the cold visage he displayed to the world, and she emulated it. She had to drive Keern away.
Keern watched her expression change. Calm, poised, sharp as a dagger. She had transformed from his beautiful wood nymph to a cold, manipulative woman.
“Did you really believe the role I played this afternoon?” The mockery in her words astonished him.
His eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”
“I enjoy a romp with a stranger every now and again, and you were very good, but it was for one afternoon. That’s all.”
“You’re telling me that what we shared was all a lie?”
“Of course. I enjoy playing the helpless virgin sometimes. I didn’t think you’d really fallen for it. I thought you knew we were playacting.”
His gut clenched. “I don’t believe you.”
How could he? She had enchanted him. Her sweetness had melted through him, totally claiming his heart.
The memory of Kolanna and how she had fooled him with her sweet, loving act stormed through his thoughts. Hadn’t that agonizing incident taught him that he couldn’t trust a woman? Any woman.
She raised her eyebrows. “I don’t care if you believe me, or not. I’m tired of this game. And I’m tired of you.” She shot him a look of disdain. “Stay away from me, or I’ll tell my father you took me against my will.” Her clipped, indifferent words cut through him. “Then he’ll find you and kill you.”
He grabbed her arm. “Why would you do that?”
She glared at his hand around her arm and jerked it away. “Because I don’t want you to come near me again.”