"Unless you have an apology, I have naught to say to you," she said.
Her stiff posture and taut features made clear her lingering unhappiness over his impulsive kiss. "I'll not apologize for our mutual transgression."
"Mutual? I think not." Venom coated her tongue.
"Why did you run off?"
"Because you--" she broke off and retuned to the deserted road ahead.
"Could it be that you feared your desire for me?"
She glared at him. "I desired not the kiss but to be left alone to finish my bath."
He longed to kiss away that temperamental pucker on her lips.
"And do not speak of your rights," she added scathingly. "My lips belong to me, and I will share them with the man I truly desire."
"Then I shall make you desire me once we are wed."
"How dare you continue to taunt me with a wedding I refuse? You would deal better with a woman who will shower her affection upon you."
Rafael smiled slyly. What she had conveyed in that exquisite kiss was a desire most women wouldn't deny.
)
