“I don’t understand.” Hana pulled away from his embrace, her light eyes flashing. “You don’t want to be with me?”
“It’s not that simple,” Tiberius argued, reaching for her. “You are young, Hana, and still naive-”
“Too naive to understand what love is? Is that what you’re saying?” Her chin jutted out defiantly and her nostrils flared. “Because I would venture a guess and say that this isn’t it… and you’ve made me look like a fool.”
Pushing off from the sleeping pallet, she made to rise, but Tiberius was quicker. His fingers latched onto her forearm, holding her in place. “You are not a fool, and it was not my intention to make you feel inferior. My motivations have nothing to do with love. I have… responsibilities. There were promises I made before I met you, ones that I must keep. I do
