It’s hard to feel desire when you don’t feel desirable

She stared at herself in the mirror. Her eyes were dark, almost black, filled with pain. She'd let someone do that to her. She'd known all along she felt things too deeply. She became attached. She didn't want a lover who could walk away from her, because she could never do that - love someone completely and survive intact if her left her.

He had known he wanted her, that it was for all time, but he hadn’t realized what was between them. A priceless gift, a treasure beyond his dreams. She was wrapped so tight inside of him, he knew it was more than his body and mind. More than his heart. She was entrenched in his soul. (Ryland, on Lily)

For the first time in his existence, he knew he was drowning and he wasn't thinking about survival.

Don't worry, now that I know about your little ego problem, I'll do my best to look all gushy when you pound you chest.

He was dead. He just didn't know it yet.

He worked at stealing her heart to replace the one she'd taken from him.