In an earlier life, were you a pair of brakes?" "Try a brick wall.

When he nodded, the physician disappeared into thin air, and then a moment later, Payne felt a warm palm encompass hers. It was Vishous's un-gloved hand against her own and the connection between them eased her in ways she couldn't name. Verily, she had lost her mother . . . but if she lived through this, she still had family. On this side.

You don't go after what's mine. Now be a good boy and gut yourself." -Xhex, Lover Mine.

Vishous screamed. The only thing that was louder was the pop as the hip was relocated, as it were. And the last thing he saw before he checked out of the Conscious Inn & Suites was Jane's head whipping around in a panic. In her eyes was stark terror, as if the single worst thing that she could imagine was him in agony... And that was when he knew that he still loved her.

I didn't know it would be black," she murmured with a little smile. Horror flooded his face. "Oh, Christ!

Because I was, and I remain, utterly and completely and totally…in love with you.

You're so very naked," she whispered against his shoulder. He smiled into her hair. "So are you.