We’ll continue our discussion later. Right now I intend to escort Miss Peyton to her room.” “That is not a wise idea, in my opinion,” the earl said. “I’m glad I didn’t ask for it, then,” Simon returned pleasantly

Shock is a merciful condition. It allows you to get through disaster with a necessary distance between you and your feelings.

Because letting someone in close meant they could hurt you. I knew all about that kind of fear. I lived with it.

I didn't think there was any way to convince Jack that he wanted more than I had to give, that to people who'd been damaged the way I had been, fear and the will to survive would always be more powerful than attachment. I could only love in a limited way

God, it was good. Comforting and stimulating at the same time. Absolute world-class pheromones. I wished I could take his jacket home with me. Not him, just the jacket.

I had never felt the allure of another human being this strongly, warmth and curiosity mixing to form an unspoken question in the air.

I thought I would spend the rest of my life searching for little reminders of you.