Under her palm, his heart beat strong and sure. It was such a human sound, so honest, so real.

Truth was a tool. It should never simply be said. No, it had to be bent, twisted, colored, until it became a weapon.

Dropping her hand, she turned in his arms. Then, rising up on tiptoe, she cupped his face in her palms and drew him down. Her kiss was innocent, vulnerable, a caress so gentle that it made him her slave between one breath and the next.

You,” she murmured, using both hands to undo his belt, “are the sexiest man I have ever met.” He made her think bad thoughts simply by breathing.

To be haunted by my heart is no threat.

Are your eyelashes like your hair?” “Yes. They’re very beautiful—want to see?” Her lips twitched. “Vanity is a sin,Bluebell.” “When you have it, flaunt it, I say.” -Elena and Illium

Under her palm, his heart beat strong and sure. It was such a human sound, so honest, so real.