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

A queen keeps a court that is spoken about. A goddess keeps a court that is never forgotten.

Surely you’re not going to practice discretion now?

I shouldn’t ask you to,” he said, devotion in every word, “but I’m going to. Wait for me, Jess. I’ll come back to you.” Naked emotion turned the sea green into hidden emeralds. Pressing her fingers to his lips, she shook her head. “You never have to ask, Galen. Forever, that’s how long I’d wait for you.

You ever taunt me with Tasha again," she said in a harsh whisper when they broke the kiss to gasp for air, "and I will geld you." Raphael winced. "That would take at least a day to repair. Are you sure you want to lose my....attributes for that long?

I want no blood from you--not until we're both sweaty and naked and you're screaming my name.

Raphael's pleasure, his kiss, sent her over a second time....and it wasn't until they both stirred again that Raphael reached down and undid the strap of her knife sheath, putting it and the knife on the bedside table. "Beautiful as this sheath is," he said, touching the leather, "I much prefer the one which holds my blade.