Once she'd been a victim- helpless, used, and broken. Now, she was a warrior.

She could and had faced an armed laser in the hands of a mad mutant mercenary with less fear than she faced such unswerving emotion.

An eye for an eye.” “That's a revenge thing, right? From some play.” “The Bible, darling. The Lord of all plays.

Into the night, in the dark, he lay beside her, listening to her breathe. He knew the varied and sundry reasons a man would kill. But none were more fierce, none were more vital than to hold safe what he loved.

Sex might satisfy, food might fuel, love might sustain, but without coffee, what is the point?

Half full, half empty, what the hell difference does it make? If there's something in the damn glass, drink it.

Laying a hand on his heart, she timed its beats to her own. And knew the truest magic was there.