Frustration filled his features. "Rose I've done a lot of bad things, most of which I can never fix or find redemption for. My only choice now, if I want to reclaim my life, is to go forward, stopping evil and doing what's right. And what is NOT right is taking a woman from another man, a man I like and respect. I'll steal cars. I'll break into houses. But there are lines I WILL not cross, no matter what I—

Dreams, dreams. I walk them; I live them. I delude myself with them. It's a wonder I can spot reality anymore.

You did not just say that. I have a feeling we're on the verge of hugging and coming up with cute nicknames for each other.

It’s as easy as we choose to make it,” he murmured, pressing his forehead to mine. “At least, this decision is. Nothing’s truly easy, Georgina. Love and life . . . they’re wonderful, but they’re hard. We may mess up again. We have to be strong and decide if we can still go forward, even when things aren’t perfect.

Don't worry, little dhampir. You might be surrounded by clouds, but you'll always be like sunshine to me.

Dimitri Belikov had arrived.

I steeled myself for the next response. I knew it was going to be one of the Zen life lessons. [...] Instead he kissed me.