My hatred notwithstanding, I had to admit Dimitri Beli-whatever was pretty smart

Oh my God," he said. "A kind word from Rose Hathaway. I can die a happy man.

For a moment his eyes locked onto me with an intensity that left me breathless.

Fine" I said icily. "I'll do this. but i want it noted that I'm doing this against my will." "I think we already figured that out, Miss Hathaway.

No, thank you," said Adrian. "These hands don't sully themselves with fighting.

How was it that Adrian Ivashkov, who never seemed to take anything seriously was the only one among these "responsible" people who paid attention to such small details? How was he the only one to really understand the magnitude of what I was feeling?

What matters is that someone—that you—know me that well. When a person can see into your soul, it's hard. It forces you to be open. Vulnerable. It's much easier being with someone who's just more of a casual friend.