I, for one, have no interest at all in having my heart stolen.

She did not want to be that woman - the one of whom they spoke. She had never planned to be that woman. Somehow, it had happened, however...somehow, she had lost her way and, without realizing it, she had chosen this staid, boring life instead of a different, more adventurous one.

So, are you... intrigued ... by Stanhope?" "Intrigued by him?" "Indeed. Do you find him ..." he paused. "Intriguing?" she teased. He sent her an exasperated look.

I had a perfect life in my reach once, and it was a crashing bore. Perfect is too clean, too easy. I don't want perfect any more than I want to be perfect. I want imperfect.

And as the bullet ripped through his flesh, Ralston was consumed by a single thought: I never told her that I loved her.

And... as long as they need me, it's easier to forget that I am alone.

..he wanted her. And at another time, as another man, he would have her. Without hesitation. As lover. . . as more.