He was right. They could have a whole conversation without exchanging a word. And the conversation they had right now went like this: Colin, shut it. I don’t think I will, M. Then I’ll make you. Really? How?I’m not certain, but it will be slow and painful. And I won’t leave any evidence.

A man might engage in flirtation with distinterest, even disdain. But he never teases without affection.

It's never been my desire to conquer you, Amelia. If you leave this room with me, it must be at my side. As my wife, my lover, my partner ...” His thumb brushed her lip. “My dearest friend.

After spending all of her girlhood fervently wishing she could run away from home— she’d actually done it.

Her,” he said. “I’ll take her.

I’ll be damned,” he muttered.“Most likely.” She folded the blanket with efficient snaps. “And I may be joining you, after what we just did.

Oh no. Don't smile. You'll kill me. I stop breathing when you smile.