“Calla.” My mother’s coaxing voice stopped me. “It is of course perfectly acceptable for Renier to call on you, but remember that you are a lady. Don’t bring shame on yourself by making poor choices.”“No, of course not.” I kept my eyes on the hardwood floor, thinking about Shay’s kiss and how much more I’d wanted from him.A sly smile hovered on Ren’s lips when I returned to the kitchen table.If he heard what Mom said, I’m going to kill her. ”

“I wasn’t going to say anything about that, Tabitha," he said quietly. "I only wanted to tell you that your compassion for other people overwhelms me.""Oh." She offered him a tenuous smile. "I’m just used to people condemning everything I do."He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. "I don’t condemn you, my lady. I only admire you.”

“Thank you," Catherine said, the smile still hovering on her lips. "That is very kind of you, my lord. But I will never dance with you."Which, of course, made it the goal of Leo's life.”

“He kissed my cheek. “Don’t worry I’m far from perfect. Ask my mom. I can never remember to put the toilet seat down,” he grinned.-Caeden”

“Will you please stop peeking at me like that? This is degrading enough as it is.""Did it ever occur to you," I said, with a sly smile and a wink, "that you're irresistibly handsome, I can't keep my eyes off of you?"He threw his head back in a laugh. "Of course. I should have realized.”

“Jason, stop this,” she pleaded. “You don’t want to kiss me. You don’t even like me more than a little when you aren’t foxed” A harsh laugh escaped him. “I like you too damned much!” he whispered bitterly, then pulled her head down and captured her lips in a demaning, scalding kiss that took everything and give nothing in return.”