“But I've swallowed my pride before, that's for sure. I'm practically lined with my mistakes on the inside like a bad-wallpapered bathroom.”

“Not bad, but I've eaten worse. Guess you're just a sight more used to swallowing slimy stuff like that, than I am. I'm sure you've had plenty of practice over the years, swallowing that is." I threw another in my mouth, giving Rainia a shit-eating grin that was met by sparkling slits of mock anger.”

“I'm going to arrange you, if that's okay?"I swallowed. "Uh... sure." My hands were clutched to my ribcage, my shoulders hunched almost to my ears. What, this isn't how you want me positioned?”

“I've learned so much from my mistakes... I'm thinking of making some more.”

“You're still... Declan?"----Voice hoarse, he said, "Aye, it's me. I will never be your perfect Viking, Regin! I've made unforgivable mistakes. I've no family or friends, and my men hold no love for me. I'm scarred inside and out. And I'm bloody askin' for you anyway!”

“My wife is my closest friend. Sure, I'm attracted to her in every way possible, but that's not the answer. Because I've been attracted to other people, and I couldn't stand 'em after a while.”