“You dumb-ass ape, get your hand off me. What—are you the first in your family to be born without a tail?”

“That's a dumb-ass idea." She was too angry to curb her mouth. "You're a dumb-ass." She tried to kick and got nowhere. "Even Jesus thinks you're a dumb-ass.”

“the easiest way to keep a woman over your shoulder is with a hand on her ass, and the other between her legs.”

“Okay, you’re older. Not much, really. And considering you love staying in shape and I refuse to run, we’ll probably get all old and crippled at the same time. If not, then I’ll learn to use a cane, and I’ll get to beat on your ass for a change.”

“If the goddess—and that would be me, by the way—is displeased, you’ll get bats in your hair and mice in your boots.”

“You have a gorgeous ass, and it holds handprints beautifully.”Oh, well, how nice for me.”

“Use your safe word if you get scared, honey.”“I’m fine.” Her voice came out husky.“Yes, you are, aren’t you?”