“Lindsey patted my arm. “Don’t be embarrassed. It’s about time you two made the beast with two backs.”I had to work to form words. “There are so many things wrong with that statement, I don’t know where to start.”

“Don’t let my youthful good looks confuse you. I now have two lifetimes of experience”

“Do you understand what I’m offering you?""Do you understand that it’s not 1815?""It’s not unusual for Masters to have Consorts.""Yes, and your current Consort’s in my kitchen right now. If you need . . . relieving, talk to her.""As much as it pains me to say it, Amber isn’t you.""I don’t even know what that means. Should I—What? Be flattered that while you don’t like me, you’re willing to sacrifice just to get into my pants?”

“You’re thinking about him naked, aren’t you?” “Unfortunately.” She patted my arm. “And to think—I was actually hesitant about dating him. Oh, and speaking of which. Chaps. Enough said.”

“Ethan sighed, then put a hand on my cheek. “I don’t tell you this enough, but I am incredibly proud of the vampire you’ve become. I want you to know that.”

“And our safe word?""Wonderwall."Lindsey turned around and cast Luc a sardonic look. " Your safe word is the name of an Oasis song?""Blondie, I am the arbiter of all things fashionable in this House. Why not music?""Spoken by a man wearing cowboy boots. I mean, seriously. Who wears cowboy boots ?”

“You’re quiet this evening,” he said. I pasted on a pleasant smile. “It’s been a long week. I’m just trying to relax.” And I was trying to avoid more drama. He was quiet for two or three minutes, during which the two of us stood there together, black-clad vampires moving around us. “I can tell something’s bothering—”We had sex and you bailed, I silently thought, and now your contrition is driving me crazy. “I was just enjoying the music.”