“Okay,” he said, his breath hitching, his hands shaking like hell as he pried her arms from around his neck and set her away.Deep breath. Another. "Okay. Just...um. Okay. Christ. Christ, Darcy, I want you so bad I'm afraid I'm going to hurt you.”

“I'm sorry," Butch croaked. "Oh God, I'm so sorry..."V put his arm out and curled it around the cop. Pulling the male close to his chest, he laid his head down on his buddy's."It's okay," He said roughly. "It's all right. It's okay...You did the right thing...”

“The front door flew open, and Mary shot out of the house, jumping off the porch, not even bothering with the steps to the ground. She ran over the frost-laden grass in her bare feet and threw herself at him, grabbing on to his neck with both arms. She held him so tightly his spine cracked.She was sobbing. Bawling. Crying so hard her whole body was shaking.He didn't ask any questions, just wrapped himself around her.I'm not okay," she said hoarsely between breaths. "Rhage...I'm not okay.”

“I let her through. She checked Derek's pulse and his breathing, saying both seemed okay, then leaned down to his face. "Nothing weird on his breath. Smells . . . like toothpaste."Derek's eyes opened, and the first thing he saw was Tori's face inches from his. He jumped and let out an oath. Simon cracked up. I madly motioned for him to be quiet."Are you okay?" I asked Derek."He is now," Simon said. "After Tori jump-started his heart.”

“He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. "Okay, would you like pizza?""I don't think you deserve my company but I feel sorry for you so I'll say yes.""God help me," he said, half under his breath.”

“You okay now ?" he asked."Okay."He tightened his arms and lifted me off my feet. "Mercy?" he growled into my ear. I wrapped my legs around his waist. " Yeah" , I said. "Me too.”