“Hello, James,” Deven replied mildly. “Had any consensual sex lately?”

“Deven tilted his head again, set down his glass, and said, "Any fight between us, my Lady, will be short and unpleasant.""Just like you." Miranda bit back.Silence.Then Deven laughed.Miranda didn't, but she felt the tension in the air dispel and sat back with her wineglass."I like her," Deven told David. "She's bright and fearless, just like they say. Give her fifty years and she'll be a force of nature.”

“It’s okay. I’m just in a weird mood. Have you ever had a feeling like something was about to happen?”“Of course,” Kat replied. “It’s called PMS.”

“she decided no human man would ever touch her again. the doors to her body and heart were already locked, and she would give the key to only one man, perhaps someday...perhaps never...but all the same she didnt care about falling in love, or getting married, or any of that, anymore. it was too late for mortal men to stake any sort of claim to her affections. if she grews old and died alone, it would be in full posession of her heart.and if she ever gave it, she would give it eternally, and without regret.”

“He toke his gaze off Miranda long enough to size up kat. Miranda could see the calculation in his face:human, female,harmless. "hello". he gave drew a disdainful glance and, after that, barely allotted him the notice he would give a troublesome insect.”

“it was very important business. Negotiations for a cease-fire between warring parties."David rolled his eyes. "You could just say makeup sex.”

“I will protect you," she promised the Bosendorfer inside. "I won't let you down."Sophie gave her a quizzical look."Bastards better not hurt my piano," Miranda replied."That's what you're worried about right now? What about your boyfriend?”