“For God’s sake, girl, there are more important things on our plates than your sex life.” Like mine, I silently added sheepishly.”

“I love you, Peej. More than I can even begin to explain.” His voice was so low and husky it seemed to brush things on my insides, making me shudder in turn.”

“I can’t let you die!” I sobbed. “It’ll be like I’m dead anyways without you. Since I left, that’s what it’s felt like—like some part of me died because I couldn’t be with you, couldn’t see you. I’d rather die knowing it was for your freedom.”

“I need this. I need you. I can't imagine my life without you.”

“People often ask what the meaning of life is. What's the point in all of this? As far as I can tell, life is pretty much pointless without love.”

“Hey!” I exclaimed, seeing Khol standing beside my bed with my pillow in his hands. His tall frame seemed to take up more room in the light of day, and his dark auburn hair looked like fire in the morning sun. His mere physical presence in the same room as me still caused my body to shiver with excitement. Damn . . . not good.”

“I like you,” he rumbled. His voice was low and husky, and it sounded as if he hadn’t spoken in awhile. Unable to stop myself, the words just spilled from my lips. “And I should care because?”