“I have come to the conclusion that silence and time are the most precious commodities.”

“I would prefer not to throw myself on a funeral pyre. Please come back to me.”

“In fact, you should take a nap this afternoon, because there won't be much sleep tonight. Imean to have you every way I can. I mean to intoxicate you and torment you so that you know preciselyhow I feel about you." His finger trailed down her cheek and tipped up her chin."Don't mistake what is going to happen tonight." His voice was sinful, dark and hoarse. "You will neverforget the imprint of my skin after tonight, Esme. Waste your life chitchatting with ladies in lace caps.Raise your child with the help of your precious Sewing Circle. But in the middle of all those lonely nights,you will never, ever, forget the night that lies ahead of us.”

“In case there is any question in your mind," he said, cupping her face with his hands. "What I want, what I most desire, the loveliest sight on this dark earth, is you.”

“Neythen looked perplexed. 'My mum always said I'm named after a saint, not an illness.''Which one?''Well he had his head chopped off, see? And then he picked it up and carried it down the road a time. All the way back home, I think.''Messy,' Piers said. 'Not to mention unlikely, though one has to think of chickens and their post-mortal abilities. Did she think that you would inherit the same gift?'Neythen blinked. 'No, my lord.''Perhaps she was just hopeful. It behooves mothers to look ahead to this sort of possibility, after all. I'm tempted to behead you just to see if she was right.Sometimes the most unlikely superstitions turn out to have a basis in fact.”

“Give me one last time,” he begged. “Please, please. I beg you.” “I—” She stopped and started again. “I’m afraid, Gabriel. You’ll break my heart.” “Mine is already broken.”

“I don't want to have to earn love by giving up my ability to make decisions that determine how I live.”