“There was something so best-musical-ever when people screamed and begged for mercy, and she could listen to a good musical all day.”

“Sighing, she shut the book with a snap. “All right. You need to vent, so I’ll listen to you vent. But do it quickly, because Rydstorm was about to plunder Sabine with his thick, hard—”

“No.” He wouldn’t lie about that. Not to her. And not because she’d rip him to pieces when she discovered the truth. “I can’t give you forever.”The nibbling increased in intensity, leaving a bead of blood in the center of her mouth. “Because we’re not a good match?”Of course she would remember every insult he’d ever thrown at her. “Yes.”“Then what can you give me?”“Here. Now.” Something his body craved more with every second that passed.”

“No one could ever truly be free as long as they loved, and life wasn't worth living without love. So freedom? Overrated.”

“Who is here with you?” “Don’t stop,” she begged. “Who is here with you?” he repeated, harshly this time. “You are.” “What is my name?” “Reyes”

“You again,” she said, and she did not sound happy.“I know,” the warrior replied with a heartfelt sigh. “You’re so lucky to see me twice in one day. You’re honored by my presence, yada, yada, heard it all before. Let’s just move on, shall we. I don’t handle fawning very well.”

“William clapped to gain everyone's attention. "All right, listen up. I've got good news and bad news. Because I'm such a positive person, we'll start with the good. Ashlyn survived the birthing, and so did her personal horde."The hallway echoed with breathy sighs of relief...none louder than Maddox's own."So what's the bad?" someone demanded. After a dramatic pause, the warrior said, "I'm out of conditioner. I need someone to flash out of here and get me some. Hint, I’m looking at you, Lucien. And, yeah, you're welcome for my amazing contrib to your happy family. Little terrors clawed me up but good.”