“That was a kiss for the record books.”

“Kiss my ass, demon!’ Beck whooped, and shot a first in the air.”

“It was the kiss of a man who had waited years for the moment, and feared that it would never come again.”

“The next kiss deepened, became more urgent, needy. There was no space between them, and she could feel he enjoyed their closeness. Riley heard him moan and they reluctantly broke apart.”

“He pulled her into a tight embrace. There was the sting of tears on her cheeks, but they weren't hers. He kissed the top of her head and murmured something. She didn't hear what he'd said, but that didn't matter. He was alive.Riley wanted to stay in his arms, but...”

“Beck must have seen how frightened she was because his expression softened. He leaned close, and whispered, “Do ya trust me, Riley?”Tears built in her eyes.“Yes,” she whispered, trembling in fear. Always.“Then it'll be all right,” he replied. Beck gently placed a kiss on her forehead.”

“Ah, that's your problem," Riley said, relieved to be on familiar ground. "You've got a copy of Paradise Lost in your house. Biblios hate Milton. Same with Dante, C.S. Lewis and most holy books. They'll go after those every time.”