“You are not my wife yet, to concern yourself in my affairs.""And when I am your wife?"His conscience pricked him, making him snap, "You will learn not to question me."-Royce to Corliss-”

“But you know you're sounding like a jealous wife? Are you jealous, luv? I find that rather amusing, all things considered.""Don't start laughing too soon, because I'm nothing of the sort.""No?"He was still grinning, prompting her to snap, "Your unexpected presence here smacks of jealousy as well, as in checking up on your wife, but you don't hear me accusing you of it.""I believe you just did.”

“Is there a reason you are here?" he finally demanded.With complete nonchalance she replied, "Well,I've brought my trunks. I do believe I'm moving in.""The hell you are!""Nice of you to welcome me in your usual boorish manner" was all she said to that.A muscle ticked in his jaw. It made not a jot of difference that he'd just gone to Norford and back this morning to bring her here himself. That had been his idea.Her coming here on her own was her idea,and it make him suspicious."Don't start your manipulations already," he warned her. "Answer my question.""Why am I still here? Shall we start with the obvious reason? Because I really am pregnant and once my pregnancy starts to show,I do not want to be in a position to have people ask me who my husband is and not believe me when I tell them that it's you.""And the not-so-obvious answer?""Because you make me so furious that I spite myself to spite you!”

“When will you be returning?""Not as soon as I'd like to. I'm going to have to waste a couple days finding an....acceptable...wife."Her eyes widened. "You're going to France to get married?"He didn't answer immediately; he was in fact giving her such a thoughtful look that it began to make her distinctly uncomfortable.But he finally answered, "Not a'tall. While that might delight my mother, I think even she would prefer an English daughter-in-law. Fortunately, I'm in no hurry to delight her. It's not a real wife I need, just a woman to play the role for a few days.""A fake wife?"He smiled enigmatically. "Exactly.""Whatever for?""If you're offering to play the part, we can discuss it further. Otherwise, it's none of your business."She snorted and had to wrestle with her curiosity a bit before she could tell him, "Real or fake, I find marriage to you so detestable that my answer isn't just no,it's a resounding no.”

“If you think I'm going to tell my wife she came in second place, you're out of your gourd. I'll convey the apology and not another bloody word.”

“His eyes were cold steel, his mouth fixed in a hard line. "I like my face the way it is," he said icily. "You scar it with your nails as you did my chest and I swear I will give you equal scars. Think about that, Sam, before you use your claws again."Tears sprang to her eyes. "You're cruel, Hank. You leave me nothing.""And what did you leave me when you stole my heart?" he asked softly.She stared back at him, searching his eyes, seeing only naked honesty.”

“And what makes you think I'm going to do anything you say?""Because for the time being you are legally mine,and that means you will obey me."She nearly choked she drew in her breath so sharply. "Do not count on that,St. John.I don't care what rights you think this mockery of a marriage gives you,as far as I'm concerned,you don't even exist.Do I need to be more explicit?""No,I believe we have come to a mutual agreement to forget about each other, which suits me just fine.As long as you do nothing to gain my notice, which means you stay at your home for the duration.""Your threats don't scare me."He lifted a brow at her. "No? Then you really must have some odd notions about marriage,if you think you can do as you please now.Ask your mother if you doubt me."He walked away,and she didn't bother to look where. They were man and wife and would be until he got their marriage annulled. What a rude awakening that was going to be in three or four months' time.For him.”