“You know,I think I'd rather freeze than continue this conversation. You've been warned.Proceed at your own risk."He smiled. "I always do,darlin'.”

“I'd pity you," she said in a conversational tone. "But you know,you just aren't worth it. I'd pity your new son, too,but he won't be worth it either after you get done raising him to be just like you-that's if he's even really yours or just-""Get out!" Mortimer cut in furiously.”

“Damn," he said. "Have you been stuffing yourself with desserts just to prolong the suspense?"She failed to note the humor in his tone. All she gathered from his remark was that he still didn't believe she was pregnant."You've found me out at last," she snapped. "I'm merely giving birth to a pastry.""That's not funny,Becca.""Neither was your absurd remark. Do you really think I like that my body is going to be disfigured? I hate it, but not as much as I hate you!”

“Come home with me tonight,Gypsy," he said huskily. "You won't regret it.""You have a Gajo priest in residence,then,to give his blessing?"His hand dropped from her. Frustration filled his eyes. "You are saying you would me?""I am saying I want you,too,Lord Englishman, but without the prist's words, I can't have you.It does not get more simple than that.""Simple?" he all but snorted. "You must know that is impossible,that people from my social stature only marry within their class.""Yes,I know very well how nobles are goverened by the opinions of their peers, which does not leave them free to do as they please. A shame you aren't a common man, Lord Englishman. They have more freedom than you.""And how free are you,to do as you want?" he shot back in a frustrated tone. "Or did you not just tell me that you want me?""I can't deny that.Yet I am restricted by my own morals, rather than the opinions of others. If you must know,my own people would be scandalized if I were to marry you.Ironically, you would not be an acceptable mate for me, for you are not one of us. Would I let that influence me? No.Only one's heart should matter in these things.Yet mine will not let me go to a man who will not be mine to keep.I do not hold myself that cheaply.”

“I was already planning to return home because it's getting harder and harder to hide my morning sickness.If there were another option,guess what? I'd take it just to spite you! But marriage to the most unfaithful skirt-chaser in London isn't an option, and you've already had my answer. It's not going to happen.""It will," he insisted."Ha!""You don't think so? Then I guess you won't mind when your pregnancy is announced in the newspapers."She sucked in her breath, livid with rage. "Why would you do that?""Because you've finally inserted some doubt in my mind,and as long as there's even a speck of it,let me assure you, I will be damned before I allow any child of mine to go to strangers.""Why don't you just be damned!”

“I was honest with her.""You gave her your version-or mine?"She flushed with angry color. How short that truce was! He expected her to play the role of the happy bride when he couldn't keep his insults to himself?"I gave her facts,not assumptions. And this isn't going to work if you're going to continue to deliberately provoke me at every turn!"He raked an exasperated hand through his long hair. "I'm sorry,that was unintentional. I will make every effort to guard my tongue in mixed company."She narrowed her eyes on him, guessing, "But not when we're alone?""The pretense is for others, not ourselves. Neither of us is delusional.""Of course not,far be it for me to think there's any reality in this. But if you think I can portray genuine smiles and bubbly happiness while around others when I'm so furious that I'm plotting your demise,well, think again!”

“You aren't even angry with me anymore, Stefan, so let me up."He didn't budge. "It would be a misconception on your part, little Tanya, if you are thinking I have to be angry to make love to you." His head bent, his lips grazing her cheek all the way to her ear. With his warm breath sending tingles all over her, he continued in a whisper, "I wanted you last night, today a dozen times, right now more than ever. Tell me to love you, Tanya. Demand it of me!”