“Oh my God..."Xhex's heart stopped as she looked at him in the mirror. Across his upper back, in a glorious spread of black ink...in a declaration that didn't whisper but shouted...in a billboard-size front with flourishes...Her name in the Old Language.”

“She tried not to slip her arms beneath his trench coat, or spread her palms across his broad, muscular back, or inhale the delicious scent of him, or rest her cheek against his hard, warm chest. She tried. And failed.”

“Suddenly, Kat turned to face him again. “Oh, and Howard?”“Yes?”“FYI—my number is listed.”With her parting shot, she sashayed off, hips swinging, leaving him with his mouthhanging open. Slowly, a big, sappy grin spread across his face.He scores! Nothin’ but net.”

“Laila remembered Mammy telling Babi once that she had married a man who had no convictions. Mammy didn't understand. She didn't understand that if she looked into a mirror, she would find the one unfailing conviction of his life looking right back at her. ”

“Fear you?" she said without thinking. "Good God, I would never do that."Easing her head back, Westcliff looked at her while a slow smile spread across his face. "No, you wouldn't," he agreed. "You'd spit in the devil's eye if it suited you.”

“Oh my God!" a woman whispered loudly. "They're gonna do it on the front lawn!”