“Well,” he said, “I’m glad to see you’re finally taking some precautions, but you weren’t this tense when I dropped you off last night.” “But you were this annoying. At least one of us is consistent.”

“I blinked at the haul. "Are you planning to go to war? Sure you don't want to pack an assault riffle as well?"He looked up from the bag. "You have met yourself, right?""So should I get a gun too?""I'd fear the day.”

“Hello to you too,” he said, amusement lacing his voice.”

“Ms. Craft, while I’m sure your charming personality endears you to many people, is there anyone you know who would want to kill you?”

“No bit of tail ever comes between you and Prince Charming. He must have entranced you.""Prince Charming?" Falin asked, the question barely a whisper. "What did you think PC stood for? Politically Correct?”

“His shoulders sagged as he stepped back. Then a half smile made the edge of his lips crook. " You're mad at me.""And that's amusing because?"The half smile spread into a lopsideed grin, and he stood up straighter. "You wouldn't be mad if you didn't care. I'm onto you, Alexis."Oh, that insufferable, arrogant--”

“Alexis, I love you.”