“We're bound by more than love, it would seem. Destiny seems to have plans for us as well.”

“Rieker threaded her hair behind her ears with his other hands, his fingers lingering against her cheek. "We're different Tiki," he said softly. "We're caught between two worlds and honestly, I don't know which one we belong in. But I do know this - I don't want to be either place without you." He looked deep into her eyes. "I believe we found each other because we're meant to be together.”

“My God, girl, you can bugger up any well-thought-out scheme.”

“A cry of despair escaped her lips. When had she fallen in love with him?”

“you're not just a pickpocket with fast hands." Rieker's eyes locked on hers. "I found a girl caring for other orphans like a mother. A girl who'd befriended an old bookshop keeper who had lost his only daughter. A girl who can read and is helping others learn to read." His voice softened. "And a girl so beautiful at times, you take my breath away.”

“Just like a kitten pretending to be a lion.”

“Oh bloody hell. She'd just stolen the queen's ring.”