“Then, with grave formality, he unsheathed his sword."How old is that thing? Have you had it carbon dated?"He looked aghast, as if she’d insulted his grandmother. "Hey, no disrespecting The Sword. Besides, it’s only three or four centuries old.""Only? I would think that technology has improved since then. Why wouldn’t you get a new one?""I’m on my way to, remember? Try to keep up, halfling.”

“When his thumb hovered over the red button, she stared at him aghast. “You’re truly going to … torture me?”He cast her a puzzled look. “Why wouldn’t I torture you?”Because you used to love me, used to cherish me. “I thought we had a moment yesterday? Didn’t you like seeing me in lingerie?”In a monotone voice, he said, “Why did the charge throwers have no ill effect on you?”He’s truly going to do it? Then fuck him. DEFCON. “Chase, I’ve tussled with vibrators stronger than your charge throwers.”No reaction. “You consumed energy. And channeled it at will. How?”All Valkyrie consumed it—they were each connected through a grid of mystical energy—but Regin was the only one she knew of who could radiate it through her body. She’d inherited the talent from her birth mother. “So how does one get started as a magister? College or trade school?”“I don’t have the time or patience for games. Now, tell me, why do you … glow?”“I touched a radioactive alien cock once.”He pressed the button.”

“And is it all about the pay?”“Hence the term mercenary.” He chucked her under the chin. “Try to keep up, halfling.”

“Schecter turned to MacRieve. “And what is your field, Dr…?”Despite the fact that he was a prince, he answered, “Mr. MacRieve. I’m here in a security capacity for my wife. She’s the beauty and brains—I’m the brawn.”She stiffened again at his calling her his wife. MacRieve had no idea how much that word bothered her.Schecter asked, “Why exactly would anyone need security?”“Are you jesting?” MacRieve asked. “You doona know?” He flashed an aggravated look at Travis, then said simply, “Because we’re in the bluidy Amazon.”

“Regin the Radiant and Emmaline Troy: 'Alrighty then, have it your way- you're on your own... Now, if you come across a leech, no offense, remember your training.''None taken. And would that be the sword training where you fly past my defenses and swat me on the ass, chirping, 'Dead!'? Another swat. 'Dead!'? Yeah, I'll get right on that.''No, that would be the training where you sprint like hell whenever you hear that I'm looking for you to train.”

“He stole credit for my research. And he was after the code I’m working on now."Cade went still, fury spiking through him. "Holly, I’m going to give you his throat for this.""Aw, you say the sweetest things, demon." She stood on tiptoe and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips.Deciding he’d kill Tim for her anyway, he relaxed and said, "I know how to play those heartstrings, yeah?"She unbuckled Cade’s belt. "I called him a fuckwit tosser.""That’s my girl." He stripped off her top, then his shirt. "Are you coming on to me to get back at him?""Probably." Down went his zipper."I’m okay with that.”

“How old are you?”“Physiologically, I’m twenty-five. Chronologically, I’m…not.”