“His eyes widened just a bit, his lips flexed. I realized he was trying not to laugh. I hate it when people find my threats amusing.”

“He smiles a small smile. His lips twitch like he's trying not to laugh. His eyes soften as they study my own. "There's very little I wouldn't do for you.”

“I shift on to my side and find myself looking directly into Gale's eyes. For an instant the world recedes and there is just his flushed face, his pulse visible at his temple, his lips slightly parted as he tries to catch his breath.”

“Trying to care about that,” he said. He cocked his head and widened his eyes. “Huh. I guess I’m not managing it.”

“He tried to pull me against him, and I bit him on the lip.He licked his lip with the tip of his tongue. 'Did you just bite me?”

“What was in the trunk?" I asked, and my eyes widened when he opened his coat and let me glimpse a big-ass rifle."I know these people," he said, his expression going hard. "We handle their insurance.”