“It's me, love," he said softly. "Everything's all right."Daisy managed to whisper through dry lips. "If you're a ghost...I hope you haunt me forever."Matthew sat on the floor and reached for her cold hands. "Would a ghost use the door?" he asked gently, bringing her fingers to his scratched, battered face.”

“Who should I send for now?”Using the last of his strength, Sebastian managed to drag her hand up to his mouth. “You,” he whispered, holding her fingers to his lips. “Just you.”

“He reached out, capturing her hand in his. He laced his fingers casually through hers.Violet leaned against him and the calm finally came, settling over her peacefully.And then he kissed her. Gently. Softly. Not on the lips, as she'd imagined so many times before, but on her forehead.The gesture was sweet and a little possessive.Violet hoped, maybe, it was a start.”

“Connor suddenly reached out and touched the side of my face with his finger, right near my eye. “You have the most beautiful eyes,” he said softly, and I nearly melted.“I’m not going to sleep with you,” I said softly, feeling the need to clarify that point.“I’m not asking you to,” he said, tilting his head down slightly. Ever so gently, he pressed his lips to mine.”

“Meg reached out to Erik before he could turn away. "Are you...?" He didn't let her finish. Instead he reached inside the carriage and placed his hand tenderly behind her neck drawing her to his face. He placed hi lips softly, yet passionately on her. Hardly had he withdrawn from hers then he whispered, "Forgive me, Meg. Forgive me for wanting...?" "Ssshhh. You're here. I'm here." She raised her handkerchief and wiped the lone tear that had escaped his mask.”

“He took her hand in his, caressed her palm with his finger.“Duin an doras,” he whispered hoarsely, feverishly.“Fuirichidh mise.”Close the door. I’ll stay.Ellie flushed dark, her lashes fluttered shut. “I…I don’t know what you say,” she murmured.Liam dropped her hand, gently laid his at the base of her bare neck. Her skin was soft and warm against his callused palm, and he whispered in her ear,“I know.” He moved his head; his lips whisked across hers, shimmering like a whisper of silk.He breathed her in once more, made himself remove his hand from her heated flesh.”