“The uniform enhanced his athletic body, and my thoughts drifted to how magnificent he would look with his uniform puddled around his feet.”

“I stepped closer to him and lowered my voice. 'If you could change one thing, what would it be?'He pulled the sheep pendant from his pocket. A question filled his eyes. I held out my hand. Riley placed it in my palm and I curled my finger around the necklace, pressing the metal into my skin.”

“[Riley] slapped his hands to his face and then dropped them as if in surrender. 'I always say the wrong thing around you. Look, can we start over?'Over?"Yes. Over. Wipe the board clean.'But I would have to go back to hating you and not trusting you' I saidOh, well don't do that.' He paused and chewed his lip. 'Does that mean you like and trust me now?' "- Riley and Trella”

“Valek coalesced from the shadows and wrapped me in his long lean arms. I soaked in his musky smell, listening to his heart beat. Strong and steady. No indication that he had been sneaking around.”

“I understood that Valek’s loyalty to the Commander was without question. His blue eyes held a fierce determination and I knew in my soul that Valek would take his own life after he had taken mine.”

“Riley - “Don’t worry, there are many safeguards in place. Unless you want me to have Logan explain—” Trella - “No! I trust you.”He clutched his hands to his chest. “She… Gasp… Trusts me! Call for medical aid stat!”I swung at him, but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me to my feet.Snaking his arms around my waist, he said, “We need to celebrate this momentous occasion.”"What are we celebrating?" Jacob Ashon, Riley's father, asked from the doorway.”

“He pulled my arm out to expose my bracelet. "When I carved this, my thoughts were on you, love. Your life is like this snake's coils. No matter how many turns it makes, you'll end up back where you belong. With me." His sapphire eyes held a promise. - Valek”