“You missed the point completely! You're acting..." The word stuck in my throat.He didn't hesitate to say it. "Jealous?" When I nodded, he continued. "Now you're missing the point. It isn't jealousy. It's fear.""Fear?" Not the emotion I expected."Yes. Fear. I'm afraid you'll be hurt or killed. I'm afraid I won't be able to protect you. I'm afraid I'll lose you to another man.”

“I didn't expect a knife, though. Is it the one missing from the kitchen?""Did Rand report it?" I felt betrayed. Why hadn't he just asked for it back?"No. It just makes sense to keep track of large kitchen knives, so when one goes missing you're not surprised when someone attacks you with it.”

“No need to act, i let my fear show "He killed himself," i whispered.Eve raised an eyebrow. "Fourteen times?""He had bad aim.”

“Don't worry. I'm only your escort tonight. I would offer to protect you from the drunken attentions of the other men, but I know all to well that you're quite capagble of holding your own. You're probably armed. Right?"Always.”

“When we reached the beach, Leif fell to his knees with a dramatic cry. "Solid ground! I'll never take you for granted again.""Are you going to kiss the sand?" I asked."Don't be ridiculous.""Now I'M the one being silly?""Yes.”

“When we reached the door, Belen stepped in the way. 'If any harm—''Comes to her, you’ll rip out my arms. Got it,' Kerrick said.'I’m serious,' Belen said.'I know. Do you really think I’d put her in danger?''Not on purpose, but things happen that are out of your control.'Kerrick gave him a tight smile. 'You mean I'm not omnipotent?''You're not even semi-potent.''Is that even a word?' Kerrick asked.'He probably means you're impotent,' I offered.”

“You're right. And so was my snake."Snake?"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.”