“it was like trying to see a shadow in the dark.”

“The silkiness of his voice was a torturous caress that I could have endured for the rest of my life.”

“Now I escort the last of the customers out, close the store and go home to my bed, I’m beat.” I walked over to the door and flipped the sign.“Is that an invitation?”

“Even within the dark paint on a canvas, and the shadows in a photograph, there is light.”

“I never thought I would see you armed." I was trying for levity. It worked like a lead balloon.”

“The dark was hissing and hot and hard with a jagged bone, a cold brutal bone, and hips packed tight. The dark wasn't just at night. The dark was any time, any place; you open your eyes and the dark is there, right up against you, pressing. You can't see anything and you don't know any names, not who they are or the names for what they do...”

“Fingers circled my wrist. My head whipped around to see Ren’s eyes dancing with dark mirth while he drew me toward him like he was reeling in a prize catch.“So what’s for lunch?” He pulled me onto his lap.”