“She didn’t know why it should seem strange that Darius fancied someone, but even as little as she knew him, it already seemed improbable, though not as improbable as someone fancying him in return.”

“Whether or not Darius is pleased doesn't matter.' Griffin's voice took on a hard edge, and for a moment, he almost sounded like his brother. 'He has what he needs. He always has. Now...' he began.'Yes?' she prompted.'I need you,' he said.”

“She appreciated his protection, of course, but she was not sure if she wanted to be looked at... as if she were fragile. A thing to hold gingerly, as one holds a delicate rose, careful not to bump its silken petals lest they should spill to the floor.”

“He's a clever little thing, isn't he?"She leaned in to drop a kiss on the kitten's soft head, reaching to move him off Griffin's chest. He reached for her hand, stopping her."And what about me?" he asked, his eyes burning into hers."What about you?""Am I not clever enough for a kiss?" His voice was gruff.She favored him with a shy smile."You're more than clever enough, Griffin Channing.”

“Excuse me," Helen interrupted. "Did you say sewage tunnels?"Darius grinned. "That I did, Princess.”

“I think I should learn to jump on my own soon, don't you?''And deprive myself of the opportunity to be near you?' His voice was husky in her ear, his breath tickling the tender skin of her neck. 'That seems foolish on my part, but if you'd like to learn, I'll teach you.'She nodded, her voice stuck in her throat.'Very well,' he said. 'But not tonight. Tonight you'll stay with me.”

“I'm not very good with anything physical...' she began as they turned down a hallway she had never seen.He flashed her a grin as they walked. 'I find that hard to believe.'She caught the innuendo in his voice and felt a blush creep to her cheeks.'You know what I mean.”