“It was a white-collar crime.”Illium gave her an odd look. “In the human world, such crimes are lightly punished, though they harm hundreds, leading some to choose death out of despair, while the man who beats a single person is considered the worse criminal.”

“Illium says that perhaps I can use them to flutter someone to death.- Aodhan to Jason, Archangel's Storm”

“I think Illium can take care of himself.” “Not if he keeps flirting with you.” A fine, almost elegant tendril of heat, champagne and sunshine, decadence in the light. “Raphael’s not the sharing kind.”

“A single raised eyebrow. "You've defected, sweetheart. No use worrying about the big, bad wolf now."She was aware of Judd speaking, but her attention never shifted off the man who was a predator, for all that he wore human skin. When he peeled open and held out a bar of some kind, she took it, aware low energy levels could be dangerous when it came to her ability to keep a handle on the cold fire."Thank you."A faint smile, a strange amusement in those icy eyes. "You're welcome."It was the most polite interaction they'd ever had.”

“Under her palm, his heart beat strong and sure. It was such a human sound, so honest, so real.”

“Illium, his expression subdued as it had been for too many days, turned to her. “Mind if I have a go?”“Kick his ass.”Stripping off his shirt and boots, Illium held out his hand for one of Venom’s blades. Lips curving, Venom passed it over. “Sure you can handle me, pretty, pretty Bluebell?”“Did I ever tell you about my snakeskin boots?” A savage grin, and she knew Venom was about to bear the brunt of whatever haunted the blue-winged angel.Venom swirled his blade in hand. “I do think I need some new feathers for my pillow.”

“Are your eyelashes like your hair?”“Yes. They’re very beautiful—want to see?”Her lips twitched. “Vanity is a sin,Bluebell.”“When you have it, flaunt it, I say.”-Elena and Illium”