“Viktor looked at the older man’s nightshirt, robe, and nightcap. His lips quirked into a smile. “The hour is late, and the household sleeps. How is it that you are still awake?”“I knew you would be knocking on the door sooner or later.” Pickles looked down his long nose at him. “You have passed the previous six nights with Her Ladyship.”“You are observant, my good man.”“No, Your Highness, I am the one who locks the door at night.” Pickles reached into his robe’s pocket and produced a key. He passed it to the prince, saying, “After tonight, let yourself into thehouse.”Viktor grinned at the majordomo and lifted the key out of his hand. “Your trust honors me.”“You are unlikely to abscond with the silver,” Pickles drawled.”

“When he looks into your eyes, tells you he loves you-and the pickled herring and onions are stronger than his voice-yet you still smile. You still want to be close to him. Yes, then you have found love.”

“Oh yeah? What did you have last night?""Turkey sandwich on wheat. With a pickle.""And the night before?""Turkey sandwich on wheat. No pickle."She giggled. "What was the last hot meal you cooked?"He pretended to rack his brains. "Uh...beans and franks. On Monday.”

“The door closed behind her (Phoebe), and the two men regarded each other for a moment. Viktor spoke first. "I must have your promise, Coach, that you won't hurt her." Dan: "I won't." Viktor: "You spoke a little too quickly for my taste. I don't quite believe you." Dan: "I'm a man of my word, and I promise I won't hurt her." He flexed his hands. "When I murder her, I'll do it real quick so she won't feel a thing." Viktor sighed. "That's exactly what I was afraid of.”

“Thank you. I realize my methods have dampened your spirits somewhat, but in the long run you will not regret it."She did not answer, simply preceded him to the door of her room."You look very nice tonight, Claire. May I say that that color suits you admirably."The door closed in his face.”

“At the door of their room, Willow stood next to Rider while Decker unlocked the door. It was then she noticed the naughty red lace underwear hanging out of Rider's pocket.Rider was startled when his wife's hand dove deeply into his pants pocket. But before he would ascertain her actions, the clerk opened the door and turned to hand him the key. For a split second the man's haughty mein slipped, then he handed them the key and hurried back down the stairs, his shoulders quaking with suppressed mirth."What was that all about?" Rider asked his red-faced wife.She whipped the offensive item out of his pocket and dangled it before his eyes. "It was hanging out of your pocket and I was afraid he'd see it," she explained.Rider swooped her into his arms. "Instead he got to see my anxious bride fondling me." He laughed.Quickly over her embarrassment, she chuckled. "Maybe he was jealous.""I know I would be," he replied huskily, and kicked the door shut behind them.”