“I can feel youstaring at me,” he said in the softest wake-up voice I’d ever heard. “I onlyhope you’re a girl and not one of the drunken guys.”

“You don't need to worry, though. He's not my type.""I don't think I've ever heard a girl say that before," said Simon. "I thought Jace was the kind of guy who was everyone's type.”

“I can’t help feeling possessive over you Layla. You’re the most valuable thing in my life and I won’t share you with anyone, ever. You’re everything to me. I’d kill for you. I’d give up everything I own just to keep you. You’re my whole universe and I couldn’t exist without you.”

“When he heard there was nothing to eat, he sat down and wept… “Why did I ever wake up!” he cried.”

“I caught you!" he beamed. "See, girls really do throw themselves at me. Hey, guys!" His voice echoed off the carved stone and marble of the empty cavernous space. "Oh, come on. I save the girl and no one's around to see it?""Sorry about that," I said. "But thanks.""I don't mind. I'm a contact sport kinda guy.”

“I get to keep you,” he said, staring at me with anintensity that made me shiver.“Keep me?” I asked, reaching up to kiss his chin and trailkisses down his perfect neck.“Not here. I can’t take much more, Pagan. I’m only sostrong,” he said in a husky voice as he pulled me against hischest. “You’re mine now. While you walk the Earth youbelong to me. Nothing can hurt you.” I heard a touch ofhumor in his voice. “It’s pretty impossible to hurt what Deathprotects.”