“He climbed out of the car, feeling stiff and awkward with that hot heavy weight between his legs, that miserable unsatisfied ball of need. Better play it cool, though; if Jonathan knew how bad off he was, the teasing would last for hours. Sadists smelled desperation as surely as sharks scented blood in the water. And Jonathan was very much at the top of his particular food chain.”

“All the world seemed suddenly dream, for in what waking world would a prince deceive his own people for the benefit of a slave? ~ Ayden”

“that clever mind, that sharp tongue and droll wit. His love for Ella, manifested in sacrifice and secret smiles; his sense of honor and duty; his pride in the face of unceasing subjugation. His joy of nature, his respect for all things living, his skill with . . . well, everything.”

“At 09:22, Mitchell radioed down. “We’re in position.” Pete peered up into the canopy, but of course he couldn’t see a thing. “How’s it looking up there?” “Five by five.” He snorted at Mitchell’s cheery misuse of the phrase. “Thank you, Faith.” “Any time, Giles. Now go be a good watcher and keep us clear.” “Roger that. Out.”

“You don’t deserve me. Why should I waste my time on some bratty little whore who only wants someone to beat him until he can get off without guilt, huh? Someone who can’t follow a simple fucking direction. You don’t even want what I’m offering! You don’t want to find yourself; you want to get lost.” Devon stalked to the closet, grabbed Nicky’s coat, and hurled it at him. “So get lost.”

“Gods cracked, Freyrík, they would have raped me!" He surged forward so suddenly Freyrík flinched and tripped away. "And no, I did not incite or invite their attentions. It is your people who paint me like a harlot and parade me round half-naked, your people who find it amusing to use my brethren like toys, your people who teach their children such high art of disrespect that boys think rape a pleasant way to pass an afternoon!”

“Shit, and shit, and shit again, he thought as Brandon’s arms wrapped around him and dragged them to the floor with the unfettered force of their passion. I’m in love. God help me, I’m in love.”