“I'm not afraid," she said defensively. Now he seemed humored. "Of course. You're not afraid of anything. At least you think you're not. That's why I'm sending you home." Thank you for your advice." Rose thrust her chin in the air and marched away, not looking back. She was almost sure she heard him laughing softly behind her.”

“ She gave him a cool glance over her shoulder. "May your balls wither away and you develope an allergy to Viagra and all its counterparts." He looked at her, stunned. And then he suddenly exploded into laughter."God, you're a formidable woman" "No, I'm not. I'm soft, remember?" She slammed the door behind her.”

“That's Collin."She panicked."He can't see you!"Don't tell me you're afraid of your own brother?"Staton seemed to think that was funny.She hated the smirk that crept over his face.She shoved him."You want Collin to kill you?Hide."That made him laugh louder."Kill me?"Stop it,"she warned him,or he'll hear you."You think I should be afraid of your brother?I'm immortal."Collin's heavy steps filled the downstairs hallway.Her heart raced.Why was life so complicated?”

“He curled his finger under her chin as he rasped, "I'm goin' tae get it right this time, you know.""I believe that, Scot." She gazed up at him with all the love she felt. "That's why you're still the dark horse I'm betting on.”

“She's fine," said Declan, defensive. "You're fine, right?"She gave him a look. "Peachy.""See? Both Alex and her astounding wit have made it here intact. Her sense of humour seems to be M.I.A, but I'm pretty sure that was a pre-existing condition.”

“What's the matter, MacLean? Are you afraid?"His brows snapped down, his eyes glinting dangerously. "What did you say?"She lifted her chin. "I asked if you were afraid. If that is why you're sneaking out like a thief in the night?""It's morning,and I'm no thief.""No,but you are afraid,aren't you? Afraid of me." Dougal's expression darkened even more. "You don't know what you're saying.""Yes,I do." She leaned close to say dismissively, "You are afraid of what our card games might cause you to lose."Dougal's body tensed at the words, making Poseidon jolt forward. How dare she accuse him of being afraid? The thought of it raged through him.Yet in the back of his mind, a small voice whispered, She's right. You are afraid of what you'll lose, only it's not about the house. It's about your self-control.Dougal slung himself down from the horse and faced Sophia. She refused to back away but stood her ground so that he was but a few inches from her.She glared at him. "I saw your face last night. You want me, MacLean. Admit it. You're afraid I'll offer myself for the house, and you won't be able to resist it.And then..." She smiled smugly. "And the you'll lose.”