“One day I’m going to find a way to rid you of that beast resting on your arm. (Artemis)(He looked at her over his shoulder.)And one day I’m going to find a way to rid myself of the beast resting on my back. (Acheron)”

“I write and that way rid myself of me and then at last I can rest.”

“One day I’m going to touch you in a thousand different ways and show you how to touch me,” he said.”

“He nuzzled her loosened vest off her shoulder and whispered in her ear. “One day soon, when you’re ready, I’m going to mount you like this. I’m going to ride you while you arch your neck for me. I’m going to mark you with my teeth. Fuck you. Mate with you. Then you’ll be mine, Vashti. Irrevocably. Every luscious, stubborn, dangerous inch of you. Mine.”

“So who do you want to be?”I smiled, resting my head against his chest. “I’m not sure yet, but I’m looking forward to finding out.”

“I changed your life.” She looked down at the peach they shared. “You changed min. I’m glad of it.” And back into his eyes. “Every day. I’m glad of it. I’d like a pond, and maybe something to sit on so we could watch the creepy, interesting fish.”“That would suit me very well.”She linked her arms around his neck, laid her cheek on his. Love finds a way, she thought.”