“You must be Pain in the Nick.” – Dev“Huh?” – Nick“Don’t wet your pets. Just a figure of speech. Your mom’s been talking about you all day, boy. You are her favorite topic.” – Dev“Well, I try hard not to be her favorite hemorrhoid.” – Nick”

“You really turning mercenary on your favorite older brother? (Dev)No. I would never do that to Alain. (Aimee)Ouch! Bearswan got ‘tude. (Dev)”

“Yeah, but I don’t want to be in pain, and I definitely don’t want to suffer.” – Nick“Well…The only way to avoid them is to die.” – Death“Okay, let’s change the topic now. Oh, look! A chicken.” – Nick”

“So…that’s like your pet monkey?” – Nick(The tiny horse snorted flames and whinnied at him.)“Easy, girl. You’d do well to show her respect. She can understand you, and she doesn’t take well to insults.” – Death“Sorry, Flicka. Didn’t mean to rattle your bridle.” – Nick”

“Now don’t you be covering for him, Ash. (She wagged her finger at Nick.) Are you driving? (Cherise)No, Mom. I’m sitting. (Nick)”

“By the way-" Jim stopped her "-I spoke with Mary and set her straight about who was seduced by whom a few weeks ago."Lauren sighed defeatedly. "I wish you hadn't...""Be damned glad I did. Mary worked for Nick's grandfather, and she's known Nick since he was a baby.She's fiercely loyal to him. She's also a staunch moralist with a particular dislike for aggressive young women who pursue Nick. She'd have made your life a living hell.""If she's such a staunch moralist," Lauren said mutinously, "I can't imagine how she can possibly work for Nick."Jim winked. "Nick and I are great favorites of hers.She's convinced that the two of us aren't beyond redemption.”