“Annabelle gazed wistfully toward the doorway. “If I could put my brain in her body, the world would be mine for the taking.”

“If I could put my brain in her body, the world would be mine for the taking.”

“Annabelle gave him a chiding smile. “If you’re implying that I’m spoiled, I assure you that I am not.”“You should be.” His warm gaze slid over her pink-tinted face and slender upper body, then sought hers again. There was a note in his voice that gently robbed her of breath. “You could do with a bit of spoiling.”

“Normally this is where she would have told him to put his dick in the doorway, so she could slam the door shut on her way out”

“He will not take her.”Sabelle turned toward the booming declaration. Ice. His protective gaze was as tangible as a caress. She swallowed.“Of course not,” Duke assured. “Sabelle is too important to our cause.”Ice stormed around the table until he hovered beside her, mere inches away, his body heat pouring over her. “If there is a breath left in my body, he will not take her.”

“One bright, sunny morning not too long before Christmas, Annabelle woke to feel the sunlight’s mockery shining upon her shriveled skin. Its rays caressed her body, taunting and reminding her that though her light would soon be extinguished, the world around her would shine on, vibrant as always.”