“That explained a great many things he'd observed about Lilith Benton. No wonder she came near to throwing a blue fit every time he approached. He threatened to collapse the carefully respectablility she'd worked nonstop for six years to build. On the oter hand, he couldn't forget the way she'd responded to his kiss,, or the way she'd shivered at his light caresses. She liked being touched. She liked his touch. Jack gave a slight smile. Perhaps the angel secretly wondered what it would be like to be in the devil's embrace. The devil certainly wondered.”

“Perhaps his next task should be to concoct an eighth deadly sin. Or he could work toward finding even a dozen. The devil knew he'd worn out the original seven.”

“...He had no breath, no being, but in hers, she was his voice; he did not speak to her. But trembled on her words; She was his sight, For his eye followed hers, and saw hers, Which colored all his objects-he had crease to live within himself; She was his life, The ocean to the river of his thoughts...”

“Does that mean there’ll be no engagement ball?”“There will be,” he said, “once I convince Josefina to say yes.”“She turned you down?” Zachary asked skeptically.“She kicked me, actually. My timing did leave something to be desired.”“Josefina kicked you,” Eleanor repeated. At his nod, she pursed her lips.“Perhaps I do like her after all.”

“Saint took a seat at the main faro table at the Society club. “What the devil is a ladies' political tea?”Tristan Carroway, Viscount Dare, finished placing his wager, then sat back, reaching for his glass ofport. “Do I look like a dictionary?”“You're domesticated.” Saint motioned for a glass of his own, despite unfriendly looks from the tables'other players. “What is it?”“I'm not domesticated; I'm in love. You should try it. Does wonders for your outlook on life.”“I'll take your word for it, thank you.”

“Don’t cry,nyonda,” he murmured.Phillipa took a deep breath. “What does that mean, anyway? Nyonda?”His green gaze held hers. “It’s Swahili. It means ‘beloved.’” A small smile touched his mouth, and he brushed her cheek again. “You do know I love you, Phillipa. To an alarming degree.”

“I haven’t heard a woman say my name in a long time, Theresa. Say myname.”She pulled in a hard breath, pretending to be annoyed rather than unsettled and excited by the intimacy.“Very well. Tolly. Better?”“Infinitely.” Slowly he ran his fingertips along her cheek, making her shiver. “So many handsomegentlemen courting you, Tess,” he whispered, “and yet here you are.”