“Do you think that's enough? Do you think going back to us fucking like porn stars and then me watching you take off so you won't have to have any kind of intimate conversation is enough? I can't do that anymore."He jerked out of her grip, grabbed her shoulders and moved her aside.”

“You stay away from her. Do you hear me? Back the fuck off. Blaire loves me; she’s just confused and hurt. She’s also very vulnerable. So help me God, if you even think you’re going to take advantage of her current state I will beat the shit out of you.”

“I'd say that tea's probably strong enough to hammer nails by now. Do you still want it?"She looked...interesting in his shirt. Interesting enough that his blood began to churn again. "What are my options?""On my schedule, we have a cup of tea, a little conversation, then you get to seduce me back into bed and make love to me again before I go home.""That's not bad, but I think it bears improving.""Oh,and how's that?""We cut out the tea and conversation."She ran her tongue over her top lip-his taste was still there-as he walked toward her. "That would take us straight to you seducing me? Correct?""That's my plan.""I can be flexible."His grin flashed. "I'd like to test that out."They never got around to the tea.”

“Gripping her ass, he moaned, "What the fuck do you do to me?”

“He caught her bythe shoulders and gave her a hard little shake. "Do you think you're so charming in that silly little nightdress that I can't resist tumbling you? Do you think I have no pride when it comes to you?""B-b-but I—""Well, you're right," he shouted. "I don't!"With that, his lips came down on hers”

“I don't think Gregori really knows what to do with you."Gary's heart jumped. He cleared his throat. "I hope you mean that positively."Savannah's eyes laughed at him. "Do you really think he'll harm you? He can read your mind. If you were an enemy, he would've killed you back in that warehouse." Wickedly she leaned across the table. "Of course, ie really is afully unpredictable, so you never know what he might do or where he is-" She broke off, laughing, as her arm wasflung into the air as if something had shackled her wrist and jerked her backward. Savannah was dragged by something unseen from the kitchen. She was laughing, her blue eyes dancing with mischief. Gregori tugged at her wrist, taking her out into the sanctuary of the courtyard with its dense, overgrown plants. Flowers tumbled from the overhead arbors and trailingalong his shoulders as he emerged fully into the night. "You are deliberately scaring that young man to death," he accused.She lifted her face to his, stars from the night sky in the centers of her eyes."Well,really, how could anyone doubt you?" As her palm caressed the hard line of his jaw,one fingertip touched his perfect mouth."Stop thinking you have to protect me, Savannah. It is enough that I have you. I do not need anyone else.”