“[...]the stately and slow-moving Turk,With freight of slippers piled beneath his arm.”

“As soothing as it would be to rip off his arm and beat him with it, it would really slow things down.”

“I glowered back up at him. "Did you need something?"He didn't move. "Where are you going?""To plot your downfall," I snapped. I bent to retrieve my bag and then sneaked beneath his arm. It wasn't the most dignified exit, but it worked.”

“Martin smiled, the slow curve of his mouth revealing a dimple in his left cheek. Violet frowned, as she did every time she saw that dimple. It didn’t belong on his face. It was as simple as that. Dimples were impish and mischievous. They spoke of laughter and pleasure, not three piece suits and pipes and slippers and cardigans with elbow patches.”

“The Christmas tree, twinkling with lights, had a mountain of gifts piled up beneath it, like offerings to the great god of excess.”

“His slow smile might haved lured angels from heaven, flocking noisily, arms outstretched,happy to burn for him.”