But you've slipped under my skin, invaded my blood and seized my heart.

It's a dirty way to fight, but I'm late for lunch."- Valek to Yelena

Another relative?” Valek asked.A broad smile stretched Moon Man’s lips. “Yes. I am her mother’s uncle’s wife’s third cousin.

Yelena, you've driven me crazy. You've caused me considerable trouble and I've contemplated ending your life twice since I've known you...but you slipped under my skin, invaded my blood and seized my heart.

Can you be an assassin without killing anyone?"Onora shot her an odd look. "I ... don't know. I don't think so.""Is there a name for people who have those skills?" Mara asked."Yes. Dangerous," I said.Mara rubbed her hands together as a gleam lit her eyes."Oh, I like that. I want to be dangerous.

Valek coalesced from the shadows and wrapped me in his long lean arms. I soaked in his musky smell, listening to his heart beat. Strong and steady. No indication that he had been sneaking around.

Trusting is hard. Knowing who to trust, even harder.

Move back,” the man on the left ordered Valek. “Or I’ll skewer your friend.”Valek considered the threat. “Do you plan to wound, maim or kill him?” he asked the guard.“Threats should be specific in order to have the maximum impact.”The man just stared at him.“Skewer is just too vague. I think if you say, ’Stand back or I’ll stab him in the stomach,’ then I have an idea about how serious you are. After all, Leif’s stomach is his favorite body part so that’s a decent threat.

Valek was liquid in motion. As i watched him, one word came to mind: beautiful.