“When you are rich and powerful, no one will challenge you to your face or give you a chance to explain yourself. All the whispers are behind your back. You are left with no means of clearing your own name. And after a while you realize there is no point in even attempting to do so. No one wants the truth. All anyone wants is the chance to add more fuel to the fires of gossip. The whispers become so loud that sometimes you think you will drown in them.”
―
Amanda Quick,
Ravished
“There was nothing like having a dead husband return from the grave to ruin a fine spring morning.” ― Amanda Quick, Second Sight
“Things happen, people change,' is what Amanda said. For her that covered it. You wanted an explanation, and ending that would assign blame and dish up justice. You considered violence and you considered reconciliation . But what you are left with is a premonition of the way your life will fade behind you, like a book you have read too quickly, leaving a dwindling trail of images and emotions, until all you can remember is a name.” ― Jay McInerney, Bright Lights, Big City
“Henceforth, whenever we are threatened with being cast adrift upon love’s transcendent, golden shore, I want you to slap my face.” ― Amanda Quick, Scandal
“What do you know of love or marriage?" I asked. "You were all set to marry a woman ten years older than you before the King stole her away.""I wouldn't have married her anyway," Loki shrugged. "Not if I didn't love her.""Now you've got integrity?" I scoffed. "You kidnapped me, and your father was a traitor.""I've never said a nice word about my father," Loki said quickly. "And I've never done anything bad to you.""You still kidnapped me!" I said dubiously."Did I?" Loki cocked his head. "Because I remember Kyra kidnapping you,and me preventing her from pummeling you to death. Then,when you were coughing up blood, I sent for the Queen to help you. When you escaped,I didn't stop you. And since I came here,I've done nothing to you. I've even been good because you told me to be. So what terrible crimes have I committed against you, Princess?""I-I-" I stammered. "I never said you did anything terrible.""Then why don't you trust me, Wendy?"He'd never called me by my name before, and the underlying affection underneath it startled me. Even his eyes, which still held their usual veil of playfulness, had something deeper brewing underneath. When he wasn't trying so hard to be devilishly handsome, he actually was.The growing connection I felt with him unnerved me, but I didn't want him to see that. More than that,it didn't matter what feelings I might be having for him.He was leaving today, and I would probably never see him again."I do trust you," I admitted. "I do trust you.I just don't know why I do,and I don't know why you've been helping me.""You want the truth?" He smiled at me, and there was something sincere and sweet underlying. "You piqued my curiosity.""You risked your life for me because you were curious?" I asked doubtfully."As soon as you came to,your only conern was for helping your friends, and you never stopped," Loki said. "You were kind. And I haven't seen that much kindness in my life.” ― Amanda Hocking, Torn
“But you sent off that Flounder fellow," Loki said, and I rolled my eyes."His name is Finn, and I know you know that," I said as I left the room. Loki grabbed the vacuum and followed me. "You called him by his name this morning.""Fine, I know his name," Loki admitted. We went into the next room, and he set down the vacuum as I started peeling the dusty blankets off the bed. "But you were okay with Finn going off to Oslinna, but not Duncan?""Finn can handle himself," I said tersely. The bedding got stuck on a corner, and Loki came over to help me free it. Once he had, I smiled thinly at him. "Thank you.""But I know you had a soft spot for Finn," Loki continued."My feelings for him have no bearing on his ability to do his job."I tossed the dirty blankets at Loki. He caught them easily before setting them down by the door, presumably for Duncan to take to the laundry chute again."I've never understood exactly what your relationship with him was, anyway," Loki said. I'd started putting new sheets on the bed, and he went around to the other side to help me. "Were you two dating?" "No." I shook my head. "We never dated. We were never anything."I continued to pull on the sheets, but Loki stopped, watching me. "I don't know if that's a lie or not, but I do know that he was never good enough for you.""But I suppose you think you are?" I asked with a sarcastic laugh."No, of course I'm not good enough for you," Loki said, and I lifted my head to look up at him, surprised by his response. "But I at least try to be good enough.""You think Finn doesn't?" I asked, standing up straight."Every time I've seen him around you, he's telling you what to do, pushing you around." He shook his head and went back to making the bed. "He wants to love you, I think, but he can't. He won't let himself, or he's incapable. And he never will."The truth of his words stung harder than I'd thought they would, and I swallowed hard."And obviously, you need someone that loves you," Loki continued. "You love fiercely, with all your being. And you need someone that loves you the same. More than duty or the monarchy or the kingdom. More than himself even."He looked up at me then, his eyes meeting mine, darkly serious. My heart pounded in my chest, the fresh heartache replaced with something new, something warmer that made it hard for me to breathe."But you're wrong." I shook my head. "I don't deserve that much.""On the contrary, Wendy." Loki smiled honestly, and it stirred something inside me. "You deserve all the love a man has to give."I wanted to laugh or blush or look away, but I couldn't. I was frozen in a moment with Loki, finding myself feeling things for him I didn't think I could ever feel for anyone else."I don't know how much more laundry we can fit down the chute," Duncan said as he came back in the room, interrupting the moment.I looked away from Loki quickly and grabbed the vacuum cleaner."Just get as much down there as you can," I told Duncan."I'll try." He scooped up another load of bedding to send downstairs.Once he'd gone, I glanced back at Loki, but, based on the grin on his face, I'd say his earlier seriousness was gone."You know, Princess, instead of making that bed, we could close the door and have a roll around in it." Loki wagged his eyebrows. "What do you say?"Rolling my eyes, I turned on the vacuum cleaner to drown out the conversation."I'll take that as a maybe later!" Loki shouted over it.” ― Amanda Hocking, Ascend
“Talent is useful, but always keep your dagger sharp.” ― Amanda Quick, Quicksilver
“Knowing that you love me is not a source of amusement.” Sebastian realized that his hands were shaking with the force of the emotion that was pouring through him. “It is my salvation” ― Amanda Quick, Dangerous
“I am crushed by your poor opinionBut will endeavor to carry on.” ― Amanda Quick, Second Sight
“Everything is about to go to hell very quickly, so I want one moment where we don't talk about that. We pretend it doesn't exist. I want one last quiet moment with you.""No, Loki." I shook my head, but I didn't pull away. "I told you that one night wasn't enough."Loki leaned down, kissing me deeply and pressing me to him. I didn't even attempt to resist. I wrapped my arms around his neck. It wasn't the way we had kissed before, not as hungry or fevered. This was something different, nicer.We were holding on to each other, knowing this might be the last time we could. It felt sweet and hopeful and tragic all at once.When he stopped kissing me he rested his forehead against mine. He breathed as if struggling to catch his breath. I reached up and touched his face, his skin smooth and cool beneath my hand.Loki lifted his head so he could look me in the eyes, and I saw something in them, something I'd never seen before. Something pure and unadulterated, and my heart seemed to grow with the warmth of my love for him.I don't know how it happened or when it had, but I knew it with complete certainty. I had fallen in love with Loki, more intensely than anything I had felt for anyone before."Wendy!" Finn shouted, pulling me from my moment with Loki. "What are you doing? You're married! And not to him!""Nothing slips by you, does it?" Loki asked."Finn," I said, and stepped away from Loki. "Calm down.""No!" Finn yelled. "I will not calm down! What were you thinking? We're about to go to war, and you're cheating on your husband?""Everything's not exactly the way it seems," I said, but guilt and regret were gripping my stomach. My marriage might be over, but I was still technically wed to another man. And I should be worrying about things more important than kissing Loki."It seemed like you had your tongue down his throat." Finn glared at us both."Well, then, everything is exactly as it seems," Loki said glibly.” ― Amanda Hocking, Ascend
“Are you going to hand me over to him?""I haven't decided yet," I teased, and he smiled again, erasing his momentary seriousness. "So, where'd you get the suit?""Believe it or not, that lovely friend of yours, Willa," Loki said. "She brought me a whole slew of clothes last night. When I asked her why she was being so generous, she said it was out of fear that I would run around naked."I smiled. "That does sound like something you would do. Why are you wearing all black, though? Didn't you know you were going to a wedding?""On the contrary," he said, doing his best to look unhappy. "I'm in mourning over the wedding.""Oh, because it's too late?" I asked."No, Wendy, it's never too late." His voice was light, but his eyes were solemn."May I cut in?" the best man asked."No, you may not," Loki said. I'd started to move away from him, but he held fast."Loki," I said, and my eyes widened."I'm still dancing with her," Loki said, turning to look at him. "You can have her when I'm done.""Loki," I said again, but he was already twirling me away. "You can't do that.""I just did." He grinned. "Oh, Wendy, don't look so appalled. I'm already the rebel Prince of thine enemy. I can't do much more to tarnish my image.""You can certainly tarnish mine," I pointed out. "Never," Loki said, and it was his turn to look appalled. "I'm merely showing them how it's done."He began spinning me around the dance floor in grand arcs, my gown swirling around me. He was a brilliant dancer, moving with grace and speed. Everyone had stopped to watch us, but I didn't care. This was the way a Princess was supposed to dance on her wedding day.The song ended, switching to something by Mozart, and he slowed, almost to a stop, but he kept me in his arms."Thank you." I smiled. My skin felt flushed from dancing, and I was a little out of breath. "That was a wonderful dance.""You're welcome," he said, staring intently at me. "You are so beautiful.""Stop," I said, looking away as my cheeks reddened."How can you blush?" Loki asked, laughing gently. "People must tell you how beautiful you are a thousand times a day.""It's not the same," I said."It's not the same?" Loki echoed. "Why? Because you know they don't mean it like I do?"We did stop dancing them, and neither of us said anything. Garrett came up to us. He smiled, but his eyes didn't appear happy."Can I cut in?" Garrett asked."Yes," Loki said, shaking off the intensity he'd had a moment ago, and grinned broadly at Garrett. "She's all yours, good sir. Take care of her."He patted Garrett on the arm once for good measure and gave me a quick smile before heading back over to the refreshment table.” ― Amanda Hocking, Ascend
“What would happen if I tried to escape?" I asked.I didn't see anyone else. If I outran Loki, I could probably get away. Not that I knew where to go, and I still wouldn't be able to free Matt and Rhys."I would stop you," he replied simply."The same way Kyra did at my house?" A pain flared up in my ribs, as if reminding me of the damage she'd caused/"No." Something dark flickered across his face for a second. He quickly erased it and smiled at me. "I would simply take you in my arms and hold you there until you swooned.""It sounds romantic when you say it that way." I wrinkled my nose, remembering how he'd made me pass out by staring into my eyes. It hadn't been painful, but it hadn't exactly been pleasant either."It is when I envision it.” ― Amanda Hocking, Torn
“One day you're young with all your fine plans for the future. The next you're in the future and it doesn't look at all the way you thought it would.” ― Amanda Quick, Burning Lamp
“You mustn’t hit her over the head with it. Women like to be romanced like the heroines in the sensation novels.” “What the devil do you know about sensation novels?” “A man can learn a great deal about women from novels,” Matt said. “You should try it sometime.” ― Amanda Quick, Quicksilver
“The doors burst open, startling me awake. I nearly jumped out of bed. Tove groaned next to me, since I did this weird mind-slap thing whenever I woke up scared, and it always hit him the worst. I'd forgotten about it because it had been a few months since the last time it happened."Good morning, good morning, good morning," Loki chirped, wheeling in a table covered with silver domes."What are you doing?" I asked, squinting at him. He'd pulled up the shades. I was tired as hell, and I was not happy."I thought you two lovebirds would like breakfast," Loki said. "So I had the chef whip you up something fantastic." As he set up the table in the sitting area, he looked over at us. "Although you two are sleeping awfully far apart for newlyweds.""Oh, my god." I groaned and pulled the covers over my head."You know, I think you're being a dick," Tove told him as he got out of bed. "But I'm starving. So I'm willing to overlook it. This time.""A dick?" Loki pretended to be offended. "I'm merely worried about your health. If your bodies aren't used to strenuous activities, like a long night of lovemaking, you could waste away if you don't get plenty of protein and rehydrate. I'm concerned for you.""Yes, we both believe that's why you're here," Tove said sarcastically and took a glass of orange juice that Loki had poured for him."What about you, Princess?" Loki's gaze cut to me as he filled another glass."I'm not hungry." I sighed and sat up. "Oh, really?" Loki arched an eyebrow. "Does that mean that last night-""It means that last night is none of your business," I snapped.I got up and hobbled over to Elora's satin robe, which had been left on a nearby chair. My feet and ankles ached from all the dancing I'd done the night before."Don't cover up on my account," Loki said as I put on the robe. "You don't have anything I haven't seen.""Oh, I have plenty you haven't seen," I said and pulled the robe around me."You should get married more often," Loki teased. "It makes you feisty."I rolled my eyes and went over to the table. Loki had set it all up, complete with a flower in a vase in the center, and he'd pulled off the domed lids to reveal a plentiful breakfast. I took a seat across from Tove, only to realize that Loki had pulled up a third chair for himself."What are you doing?" I asked."Well, I went to all the trouble of having someone prepare it, so I might as well eat it." Loki sat down and handed me a flute filled with orange liquid. "I made mimosas.""Thanks," I said, and I exchanged a look with Tove to see if it was okay if Loki stayed."He's a dick," Tove said over a mouthful of food, and shrugged. "But I don't care."In all honesty, I think we both preferred having Loki there. He was a buffer between the two of us so we didn't have to deal with any awkward morning-after conversations. And though I'd never admit it aloud, Loki made me laugh, and right now I needed a little levity in my life."So, how did everyone sleep last night?" Loki asked.There was a quick knock at the bedroom doors, but they opened before I could answer. Finn strode inside, and my stomach dropped. He was the last person I'd expected to see. I didn't even think he would be here anymore. After the other night I assumed he'd left, especially when I didn't see him at the wedding."Princess, I'm sorry-" Finn started to say as he hurried in, but then he saw Loki and stopped abruptly."Finn?" I asked, stunned.Finn looked appalled and pointed at Loki. "What are you doing here?""I'm drinking a mimosa." Loki leaned back in his chair. "What are you doing here?""What is he doing here?" Finn asked, turning his attention to me."Never mind him." I waved it off. "What's going on?""See, Finn, you should've told me when I asked," Loki said between sips of his drink.” ― Amanda Hocking, Ascend
“Of course I won't go alone. I shall take my maid." "No," Sebastian said. "You will take me.” ― Amanda Quick, Dangerous
“I will love you all the days of my life and beyond.” ― Amanda Quick, The Third Circle
“I have often sat in that chair behind my desk and wondered how you would look lying naked here on this sofa. It was a form of self-inflicted torture." “Good heavens” ― Amanda Quick, Mischief
“The dangerous plant did not flower in every generation, they said. ” ― Amanda Quick, The Perfect Poison
“There was nothing like having a dead husband return from the grave to ruin a fine spring morning.” ― Amanda Quick, Second Sight
“Things happen, people change,' is what Amanda said. For her that covered it. You wanted an explanation, and ending that would assign blame and dish up justice. You considered violence and you considered reconciliation . But what you are left with is a premonition of the way your life will fade behind you, like a book you have read too quickly, leaving a dwindling trail of images and emotions, until all you can remember is a name.” ― Jay McInerney, Bright Lights, Big City
“Henceforth, whenever we are threatened with being cast adrift upon love’s transcendent, golden shore, I want you to slap my face.” ― Amanda Quick, Scandal
“What do you know of love or marriage?" I asked. "You were all set to marry a woman ten years older than you before the King stole her away.""I wouldn't have married her anyway," Loki shrugged. "Not if I didn't love her.""Now you've got integrity?" I scoffed. "You kidnapped me, and your father was a traitor.""I've never said a nice word about my father," Loki said quickly. "And I've never done anything bad to you.""You still kidnapped me!" I said dubiously."Did I?" Loki cocked his head. "Because I remember Kyra kidnapping you,and me preventing her from pummeling you to death. Then,when you were coughing up blood, I sent for the Queen to help you. When you escaped,I didn't stop you. And since I came here,I've done nothing to you. I've even been good because you told me to be. So what terrible crimes have I committed against you, Princess?""I-I-" I stammered. "I never said you did anything terrible.""Then why don't you trust me, Wendy?"He'd never called me by my name before, and the underlying affection underneath it startled me. Even his eyes, which still held their usual veil of playfulness, had something deeper brewing underneath. When he wasn't trying so hard to be devilishly handsome, he actually was.The growing connection I felt with him unnerved me, but I didn't want him to see that. More than that,it didn't matter what feelings I might be having for him.He was leaving today, and I would probably never see him again."I do trust you," I admitted. "I do trust you.I just don't know why I do,and I don't know why you've been helping me.""You want the truth?" He smiled at me, and there was something sincere and sweet underlying. "You piqued my curiosity.""You risked your life for me because you were curious?" I asked doubtfully."As soon as you came to,your only conern was for helping your friends, and you never stopped," Loki said. "You were kind. And I haven't seen that much kindness in my life.” ― Amanda Hocking, Torn
“But you sent off that Flounder fellow," Loki said, and I rolled my eyes."His name is Finn, and I know you know that," I said as I left the room. Loki grabbed the vacuum and followed me. "You called him by his name this morning.""Fine, I know his name," Loki admitted. We went into the next room, and he set down the vacuum as I started peeling the dusty blankets off the bed. "But you were okay with Finn going off to Oslinna, but not Duncan?""Finn can handle himself," I said tersely. The bedding got stuck on a corner, and Loki came over to help me free it. Once he had, I smiled thinly at him. "Thank you.""But I know you had a soft spot for Finn," Loki continued."My feelings for him have no bearing on his ability to do his job."I tossed the dirty blankets at Loki. He caught them easily before setting them down by the door, presumably for Duncan to take to the laundry chute again."I've never understood exactly what your relationship with him was, anyway," Loki said. I'd started putting new sheets on the bed, and he went around to the other side to help me. "Were you two dating?" "No." I shook my head. "We never dated. We were never anything."I continued to pull on the sheets, but Loki stopped, watching me. "I don't know if that's a lie or not, but I do know that he was never good enough for you.""But I suppose you think you are?" I asked with a sarcastic laugh."No, of course I'm not good enough for you," Loki said, and I lifted my head to look up at him, surprised by his response. "But I at least try to be good enough.""You think Finn doesn't?" I asked, standing up straight."Every time I've seen him around you, he's telling you what to do, pushing you around." He shook his head and went back to making the bed. "He wants to love you, I think, but he can't. He won't let himself, or he's incapable. And he never will."The truth of his words stung harder than I'd thought they would, and I swallowed hard."And obviously, you need someone that loves you," Loki continued. "You love fiercely, with all your being. And you need someone that loves you the same. More than duty or the monarchy or the kingdom. More than himself even."He looked up at me then, his eyes meeting mine, darkly serious. My heart pounded in my chest, the fresh heartache replaced with something new, something warmer that made it hard for me to breathe."But you're wrong." I shook my head. "I don't deserve that much.""On the contrary, Wendy." Loki smiled honestly, and it stirred something inside me. "You deserve all the love a man has to give."I wanted to laugh or blush or look away, but I couldn't. I was frozen in a moment with Loki, finding myself feeling things for him I didn't think I could ever feel for anyone else."I don't know how much more laundry we can fit down the chute," Duncan said as he came back in the room, interrupting the moment.I looked away from Loki quickly and grabbed the vacuum cleaner."Just get as much down there as you can," I told Duncan."I'll try." He scooped up another load of bedding to send downstairs.Once he'd gone, I glanced back at Loki, but, based on the grin on his face, I'd say his earlier seriousness was gone."You know, Princess, instead of making that bed, we could close the door and have a roll around in it." Loki wagged his eyebrows. "What do you say?"Rolling my eyes, I turned on the vacuum cleaner to drown out the conversation."I'll take that as a maybe later!" Loki shouted over it.” ― Amanda Hocking, Ascend
“Talent is useful, but always keep your dagger sharp.” ― Amanda Quick, Quicksilver
“Knowing that you love me is not a source of amusement.” Sebastian realized that his hands were shaking with the force of the emotion that was pouring through him. “It is my salvation” ― Amanda Quick, Dangerous
“I am crushed by your poor opinionBut will endeavor to carry on.” ― Amanda Quick, Second Sight
“Everything is about to go to hell very quickly, so I want one moment where we don't talk about that. We pretend it doesn't exist. I want one last quiet moment with you.""No, Loki." I shook my head, but I didn't pull away. "I told you that one night wasn't enough."Loki leaned down, kissing me deeply and pressing me to him. I didn't even attempt to resist. I wrapped my arms around his neck. It wasn't the way we had kissed before, not as hungry or fevered. This was something different, nicer.We were holding on to each other, knowing this might be the last time we could. It felt sweet and hopeful and tragic all at once.When he stopped kissing me he rested his forehead against mine. He breathed as if struggling to catch his breath. I reached up and touched his face, his skin smooth and cool beneath my hand.Loki lifted his head so he could look me in the eyes, and I saw something in them, something I'd never seen before. Something pure and unadulterated, and my heart seemed to grow with the warmth of my love for him.I don't know how it happened or when it had, but I knew it with complete certainty. I had fallen in love with Loki, more intensely than anything I had felt for anyone before."Wendy!" Finn shouted, pulling me from my moment with Loki. "What are you doing? You're married! And not to him!""Nothing slips by you, does it?" Loki asked."Finn," I said, and stepped away from Loki. "Calm down.""No!" Finn yelled. "I will not calm down! What were you thinking? We're about to go to war, and you're cheating on your husband?""Everything's not exactly the way it seems," I said, but guilt and regret were gripping my stomach. My marriage might be over, but I was still technically wed to another man. And I should be worrying about things more important than kissing Loki."It seemed like you had your tongue down his throat." Finn glared at us both."Well, then, everything is exactly as it seems," Loki said glibly.” ― Amanda Hocking, Ascend
“Are you going to hand me over to him?""I haven't decided yet," I teased, and he smiled again, erasing his momentary seriousness. "So, where'd you get the suit?""Believe it or not, that lovely friend of yours, Willa," Loki said. "She brought me a whole slew of clothes last night. When I asked her why she was being so generous, she said it was out of fear that I would run around naked."I smiled. "That does sound like something you would do. Why are you wearing all black, though? Didn't you know you were going to a wedding?""On the contrary," he said, doing his best to look unhappy. "I'm in mourning over the wedding.""Oh, because it's too late?" I asked."No, Wendy, it's never too late." His voice was light, but his eyes were solemn."May I cut in?" the best man asked."No, you may not," Loki said. I'd started to move away from him, but he held fast."Loki," I said, and my eyes widened."I'm still dancing with her," Loki said, turning to look at him. "You can have her when I'm done.""Loki," I said again, but he was already twirling me away. "You can't do that.""I just did." He grinned. "Oh, Wendy, don't look so appalled. I'm already the rebel Prince of thine enemy. I can't do much more to tarnish my image.""You can certainly tarnish mine," I pointed out. "Never," Loki said, and it was his turn to look appalled. "I'm merely showing them how it's done."He began spinning me around the dance floor in grand arcs, my gown swirling around me. He was a brilliant dancer, moving with grace and speed. Everyone had stopped to watch us, but I didn't care. This was the way a Princess was supposed to dance on her wedding day.The song ended, switching to something by Mozart, and he slowed, almost to a stop, but he kept me in his arms."Thank you." I smiled. My skin felt flushed from dancing, and I was a little out of breath. "That was a wonderful dance.""You're welcome," he said, staring intently at me. "You are so beautiful.""Stop," I said, looking away as my cheeks reddened."How can you blush?" Loki asked, laughing gently. "People must tell you how beautiful you are a thousand times a day.""It's not the same," I said."It's not the same?" Loki echoed. "Why? Because you know they don't mean it like I do?"We did stop dancing them, and neither of us said anything. Garrett came up to us. He smiled, but his eyes didn't appear happy."Can I cut in?" Garrett asked."Yes," Loki said, shaking off the intensity he'd had a moment ago, and grinned broadly at Garrett. "She's all yours, good sir. Take care of her."He patted Garrett on the arm once for good measure and gave me a quick smile before heading back over to the refreshment table.” ― Amanda Hocking, Ascend
“What would happen if I tried to escape?" I asked.I didn't see anyone else. If I outran Loki, I could probably get away. Not that I knew where to go, and I still wouldn't be able to free Matt and Rhys."I would stop you," he replied simply."The same way Kyra did at my house?" A pain flared up in my ribs, as if reminding me of the damage she'd caused/"No." Something dark flickered across his face for a second. He quickly erased it and smiled at me. "I would simply take you in my arms and hold you there until you swooned.""It sounds romantic when you say it that way." I wrinkled my nose, remembering how he'd made me pass out by staring into my eyes. It hadn't been painful, but it hadn't exactly been pleasant either."It is when I envision it.” ― Amanda Hocking, Torn
“One day you're young with all your fine plans for the future. The next you're in the future and it doesn't look at all the way you thought it would.” ― Amanda Quick, Burning Lamp
“You mustn’t hit her over the head with it. Women like to be romanced like the heroines in the sensation novels.” “What the devil do you know about sensation novels?” “A man can learn a great deal about women from novels,” Matt said. “You should try it sometime.” ― Amanda Quick, Quicksilver
“The doors burst open, startling me awake. I nearly jumped out of bed. Tove groaned next to me, since I did this weird mind-slap thing whenever I woke up scared, and it always hit him the worst. I'd forgotten about it because it had been a few months since the last time it happened."Good morning, good morning, good morning," Loki chirped, wheeling in a table covered with silver domes."What are you doing?" I asked, squinting at him. He'd pulled up the shades. I was tired as hell, and I was not happy."I thought you two lovebirds would like breakfast," Loki said. "So I had the chef whip you up something fantastic." As he set up the table in the sitting area, he looked over at us. "Although you two are sleeping awfully far apart for newlyweds.""Oh, my god." I groaned and pulled the covers over my head."You know, I think you're being a dick," Tove told him as he got out of bed. "But I'm starving. So I'm willing to overlook it. This time.""A dick?" Loki pretended to be offended. "I'm merely worried about your health. If your bodies aren't used to strenuous activities, like a long night of lovemaking, you could waste away if you don't get plenty of protein and rehydrate. I'm concerned for you.""Yes, we both believe that's why you're here," Tove said sarcastically and took a glass of orange juice that Loki had poured for him."What about you, Princess?" Loki's gaze cut to me as he filled another glass."I'm not hungry." I sighed and sat up. "Oh, really?" Loki arched an eyebrow. "Does that mean that last night-""It means that last night is none of your business," I snapped.I got up and hobbled over to Elora's satin robe, which had been left on a nearby chair. My feet and ankles ached from all the dancing I'd done the night before."Don't cover up on my account," Loki said as I put on the robe. "You don't have anything I haven't seen.""Oh, I have plenty you haven't seen," I said and pulled the robe around me."You should get married more often," Loki teased. "It makes you feisty."I rolled my eyes and went over to the table. Loki had set it all up, complete with a flower in a vase in the center, and he'd pulled off the domed lids to reveal a plentiful breakfast. I took a seat across from Tove, only to realize that Loki had pulled up a third chair for himself."What are you doing?" I asked."Well, I went to all the trouble of having someone prepare it, so I might as well eat it." Loki sat down and handed me a flute filled with orange liquid. "I made mimosas.""Thanks," I said, and I exchanged a look with Tove to see if it was okay if Loki stayed."He's a dick," Tove said over a mouthful of food, and shrugged. "But I don't care."In all honesty, I think we both preferred having Loki there. He was a buffer between the two of us so we didn't have to deal with any awkward morning-after conversations. And though I'd never admit it aloud, Loki made me laugh, and right now I needed a little levity in my life."So, how did everyone sleep last night?" Loki asked.There was a quick knock at the bedroom doors, but they opened before I could answer. Finn strode inside, and my stomach dropped. He was the last person I'd expected to see. I didn't even think he would be here anymore. After the other night I assumed he'd left, especially when I didn't see him at the wedding."Princess, I'm sorry-" Finn started to say as he hurried in, but then he saw Loki and stopped abruptly."Finn?" I asked, stunned.Finn looked appalled and pointed at Loki. "What are you doing here?""I'm drinking a mimosa." Loki leaned back in his chair. "What are you doing here?""What is he doing here?" Finn asked, turning his attention to me."Never mind him." I waved it off. "What's going on?""See, Finn, you should've told me when I asked," Loki said between sips of his drink.” ― Amanda Hocking, Ascend
“Of course I won't go alone. I shall take my maid." "No," Sebastian said. "You will take me.” ― Amanda Quick, Dangerous
“I will love you all the days of my life and beyond.” ― Amanda Quick, The Third Circle
“I have often sat in that chair behind my desk and wondered how you would look lying naked here on this sofa. It was a form of self-inflicted torture." “Good heavens” ― Amanda Quick, Mischief
“The dangerous plant did not flower in every generation, they said. ” ― Amanda Quick, The Perfect Poison
