ŷ������

“He and Brenna were different in one crucial respect, a difference they had both gone to great lengths to avoid discussing - the lack of a mating bond between them.

He was a psychic being. He would have seen it had it been present in any form. That it wasn't, was a sign that though they might be drawn to each other, they weren't made to fit. He didn't give a damn. He was keeping her.”
― Nalini Singh, Caressed by Ice

“His eyes fixed on hers, the gold flecks darkening to amber. "An assassin who looks after his own skin? That's exactly what I am, Brenna. I would rather die than harm you, but anyone else? I could kill them without blinking. It's what I was born to do.”
― Nalini Singh, Caressed by Ice

“Brenna’s eyes widened. Raising a hand, she brushed his hair gently off his forehead.
“Why do I keep telling you things I swore I’d take to my grave?��
The contact shot electricity through his nerves. “Because you know I’ll always be your shield against the nightmares.”
― Nalini Singh, Caressed by Ice

“Those unearthly eyes were so close, she could see the reflection of her own furious expression in their depths. “I’d rather watch you take a lover than die at my hands.��

She knew how much those words must’ve tortured him. Even now, the air was staining bloodred with anger. “And would you let that man live?�� she whispered.

No response. That gave her hope even when hope seemed impossible. “Then we fight, Judd.�� She dared to place her hand gently on his chest. He flinched but didn’t move away. “We fight until every avenue is closed and then we dig under the roadblocks. Because I am not walking away from us.�� Strong words, but she was shaking. He could destroy her with a few careless comments.

“You’re the strongest, most determined woman I know.�� He played his fingers along the strands of her hair. “You’d make mincemeat out of a lesser man. It’s a good thing you belong to me.��

Relief almost collapsed her knees. “Not funny.��

“I’m serious.�� Something very male moved over his face. “If you say yes now, I won’t let you go if you decide I’m not what you want later on down the road. You say yes, you say yes forever. Be sure.”
― Nalini Singh, Caressed by Ice