“You’re beautiful, too. I mean, you’re hot,” I blurted out. “But I always knew you would be.” My eyes widened as I realized what just streamed out of my mouth, and his grin turned into a smile. “Oh my God, I did not just say...any of that out loud.”“You did.”“Ugh.”Tipping his head back, he laughed deeply. And he laughed like he had in those rare instances when something truly amused him. He did so with a freedom I’d envied.I started to place my hands over my flaming face, but he caught my wrists, holding them between us. His eyes were lighter, dancing. “I can pretend you didn’t say that if that makes you feel better,” he suggested.Oh yes, that would be fabulous. I nodded.“I won’t forget it, though.”

“That's the funny thing about trying to escape. You never really can. Maybe temporarily, but not completely.”

“That kind of love should've been able to beat sickness. That kind of love should've conquered anything.”

“Why me?" I blurted out, and then closed my eyes briefly. "Okay. Don't answer that."The food arrived just then一thank God一and the conversation was deterred...for about two minutes. "I'm going to answer that question," Cam said, peering at me through his lashes.I wanted to face-plant my stuffed chicken. "You don't have to.""No, I think I do.”

“There's always tomorrow." I followed him. "Tomorrow's not going to change anything.""We'll see.""There's nothing to see. You're wasting your time.""When it concerns you, it's never a waste of my time," he replied.”

“Don't you want to know what cookies is a code word for?" "No! Good God, no!”

“After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.”

“Come on.” He dropped a heavy hand on my back, between my shoulder blades, and my breath stalled.I was effectively silenced by his touch. Perhaps that was why he did it. Not many people would blame him and probably wished they wielded that kind of power over me.”

“There you go. That ego of yours getting in the way," I teased."Of what?""The perfect package."He snorted. "Let me tell you, I have the perfect--""Don't be gross.”

“She opened her eyes. "Is this real?""Very real." I brushed the soaked strands off her cheek, wondering if I was lying or not and if I should care if I was. "Angel, let me kiss you.”

“While you're deep in something, you never say or do what you need to. It's always after the fact, when it's too late, that you realize what you should've said or done.”