2
" Cradling her to his chest, he cursed himself for taking too much blood. He was certain he hadn't taken enough for her to need a transfusion, but it had clearly left her weak.
"I'm so sorry," he whispered, glad she hadn't found the deed in his thoughts. He had feared he wouldn't be able to hide it from her.
The dog began to whine again.
"It's okay, boy," he murmured. "She's okay. She's just tired."
Several minutes passed while he stroked her hair and held her close despite the pain it caused. She was petite and looked as though she only weighed about a hundred pounds. After spending all damned night digging his sorry ass up, no wonder she passed out.
"I haven't seen it yet," she mumbled against his neck as consciousness returned, "but I'm willing to bet your ass is actually quite nice."
Startled laughter escaped him, inspiring another groan. "Don't make me laugh. It hurts too much."
"Sorry. I couldn't resist. "
― Dianne Duvall , Awaken the Darkness (Immortal Guardians #8)
3
" If he doesn’t get here soon, I’m going to fall asleep, Susan grumbled.
He loved hearing her voice in his head even when she was cranky.
The thought made him smile. I’ve been keeping you up too late.
Not really, she replied. I’ve always been a night owl. I just haven’t been sleeping late the way I usually do.
And had had one scare after another whilst awake.
Did I mention I’m still sore from digging your handsome ass up?
He laughed.
It was totally worth it, of course, she went on.But if we find out you’re single, I might hit you up for a nice long massage.
He cursed when his body immediately responded to the image of her naked and laid out before him, waiting for him to run his hands all over her body. Now who’s flirting?
Ooh, she purred. That’s so cool. Even in your thoughts, your voice deepens and gets all growly when you’re turned on. Before he could respond, she made a sound of impatience.Damn it. Now I’m turned on.
He laughed, delighted that she inspired him to do so even in such grim circumstances. "
― Dianne Duvall , Awaken the Darkness (Immortal Guardians #8)
4
" Releasing her wrist, he raised his shaking hand and brushed disheveled auburn hair back from her face. Her features were relaxed in sleep. Dirt-smudged. Damp with the tears she had shed for him.
At his touch, she made a sound somewhere in the back of her throat and snuggled closer with a sigh.
He didn't know who she was.
He didn't know who he was.
But in that moment, he loved her for freeing him.
The dog voiced a plaintive whine.
Speech still eluding him, he sent feelings of calm to the loyal animal.
Then, taking the woman's small, pale hand in his, he tucked it against his chest, pressed his forehead to hers, and succumbed to a deep healing sleep. "
― Dianne Duvall , Awaken the Darkness (Immortal Guardians #8)
6
" He didn't like causing her discomfort. "How are your hands?" He held his out, palm up.
Rounding the bed slowly, she placed hers in them.
Stanislav sat up straighter and examined them closely, then swore. Raw, open blisters marred the skin at the crooks of her thumbs and the base of every finger. She had gripped that shovel for so long that the blisters had all popped and the flap of loose skin on each had torn away. It looked painful. And she had said nothing, not even complaining when she had held one hand over the steaming pot of pasta while stirring it, something that must have made her hand hurt even more.
"Stop beating yourself up about it," she ordered softly.
He raised his head, on a level with hers though he sat and she stood.
"I wasn't intentionally listening to your thoughts," she told him. "You were sort of broadcasting them. And it wasn't your fault."
"I beg to differ. Had I not compelled you to dig me up—"
"You would probably be dead right now," she finished for him. Withdrawing one hand, she drew it over his hair. "It was worth it."
His pulse raced at her touch. His gaze dropped to her lips. He heard her heartbeat pick up. "
― Dianne Duvall , Awaken the Darkness (Immortal Guardians #8)
