Home > Work > Ensnared (Splintered, #3)
101 " I want to leap into his arms and hug him tight. Since my dress is a killing machine, I settle for pressing my palm against his chest. "
― A.G. Howard , Ensnared (Splintered, #3)
102 " Morpheus tilts his head to meet my gaze from behind the frame. “Aw, shy little blossom. You should’ve seen the atrocities he tried to put me in those first few days. He didn’t let me have a say until I walked around naked for a few hours. Should you decide to employ that strategy, I’ll be behind you one hundred percent. Or in front of you. Lady’s choice.” He winks. "
103 " The scented cloud permeates the air and coats our tongues, triggering images: licorice tobacco and a seductive fae with an agenda, ocean salt and a mortal boy's sweat, maple syrup and a father's love, a mother's sacrifice and a lunar garden rich with lilies and honeysuckle. "
104 " When he opens his mouth to speak, I place a finger on his lips. “It’s my love for you that makes this hurt so much,” I say, my voice strong and resolved. “I had faith in you and you betrayed me.” "
105 " I wanted to lift you above me and swing you in circles until we were both dizzy and laughing. I wanted to kiss your lips and share your breath. And I wanted to dress you in threads befitting a queen. "
106 " Jeb crouches to fill in the sketch’s lower half with paint. His lips twist to a cruel sneer. “That’s your favorite pastime, right? And you’ll have your prince of moths for company. "
107 " Morpheus urges me into his lap and snuggles my head under his chin, securing me within his tobacco-scented embrace. It’s the gentlest gesture we’ve ever shared. “Now you know where you belong, Alyssa. "
108 " I’m game for anything. Will you pelt me with falling hearts in a symbolic rain of our unrequited love? Or perhaps chain me to a wall in lace made of moonlight and have your way with me? "
109 " Mom and Dad sleep soundly atop the white cushion, her in his lap and their legs tangled together. His handsome profile is scruffy, his nose buried in her long, pinkish blond hair. The strands twitch, alive with magic. Her gauzy wings are folded behind her like a butterfly’s at rest.They look so lovely together, the White knight and his fairy bride, in one another’s arms at last. In spite of all they went through to reach this place, their love never faltered. They deserve this more than anyone I know. "
110 " "Is there something between the two of you?” I pause at the threshold, waiting. “No! I hate the wretch.” His face, crisscrossed with lacework shadows, grows somber. “I hate her with the same changeless passion with which I love you.” "
111 " "Please look at me. I missed you. I was so worried about you.”“Really? Which one of us are you talking to?” His attention crosses to Morpheus, who smirks conspiratorially. "
112 " "But love ? Is that what you feel for Morpheus?” I swallow hard. “I’m not sure. It’s all wrapped up in my loyalties to Wonderland. But there’s something real between us. Something powerful.” I sink further into my seat. “It’s complicated.” "
113 " All the shades of us, in one brilliant rainbow. "
114 " Just as your Jebidiah now understands Wonderland's magic and feral desires, Morpheus understands the human world's emotional needs and insecurities. He and your mortal knight have always been your perfect mate, split in twain. But now each of them has gained enough insight to provide what you need in either realm. It is not the men bridging your heart. It is your heart bridging them. They are wiser because their love for you. I daresay even happier. Yes, they could subsist without you, but they are better men with you.They are the ones that need you to be complete, to be all they were meant to be. That does not you selfish. It makes you indispensable. "
115 " “Is Jeb alive?” I ask Morpheus.White bleeds into his jeweled markings—the color of indifference. “I didn’t kill him, if that’s what you’re implying.”“You know it’s not. Could you for once just give me a straight answer?” He gazes up at the smoky gray sky. “Your mortal is alive and well. In fact, you will no doubt be seeing him very soon.” Relieved tears spring into my eyes. “So, that means you know where he is?” Is it possible Morpheus took Jeb under his wings after all?Dad stops stuffing the fabric in the bag, as if waiting to hear the answer.Appraising his cane, Morpheus growls. “I do know where he is.” Before I can respond, he lifts his eyes to mine, jewels now bordering on emerald green. “I suppose I should be grateful his name wasn’t the first thing that came out of your mouth.” "
116 " Come down, luv. Don’t be shy. Every wedding ceremony needs witnesses. Why should mine and yours be any different? "
117 " Yes, we will quarrel incessantly and fight for dominance. And yes, there will be ravishes of passion, but there will also be gentle lulls. That is who we are together. "
118 " “You’re wearing your Seduction Hat. Why am I not surprised?” He offers a pirate’s smile. “Did you notice . . . I’ve a new embellishment?” He makes a show of adjusting an owl’s tail feather in the band.I bite back a giggle. “Vegetarian barn owl, I presume?”“Won’t be bothering me again for some time.” “I can guarantee it’s not the only one out there.” He loops my arm through his. “Good. I’m always up for a worthy chase.” "
119 " You always keep me on my toes.” He surprises me by catching me around my waist. “Then I shall have to amend my strategy. My intent was to sweep you off your feet. "
120 " Glory and deprecation—sunlight and shadows—the scuttle of a scorpion and the melody of a nightingale. Sister One’s description of him has never seemed more apt. The breath of the sea and the cannonade of a storm. Can you speak these things with your tongue? "