“But you will go with a shield fused to your skin and hope that your trustee knows how to remove it or that you find someone who has the ability and knowledge to undo your second skin because I will not sleep at night knowing you’re out there traipsing around with the vulnerability of pregnancy and nothing to protect it.”

“I was given specific instructions to retain from the use of my magic because though they are not in the same sac, they are tied. His magic is the only reason she is not just as unwell.”

“When did we decide this is what we were? Liars.”

“I felt faint, heaved, and then cradled our pup while I envisioned his fingers and tongue between my legs because I fucking miss it.”

“Cinderelly on my sofa, half-dressed in only my clothes, eating pretzels from a bowl seated atop the sexiest little belly with my infant inside, damp curls, and pink cheeks from bathing anytime she wants because her obligations are slim.”

“You will eat, and if you should lose the contents of your stomach after, I will call upon Nikolai to spoonfeed it to you a second time.”

“Not without the leathers, and you’re forbidden from channeling my magic, so I suggest you remain within the grove, or you will be a leathered Witch in captivity without a drop of magic to spare.”

“If I removed your leather, I’m certain there would be other traces of evidence on all the places my eyes touched because I felt it, too. Show-me.”

“I’m no fool, Hermione. As much as you wish it of me, I could tell you every touch, down to the very second, and how long each one lingered.”

“The fog is designed to pinpoint betrayal in those who fail to follow orders.”

“Where is my wife? What need would I have to house another woman on my estate when I’ve spent the better part of my years in forgiving and forgetting a failed engagement in the act of persuasion?”

“I should punish you, touch you raw, remove the glamour on your skin, and let you feel how much it hurts to be loved by me.”

“Is Anore Kole’s daughter?”

“Your ass better be the winner.”