Nightshade (Nightshade, #1)

by Keri Lake

“Have you learned anything from this, girl?” “Yes, Your Excellency” she said, tipping her chin up. “I learned that I no longer fear the dark.”

“Strong women will always bear the dangerous burden of a weaker man’s pride.”

“I would sooner watch the world and every creature in it burn to the ground than to raise my hand against you, Lustina. You are the only thing that matters to me.”

From this night forward, I am your church. When you are lost, I am your shelter. When you are in pain, I am your elixir.” Gripping her crown, he tipped her head back and stared deeply into her eyes. The intensity of his gaze tickled her stomach. “When you ache for pleasure, I am your mercy.” A look of conviction claimed his expression, as he said, “I will burn down this

pathetic world for you. Only you. You are mine, little fledgling. Always.” “Always.”

Maybe it was my being an Aries, but apologizing was never my strong suit.

“A villain is quite capable of love. It’s only the matter of what he’s willing to sacrifice for that love which separates him from a good man.”

“I would choose an eternity of damnation before ever giving up the opportunity to be buried between your thighs.”

I’ve been dead inside for far too long. But in you, I’ve found reason to breathe again.”

“My love for you will never fade. Not even when this wretched world ceases to exist and the sun dies out to an everlasting darkness. My life, my soul. It is yours eternally.”