Winter's Heat Quotes

“Winter had stripped the garden and grounds to their bones. Dead grass crunched beneath Michael’s boots as he and Ada walked toward the ruin. Easy to see why Christmas would be necessary at this time of year. Warmth and green seemed like far memories. But the holiday could provide a welcome break from the relentless gray and chill.”
― Zoe Archer, Winter's Heat

“But now, she was in Michael’s arms. When they kissed, the world fell away, fluttering off like soot-dusted moths. She knew only him, and the heat they created even in the depths of winter.”
― Zoe Archer, Winter's Heat

“She exhaled, then gave a small smile, and kissed him. They held each other close. Despite the fact that the fire wasn’t lit in this room, leaving it chilled, heat spread through him. Heat he and Ada made together. The world was a cold place, but they could keep each other warm.”
― Zoe Archer, Winter's Heat

“My skirts aren’t a theater curtain for you to peep through,” she hissed. “Impatient for the show to begin,” he answered, unrepentant.”
― Zoe Archer, Winter's Heat

“The need to pull him to her and take his mouth, feel that lean body against hers, throbbed through her. God, she seemed to meet one of the criteria for joining Nemesis—the fact that they were in this haunted chamber, deciding the fate of their villainous prey, and she wanted nothing more than to push him down onto the bed and finish what they’d started the other night—clearly she was out of her mind. Her feelings at that moment must have been transparent. A look of fierce hunger crossed his face, and she could’ve sworn he growled deep in his chest. “I was wrong,” he rumbled. “The danger’s not from the Larkfields, or the other servants. It’s us. We’re like goddamn nitroglycerin.”
“Any way to neutralize nitroglycerin?” She sounded as if she’d run up ten flights of stairs. “Might be. I’m not a scientist.” His eyes darkened. “But I don’t want to get rid of the chemistry between us. We’d create a hell of an explosion.” Heat swept along her body. With the brief tastes she’d had of what they could be together, the pleasure they could give each other, they’d probably level everything around them within miles. And curse her if she didn’t want that.”
― Zoe Archer, Winter's Heat

“This was a hard, unforgiving world. The only way to survive was to beat it at its own game.”
― Zoe Archer, Winter's Heat

“She pulled back. A knot of hot anger burned. “You said you wanted all of me.” She started to slide off his lap. His hand shot out and grasped her wrist. “Still do,” he rumbled. “Said I wouldn’t kiss you until you asked. You haven’t asked.” Anger quickly gave way to a fiery burst of gratification. “I’m not asking.” She moved back to sit astride him. “I’m telling you. Kiss me.”
“Damn right I will,” he growled, and then he cupped the back of her neck with one broad, callused hand, urging her close.”
― Zoe Archer, Winter's Heat

“Women didn’t have the luxury men did—men could take lovers as much as they liked. But women always bore the consequences, either in the form of a baby or a ruined reputation, or both. Even if none of that mattered, Ada knew herself well enough to understand that she couldn’t take a man to her bed just for physical pleasure.”
― Zoe Archer, Winter's Heat

“There was more than getting justice for a wronged woman,” Michael added. “I also met you. One of the most extraordinary experiences in my life.” Nothing had been the same for him since.

“Not much remarkable about that,” she demurred.

“You sought out Nemesis not for yourself, but for your friend. It was bloody amazing what you did during that job. When Nemesis needed your help again, you answered the call. Just tonight, you’d been afraid but willing to make the climb down the side of Covington Hall. Damned extraordinary.” Thank God he’d been too distracted by climbing to think about the fact that she’d had her arms and legs wrapped around him, her body tight against his.

A corner of her mouth turned up. “Oh, when you put it like that, maybe I am rather special.”

“Sodding right.” A silence fell. But he wasn’t willing to let it linger”
― Zoe Archer, Winter's Heat

“All fine and good,” she whispered, after ensuring they were alone, “but how are we supposed to leave the house? Unlike you, I’m not part spider.” “But the spider is strong, and more than happy to carry a ladybug on his back on his way down.” She stared at him. “Now I know you’re mad. You can’t possibly carry me and climb down the building at the same time.” “I can, and I will.” He sounded utterly confident. “All you need to do is hold tight. Unless,” he added, “you want me to search the ruin on my own.” “Just tell me what to do,” she answered.”
― Zoe Archer, Winter's Heat

“The window slid open. A blast of cold air gusted in. Ada stepped back, alarmed, as a figure climbed through the window, like some predatory animal or mythical creature. The kind of being that spirited young maidens from their beds to live forever in an underworld kingdom.”
― Zoe Archer, Winter's Heat

“We’re adaptable, not blunderers. Every step has its questions, its changes. And we’ve got to be ready to face all of it. Think on our feet. The way we get it done doesn’t matter. It’s the end result that counts, and Nemesis doesn’t stop until the job’s finished.” “You’re all a bit mad, aren’t you?” Surprisingly, this was said with a hint of amusement. “Nobody said getting revenge against powerful toffs was a task for the sane.” He chuckled. “Maybe that’s why I jumped at the chance to be a part of it.”

“Then perhaps I’m a bit mad, too,” she said in a confiding whisper. “Because I’m rather liking this vengeance business.” He could hear her smile, and picture it in his mind. He gripped the shelf behind him to keep from reaching for her. Pulling her close. Yet he was a man of his word. He wouldn’t kiss her again until she asked. But he hoped like hell that she did ask.”
― Zoe Archer, Winter's Heat