Sarah :)

“I had never known happiness before her. But if there is to be an after in which she doesn’t exist, I know I never will again.”
― Lauren Roberts, Powerful

“I always wondered how something could shine so bright, even while being swallowed in darkness.”
― Lauren Roberts, Powerful

“And my wife,” I drawled, “where do I even begin with her?” She faced me, the lift of a brow the only warning I’d get. From this close, I noticed the chill bumps littering her neck. The crimson coat she wore did wonders for her figure and nothing to keep her warm. I shimmied off my own and draped it over her shoulders. “What about your wife?” she asked, pulling the edges of my coat tighter around her body. My hand went for her throat, the only section of bare skin available, and slid around the curve of her neck to thread my fingers into her hair. With a gentle pull, I canted her chin, made those hazel eyes focus where I wanted them. “I think I’ve slept a whole three hours since she took the title of Mrs. Attano. Chaos every damn day, almost started another war with the queen of bleeders, has nearly died under my protection twice.” Milla rolled her eyes. “At least I’m not afraid of a box.” I smiled, continuing. “Yet she has managed to charm my evil grandmother, befriend those who were once her enemy, wear the color of my family with the grace of a princess.” My fingers squeezed her neck gently, sucking a gasp from her parted lips. Her pulse was a feathery stroke across my thumb. “They are not all you have, Milla. You have me, and there is no time limit for my friendship. No contract to negotiate those terms. It is freely given for as long as you’ll take it.” “Nico,” she breathed. Never had my name sounded so sensual. I wanted to kiss her again just to know what it would taste like. “I see you, Milla. I see all of you. The good, the better, and the best because there is no bad in you. You are enough. Stop letting those Marcheses make you think you need to do something to earn their approval. There is a house full of Attanos who think you’re wonderful, just the way you are.”
― Alexis L. Menard, House of Bane and Blood

“I’ve made him smile.”
― Lauren Roberts, Powerful