Victoria

“Fabian didn't flinch under Vlad's harsh analysis. "You have no idea what it's like, existing between worlds," he said, floating closer instead of backing away. "We are neither the living or the undead. It takes years to cope with the fact that even though over ninety-nine percent of everyone who dies crosses over to the next place, you are left behind. Years to accept that everything you worked for in your life is gone, and the shell of memory is all that remains. Years to recover from hopelessly trying to communicate with loved ones, only to fail time and again because no one except the crazed, psychics, the undead, or other ghosts can see you. Years to accept---even if you don't understand why---that vampires and ghouls will treat you worse that they do vermin, even though they are no human than you are."
Fabian advanced again, until his finger disappeared into Vlad's chest. "I'd dare the strongest of your race or any other to say that they've conquered the same hardships my people have overcome. So think again before you question a ghost's worth, or judge those younger ones who are still in the process of becoming tougher than anyone tied to flesh will ever be."
Stunned silence filled the air once Fabian was finished. I wanted to break out in apologies and applause all at the same time, but I was still recovering from my shock at how my mild-mannered, Casperesque friend had just unloaded a truck full of I-dare-yous onto one of the scariest vampires in existence. Damned if I would ever underestimate a ghost's chutzpah again, or question their fortitude. Being noncorporeal clearly didn't equate to lacking a pair of balls.”
― Jeaniene Frost, This Side of the Grave

“I have your gun" I pulled the Ruger out of my bag and gave it to Ranger. He held the gun flat in his hand and looked at it. "It smells like orange blossoms."

"I washed it and sprayed it with air freshener"

"You washed it?"

"I wore rubber gloves and scrubbed it with my vegetable brush. It was.. icky"

He yanked open the driver's side door, pulled me out of the car, and kissed me. The kiss involved tongue, and a hand on my ass, and made my nipples tingle.

"I can always count on you to brighten my day" Ranger said.

Ranger drove off, and I got back into the Buick.

"That was hot," Lula said. "Imagine what he'd do if you washed his Glock

-- After Stephanie threw up on Rangers gun.”
― Janet Evanovich, Notorious Nineteen

“I need you to just trust me for now without knowing all the answers.”
― J.M. Richards, Tall, Dark Streak of Lightning

“Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously, but not themselves.”
― Colin Powell