Joy

“Take off your shirt," I said, sitting up and pulling at the hem of the garment.

"Why?" he asked, but sat up and obliged. I knelt in front of him, admiring his naked body.

"Because I want to look at you," I said. He was beautifully made, with long, graceful bones and flat muscles that flowed smoothly from the curves of chest and shoulder to the slight concavities of belly and thigh. He raised his eyebrows.

"Well then, fair's fair. Take off yours, then." He reached out and helped me squirm out of the wrinkled chemise, pushing it down over my hips. Once it was off, he held me by the waist, studying me with intense interest. I grew almost embarrassed as he looked me over.

"Haven't you ever seen a naked woman before?" I asked.

"Aye, but not one so close." His face broke into a broad grin. "And not one that's mine.”
― Diana Gabaldon, Outlander

“It's hard not to hate. People, things, institutions. When they break your spirit and take pleasure in watching you bleed... hate is the only feeling that makes sense. But I know what hate does to a man. Tears him apart. Turns him into something he's not. Something he promised
himself he'd never become.”
― Jax Teller

“I always wake when you do, Sassenach; I sleep ill without ye by my side.”
― Diana Gabaldon, The Fiery Cross

“- Do you wanna be with me or not?
- I just don't know if I will be able to give you everything you need right now.
- And what is it you think I need? Love? Only men need to be loved, sweetheart. Women need to be wanted.”
― Gemma Teller Morrow