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Cliff's Descent

Book by Dianne Duvall · 4 quotes · Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy

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Cliff's Descent Quotes

“Cliff looked around for the woman he’d seen helping the others and saw no sign of her. Swearing, he tore through the wreckage in search of her. An explosion took out more of the ceiling. Rubble rained down on the other side of the pile he dug through. “Come on,” he whispered. “Where are you?” A moan reached his ears, followed by a cough. Leaping toward it, he grabbed slabs of concrete and flooring and tossed them aside, reducing the pile until he found her. Dust coated her like ash, powdering her braid and turning her skin a grayish white. She blinked up at him. Her forehead glistened with blood that oozed from a gash on one side. “It’s okay,” he told her. “I’m here to help. Don’t be afraid.” Her chin dipped in a brief nod. Another explosion hit what was left of the ground floor. Cliff swiftly leaned over to shield her as flaming bits rained down around them. As soon as it stopped, he knelt beside her. “Y-Your eyes are glowing.” “It’s okay. Don’t be afraid. I just want to help. Are you injured?” He swept his hands over her in a quick, impersonal search for injuries, concerned by the splotches of blood that marred her clothing. “Th-there’s a woman,” she said. “Sadie. Sh-she’s old. She can’t make it down the stairs.” “I already got her to safety. Are you Emma?” Surprise lit her dark brown eyes as she nodded. “I think your arm is broken, Emma. I need to bind it.” Tearing a strip of cloth from his T-shirt, he wrapped it around a deep gash on her arm. Then he tore another and—preternaturally fast—fashioned a sling. She moaned. “Sorry,” he said, knowing every movement caused her pain. Nodding, she gritted her teeth. Her lips pressed tightly together as he lifted her into his arms, spawning even more pain. “I’m sorry,” he said again as he dashed over to the elevator shaft. She looped her free arm around his neck and looked over his shoulder. Her hold tightened. “Mercenaries,” she whispered in his ear, her warm breath sending a shiver through him. “It’s okay,” he said. “Don’t be afraid. I’ll keep you safe.”

“Whatever is going on up there”—Emma tapped his forehead—“will only ever hurt me if it drives you to harm yourself.” Arching a brow, she gave him a stern look. “And if that ever happens, I’m telling you right now that I’m going to paddle your ass and give those voices a stern talking to.” Relieved that she wasn’t angry, Cliff drew her into a tight hug and buried his face in her hair. “Damn, I love you.” “I love you, too.” Snuggling into him, she released a contented sigh. “But I’m dead serious about paddling your ass.” Cliff laughed.”

“Cliff? What is it?” A huge smile dawned. “The voices.” “What about them?” “They’re gone.” Confusion rose. “I thought hunting quieted the voices.” He shook his head. “Hunting just lowers the volume, which really helps. But you…” He stroked her face, the love and happiness that shone in his eyes piercing her heart. “You eradicated them, Emma. They’re completely quiet now.” And she’d thought she couldn’t love him more. “Wow,” she teased. “I must really be good in bed.” He barked out a laugh. “You are. You definitely are.”