We can learn from history, but we can also deceive ourselves when we selectively take evidence from the past to justify what we have already made up our minds to do.

The fiery tickle of outrage burned up her throat. “How the hell would you know that when you never gave me a chance?”Something dark and scorching flickered behind his eyes. “Because no other girl has ever made me want to forget all my own rules for them.

His eyes were twin flakes of ember floating into the night from a roaring inferno. “I won’t let anything happen to you. No matter what I have to do, I will keep you safe.

I don't know what you're getting yourself into,' said Majid, 'but I know I don't like it. Some things in Venice are pure poison.' Majid's eyes looked like they could bore through a stone wall. 'If someone has put you on a demon's tracks, you'd better make sure the demon doesn't find you first.'What's that supposed to mean,' asked Mathias.'It means behind every hand stained with blood there's another, and that one stays clean.' Majid leaned in close, lowering his voice to a whisper. 'What I'm saying is that behind a demon, there's always someone holding the creature on a leash.

A soft mist blew around them. Raindrops glistened in his hair, shimmering under the pale glow of the light post. His eyes were shadowed beneath wispy fringes, but the silver in them glinted like pools of liquid mercury. Her breath caught. It must have made a sound because his fingers tightened. His shaky exhale whispered across her face.“This,” he whispered so quietly she almost didn’t hear him. “Is why you are so bad for me.