From Protector of the Grey House:
They were silent as Natalia digested all he said. Then, “So I suppose you did throw her in for asking too many questions.”
Vincent gave a short humorless laugh as she turned to face him.
“You loved her?”
Vincent wrapped his arms around Natalia again, and held her as close as he could. “Yes.”
“If I betray you, will I suffer the same fate?”
He caressed her cheek with his thumb as he stared deep into her eyes. “Are your feelings for me real, Natalia? Or a ruse to blind me to a greater scheme? I believe they are real. Nine years is a long time to be with anyone, human or vampire.”
Cat Stark 