i didnt even notice the television cameras . `` told you it would n't take long , '' he said easily . it is not old and it does not have a stone . we were mostly careful and i was on birth control . her lips tasted salty from the tears she 'd been shedding . i had stayed alive and knew things that could help new guys stay alive . strong fingers grasped my chin gently , lifting my head to meet that blue-gray gaze that never failed to melt me inside and out . 