“A soft moan escapes me, making him smile even more. He's too good at this.”

“I can't give up on anyone either, even someone who's burned every bridge like Drake Schultz. Getting him to deal with his insecurities and whatever it is he's trying to hide. It's this never-ending cycle of self-hatred that I have to address before I can even think about doing anything else with him. I have to put him to the test. Just how far gone is he? How good of a liar has he become?”

“So you're saying your kissing me back was just a pity thing? Because it sure didn't feel that way to me.”

“Stiff, huh? I think seeing you roll around on the floor in that tight little outfit accomplished that.”

“You saw where I come from. No matter what I do or how I act, I'll always be the scum of the earth. I am who I am, and there's nothing you or anybody else can do to change that.”

“Locks or no locks, you're not going to cage me in.”

“That's just it. What if I can't protect you? I'll be outnumbered, outgunned. What if I can't get you out of there?”

“She's an adversary, but undeniably an equal. Maybe she can bring me back from the beyond. If anyone can do it, I'm beginning to realize it could be her. Like she said, all I have to do is try.”

“I've lied all my life. I'm just now learning how to tell the truth, and I'm not going to start playing games again, especially not with you.”

“Movement means freedom. That's what life's all about.”

“I’m frozen in place as his eyes rake over me.”