145 Adrian Ivashkov Quotes Analyzed

Adrian Ivashkov, a beloved character from Richelle Mead's "Vampire Academy" and "Bloodlines" series, has captivated readers with his charm, wit, and complex personality. Known for his clever one-liners and deep insights masked by a carefree exterior, Adrian offers a unique perspective that resonates with fans around the world. In this blog post, we delve into a handpicked selection of 145 of his most memorable quotes, analyzing the nuances and wisdom hidden within his words. Join us on an exploration of Adrian's thoughts, as we uncover the layers that make him one of the most unforgettable characters in modern fantasy literature.

1. “I'm like a fine wine. I get better with age. The best is yet to come.” - Richelle Mead

2. “Look, Rose. You don't have to keep up with the hard-to-get thing. You already got me.” - Richelle Mead

3. “Who is he?""An idiot, said Adrian. "Makes me look like an upstanding member of society.” - Richelle Mead

4. “From behind Lissa, I heard Christian say, "Worst. Timing. Ever." Adrian studied Lissa and then looked at Christain sprawling on the bed on the far side of the suite. "Huh," Adrian said, letting himself in. "So that's how you're going to fix the family problem. Little Dragomirs. Good idea." Christian sat up and strolled toward them. "Yeah, that's exactly it. You're interrupting official Council business.” - Richelle Mead

5. “Rose, I'm an addict with no work ethic who is likely going to go insane. I'm not like you. I'm not a super-hero.""Not yet," I said.” - Richelle Mead

6. “Adrian opened his mouth, undoubtedly ready with some inappropriate and mocking comment. Lissa gave him a sharp headshake that kept him quiet. "Aren't there any, I don't know, sleeveless options?"The saleswoman's eyes widened. "No one has ever worn straps to a funeral. It wouldn't be right.""What about shorts?" asked Adrian. "Are they okay if they're with a tie? Because that's what I was gonna go with."The woman looked horrified.” - Richelle Mead

7. “Boy is he pissed," said Adrian."Do you blame him?" asked Christian. "He just lost memerbship in the evil mastermind club. His brilliant plan fell apart, and now his daughter's missing when he thought she was somewhere safe."Adrian stayed pointedly silent.” - Richelle Mead

8. “You said you were a victim. That's why...that's why ultimately, you and I aren't matched for each other. In spite of everything that's happened, I've never though of myself that way. Being a victim means you're powerless. That you won't take action. Always...always I've done something to fight for myself...for others. No matter what.” - Richelle Mead

9. “I loved you!" he yelled. He jumped up out of his chair so quickly I never saw it coming. "I loved you, and you destroyed me. You took my heart and ripped it up.” - Richelle Mead

10. “This was the last thing I expected. You destroy my life and then feed me some inspiratonal philosophy.” - Richelle Mead

11. “I need you,ʺ said Lissa.ʺI hear that from women a lot,ʺ said Adrian.” - Richelle Mead

12. “Yeah, that’s exactly what I want. To help my girlfriend get her old boyfriend back.” - Richelle Mead

13. “What's going on?' he asked, looking from face to face. 'I was having a good dream.''I need you,' said Lissa.'I hear that from women a lot,' said Adrian.Christian made a gagging sound, but the faintest glimmer of a smile crossed Eddie's lips, despite his otherwise tough guardian-stance.” - Richelle Mead

14. “Avery worries about her, too, so Lissa's in good hands. Avery's pretty amazing."I gave him a scathing look. "Amazing? Do you like her or something?" I hadn't forgotten Avery's comment about leaving the door unlocked for him. "Of course I like her. She's a great person.""No, I mean like. Not like.""Oh, I see," he said, rolling his eyes. "We're dealing with elementary school definitions of 'like'.” - Richelle Mead

15. “Hey, he's awesome. A little unstable, but awesome. We got along great." Adrian opened the door to the building we were seeking. "And he's a badass in his way too. I mean, any other guy who wore scarves like that? He'd be laughed out of this school. Not Abe. He'd beat someone almost as badly as you would. In fact..." Adrian's voice turned nervous. I gave him a surprised look."In fact what?""Well...Abe said he liked me. But he also made it clear what he'd do to me if I ever hurt you or did anything bad." Adrian grimaced. "In fact, he described what he'd do in very graphic detail. Then, just like that, he switched to some random, happy topic. I like the guy, but he's scary.” - Richelle Mead

16. “You forget: I have an addictive personality. I'm addicted to you. Somehow I think you could do all sorts of bad things to me, and I'd still come back to you. Just keep things honest, okay? Tell me what you're feeling. If you're feeling something for Dimitri that's confusing you, tell me. We'll work it out.” - Richelle Mead

17. “Dreams, dreams. I walk them; I live them. I delude myself with them. It's a wonder I can spot reality anymore.” - Richelle Mead

18. “ARE YOU CRAZY?" I ASKED. He gave me the same wordless look he always did when I asked that question.” - Richelle Mead

19. “You, know I'm the Queen's favorite great nephew, Well, yeah I'm her only great nephew, but that's not important, I'd still be her favorite...” - Richelle Mead

20. “Do you go see her?" "No," I said, refusing to acknowledge that I'd just seen Lissa last night. "That's not my life anymore." "Right. Your life is all about dangerous vigilante missions." "You wouldn't understand anything that isn't drinking, smoking, or womanizing." He shook his head. "You're the only one I want, Rose.""Well, you can keep feeling that way, but you're going to have to keep waiting." "Much longer?" He asked me."I don't know." Hope blossomed on Adrian's face. "That's the most optimistic thing you've told me so far.” - Richelle Mead

21. “Hey, have you ever heard of the Alchemists? " "Sure, " he said."Of course you have. " "Why? Did you run into them? " "Kind of. " "What'd you do? " "Why do you think I did anything? " He laughed. "Alchemists only show up when trouble happens, and you bring trouble wherever you go. Be careful, though. They're religious nuts." "That's kind of extreme," I said. "Just don't let them convert you." He winked. "I like you being the sinner you are.” - Richelle Mead

22. “So, explain this," Avery said, "You just, what, hang around the Academy all day? Are you trying to redo your high school experience?" "Nothing to redo," said Adrian loftily. "I totally ruled my high school. I was worshiped and adored—not that that should come as a shock." Beside him, Christian nearly choked on his food. "So. . .You're trying to relive your glory days. It's all gone downhill since then, huh?" "No way," said Adrian. "I'm like a fine wine. I get better with age. The best is yet to come.""Seems like it'd get old after a while," said Avery, "I'm certainly bored, and I even spend part of the day helping my dad." "Adrian sleeps most of the day," noted Lissa, "So he doesn't actually have to worry about finding things to do." "Hey, I spend a good portion of my time helping you unravel the mysteries of spirit," Adrian reminded her. "And," he added, "I can visit people in their dreams."Christian held up a hand. "Stop. I can feel there's a comment coming on about how women already dream about you. I just ate, you know." "I wasn't going to go there," said Adrian. But he kind of looked like he wished he'd thought of the joke first.” - Richelle Mead

23. “Hey, Ivashkov! Open up. " Avery argued. She kept pounding on the door and yelling, and finally, Adrian answered. His hair stuck up at odd angles, and he had dark circles under his eyes. He'd drunk twice as much as Lissa last night. "What . . . ?" He blinked. "Shouldn't you guys be in class? Oh God. I didn't sleep that much, did I? " "Let us in, " said Avery, pushing past. "We've got refugees from a fire here. " She flounced onto his couch, making herself at home while he continued staring. Lissa and Christian joined her. "Avery sprang the fire alarm, " explained Lissa. "Nice work, " said Adrian, collapsing into a fluffy chair. "But why'd you have to come here? Is this the only place that's not burning down? " Avery batted her eyelashes at him. "Aren't you happy to see us? " He eyed her speculatively for a moment. "Always happy to see you. ” - Richelle Mead

24. “Whoa." Adrian leapt up and rushed to Jill's side. "You need to let this go. What, are you going to start a fight with some girl?" Reed turned his glare on Adrian. "Stay out of this." "The hell I will! You're crazy." If anyone had asked me to make up a list of people most likely to risk a fight in defense of a lady's honor, Adrian Ivashkov would have been low on that list. Yet there he stood, face hard and hand sitting protectively on Jill's shoulder. I was in awe. And impressed.” - Richelle Mead

25. “It was with some surprise that I saw that the person waiting for me at the airport's exit was Adrian. A grin spread over my face, and I picked up the pace. I threw my arms around him, astonishing both of us. "I have never been happier to see you in my life," I said. He squeezed me tightly and then let me go, regarding me admiringly. "The dreams never do justice to real life, little dhampir. You look amazing.""And you look . . ." I studied him. He was dressed as nicely as always. His dark brown hair had that crafted messiness he liked, but his face—ah, well. As I'd noted before, Simon had gotten a few good punches on him. One of Adrian's eyes was swollen and ringed with bruises. Nonetheless, thinking about him and everything he'd done . . . Well, none of the flaws mattered. " . . . Gorgeous." "Liar," he said."Couldn't Lissa have healed that black eye away?" "It's a badge of honor. Makes me seem manly.” - Richelle Mead

26. “Your mom seems like someone who gets her way a lot." Adrian cast a covert look to where Lissa and my mom stood talking across the room. He lowered his voice. "It must run in the family. In fact, maybe I should get her help on something." "Getting a hold of illegal cigarettes?" "Asking her daughter out." I nearly dropped the plate I held. "You've asked me out tons of times." "Not really. I've made inappropriate suggestions and frequently pushed for nudity. But I've never asked you out on a real date. And, if memory serves, you did say you'd give me a fair chance once I let you clean out my trust fund." "I didn't clean it out," I scoffed.” - Richelle Mead

27. “Make me an offer, " I said at last. "Write it up, and give me a point-by-point outline of why you're a good would-be suitor. " He started to laugh, then saw my face. "Seriously? That's like homework. There's a reason I'm not in college. " I snapped my fingers. "Get to it, Ivashkov. I want to see you put in a good day's work. " I expected a joke or a brush-off until later, but instead, he said, "Okay. " "Okay?" "Yep. I'm going to go back to my room right now to start drafting my assignment. " I stared incredulously as he reached for his coat. I had never seen Adrian move that fast when any kind of labor was involved. Oh no. What had I gotten myself into?” - Richelle Mead

28. “Sitting beside Abe was Adrian Ivashkov--my more-or-less boyfriend. Adrian was a royal Moroi--and another spirit user like Lissa. He'd been crazy about me (and often just crazy) ever since we first met” - Richelle Mead

29. “ʺThe contractʹs null and void, by the way.ʺ” - Richelle Mead

30. “I know how devastated you must be to miss me, but leave a message, and I'll try to ease your agony” - Richelle Mead

31. “You can't save everyone, though God knows you try.” - Richelle Mead

32. “Don't worry, little dhampir. You might be surrounded by clouds, but you'll always be like sunshine to me.” - Richelle Mead

33. “You've asked me out tons of times.""Not really. I've made inappropriate suggestions and frequently pushed for nudity. But I've never asked you out on a real date.” - Richelle Mead

34. “I nearly dropped the plate I held. "You've asked me out tons of times.""Not really. I've made inapproprite suggestions and frequently pushed for nudity. But I've never asked you out on a real date. And, if memory serves, you did say you'd give me a fair chance once I let you clean out my trust fund.""I didn't clean it out," I scoffed.” - Richelle Mead

35. “Adrian rolled his eyes. "I'm kind of surprised to find you lecturing about underage girls.” - Richelle Mead

36. “Right. As opposed to your cradle-robbing mentor. I don't really see you making much progress with him.” - Richelle Mead

37. “Is Adrian here?”“Who?”“Adrian. Tall. Brown hair. Green eyes.”She frowned. “Do you mean Jet?”“I … I’m not sure. Does he smoke like a chimney?”The girl nodded sagely. “Yup. You must mean Jet.” - Richelle Mead

38. “You’re killing me here, Sage!”“I’m not doing anything.”“Exactly my point.” - Richelle Mead

39. “Hey, a guy can hope. I mean, it’s not impossible that acar full of scantily clad sorority girls might break downoutside and need my help.”“That’s true,” I said. “Maybe I can put a sign out front thatsays, ‘ATTENTION ALL GIRLS: FREE HELP HERE.’”“‘ATTENTION ALL HOT GIRLS,’” he corrected,straightening up.“Right,” I said, trying not to roll my eyes. “That’s animportant distinction.”He pointed at me with the pool stick. “Speaking of hot, Ilike that uniform.”This time, I did roll my eyes.” - Richelle Mead

40. “Micah showed up shortly thereafter and was happy to meet our other “brother.” He shook Adrian’s hand and smiled. “Now I see some family resemblance. I was starting to wonder if Jill was adopted, but you two kind of look like each other.”“So does our mailman back in North Dakota,” said Adrian.“South,” I corrected. Fortunately, Micah didn’t seem to think there was anything weird about the slip.“Right,” said Adrian. He studied Micah thoughtfully. “There’s something familiar about you. Have we met?”Micah shook his head. “I’ve never been to South Dakota.”I was pretty sure I heard Adrian murmur, “That makes two of us.” - Richelle Mead

41. “Being charming is my hobby.” - Richelle Mead

42. “Yeah? Can you draw a skeleton riding a motorcycle with flames coming out of it? And I want a pirate hat on the skeleton. And a parrot on his shoulder. A skeleton parrot. Or maybe a ninja skeleton parrot? No, that would be overkill. But it'd be cool if the biker skeleton could be shooting some ninja throwing stars. That are on fire.” - Richelle Mead

43. “Takes a lot of tries before you hit perfection." He paused to reconsider that. "Well, except for my parents. They got it on the first try." (Adrian)” - Richelle Mead

44. “Sorry, Sage. Last I checked, you aren’t an expert insocial matters...""At least I take action. You? You let the world go bywithout you. You have no spine. You don’t fight back."“You don’t know the first thing about me, Adrian Ivashkov. I fight back plenty.” - Richelle Mead

45. “I just rely on natural talent," said Adrian, strolling up to the start of the Dragon's Lair. "When you have such a wealth of it to draw from, the danger comes from having too much.” - Richelle Mead

46. “Adrian gave me a look that said I was wasting his time. "Because Jet sounds badass.” - Richelle Mead

47. “Mmm. O positive, my favorite.” - Richelle Mead

48. “Jailbait," he declared, leaping up. "You're a saint. A goddess, even.” - Richelle Mead

49. “No, thank you," said Adrian. "These hands don't sully themselves with fighting.” - Richelle Mead

50. “Rose and Dimitri moved almost as one entity, like a matched pair of wolfes or lions, both wary and deadly as they studied their surroundings, taking no detail or person for granted.” - Richelle Mead

51. “Happy Birthday."Adrian came to a sudden halt. The words were soft and small, spoken tentatively, but easily discerned by vampire ears. Slowly, he turned around and found Jill Mastrano standing shyly before him.” - Richelle Mead

52. “My god, Sage. Your eyes. How have I never noticed them? When you stand in the light. They're amazing... like molten gold. I could paint those... They're beautiful. You're beautiful.” - Richelle Mead

53. “Adrian, I'm on a date. Why are you here? On my car?” - Richelle Mead

54. “While I'm fine with you two dating and being happy, please try not to break his heart too much when the time comes.” - Richelle Mead

55. “Mmm. O positive, my favorite.” “Is it? I thought it was a cabernet sauvignon.” “So it is,” said Adrian, straight-faced. “My mistake.” - Richelle Mead

56. “They’re waiting for you. Go on in.” Adrian leaned close to Keith’s ear and spoke in an ominous voice. “If.You.Dare.” He poked Keith’s shoulder and gave a "Muhahaha” kind of monster laugh.” - Richelle Mead

57. “You aren't going to go crazy," I said firmly. "You're stronger than you think. The next time you feel that way, find something to focus on, to remind you of who are." "Like what? Got some magic object in mind?" "Doesn't have to be magic," I said. I racked my brain. "Here." I unfastened the golden cross necklace. "This has always been good for me. Maybe it'll help you." I set it in his hand, but he caught hold of mine before I could pull back” - Richelle Mead

58. “The greatest changes in history have come when people were able to shake off what others told them to do.” - Richelle Mead

59. “I find prostitutes vastly important.” - Richelle Mead

60. “Slushes. Do you know how much I love those? Cherry, especially.” - Richelle Mead

61. “He shook his head. “No. Because there's no one else out there who understands you like I do.”I waited for more. “That's it? You're not going to elaborate on what that means?”Those green eyes held me. “I don't think I need to.” - Richelle Mead

62. “Really, Sage? A date?”I sighed. “Yes, Adrian. A date.”“A real date. Not, like, doing homework together,” he added. “I mean like where you go out to a movie or something. And a movie that’s not part of a school assignment. Or about something boring.”“A real date.” - Richelle Mead

63. “I wrote back with a quick message: How do you know about 24601? I refuse to believe you read the book. You saw the musical, right?I hit send and received a response back from him almost immediately.SparkNotes.” - Richelle Mead

64. “I was astonished to see Adrian watching me, a look of contentment on his face. His eyes seemed to study my every feature. Seeing me notice him, he immediately looked away. His usual smirky expression replaced by a dreamy one. “The mechanic will wait,” he said. “Yeah, but I’m supposed to meet Brayden soon, I’ll be-” That’s when I got a good look at Adrian. “What have you done? Look at you! You shouldn’t be out here.” “It’s not that bad.” He was lying, and we both knew it.“Come on, we have to get you out of here before you get worse. What were you thinking?” His expression was astonishingly nonchalant for someone who looked like he would pass out. “It was worth it. You looked…happy” - Richelle Mead

65. “Adrian looked away from me and down to where my hand covered his. I blushed and pulled away. “Sorry” I’d probably freaked him out” - Richelle Mead

66. “Nothing he said could change what I think of you. I've had my mind made up about you for a long time... and it's all good.” - Richelle Mead

67. “You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen walking this earth. You have no clue of how beautiful you are or how brightly you shine.” - Richelle Mead

68. “I wanted someone a little more approachable," I explained."What, like Captain McTropicalShorts back there? Where on earth did you find him anyway?""Just did an Internet search." Feeling a need to defend my research, I added, "He comes highly recommended.""By who? Long John Silver?” - Richelle Mead

69. “Couldn't Lissa have healed that black eye away?""Its a badge of honor. Makes me seem manly.” - Richelle Mead

70. “Well, you can think what you want, so long as you remember - no matter how ordinary things seem between us - I'm still here, still in love with you, and care about you more than any other guy, evil or otherwise, ever will.” - Richelle Mead

71. “I don't care if you say we can't be together. I don't care if you think I'm the most evil, unnatural creature walking on earth. You can think whatever you want, go whatever you want. I'm going to just go on loving you, even if it's hopeless.” - Richelle Mead

72. “So far I’m not seeing a lot of difference between me and a carnival con-man.” - Richelle Mead

73. “Why not see which is brighter: your aura or the sun?” - Richelle Mead

74. “We all screw up. Everyone makes mistakes. That’s what she did. It was bad judgment, that’s all. You don’t cut off the people you love for mistakes like that.” - Richelle Mead

75. “The ghost of a smile flickered across his lips. ‘You’re always the voice of reason. Just try listening to yourself once in a while.” - Richelle Mead

76. “Rose once told me about this poem she’d read. There was this line, ‘If your eyes weren’t open, you wouldn’t know the difference between dreaming and waking.’ You know what I’m afraid of? That someday, even with my eyes open, I still won’t know.” - Richelle Mead

77. “Speaking of Sonya...I was thinking of something earlier. Something Wolfe said.""Why, Adrian. Were you paying attention after all?""Don't start,Sage," he warned.(p 211)” - Richelle Mead

78. “I know how you guys feel about us. I'm not stupid, and believe me, I've tried to get you out of my head. But there isn't enough liquor or art or any other distraction in the world to do it. I had to stop going to Wolfe's because it was too hard being that close to you, even if it was all just pretend fighting. I couldn't stand the touching. It was agonizing because it meant something to me－and I knew it meant nothing to you. I kept telling myself to stay away altogether, and then I'd find excuses… like the car… anything to be around you again.” - Richelle Mead

79. “Of course I can climb it. I'm practically a progidy in PE," I pointed out. "The question is, can you, Mr Smoker?” - Richelle Mead

80. “Piece of Heaven?" "No, that other place I'm going to go to for thinking what I'm thinking.” - Richelle Mead

81. “Besides, when not hard at work with this research, I'm actually conducting a side experiment on how cigarettes and gin increase charisma. As you might guess, the results are looking very promising.” - Richelle Mead

82. “If you went twenty-four hours without cigarettes, I'd drink a can of pop. Regular pop. The whole can."Isaw the glimmer of Adrian's earlier smile returning. "You would not.""I totally would." "Half a can would put you into a coma." Sonya frowned. "Are you diabetic?" she asked me. "No," said Adrian, "but Sage is convinced one extraneous calorie will make her go from super skinny to just regular skinny. Tragedy.""Hey," I said. "You think it’d be a tragedy to go an hour without a cigarette." "Don’t question my steel resolve, Sage. I went without one for two hours today.""Show me twenty-four, and then I’ll be impressed."He gave me a look of mock surprise. "You mean you aren’t already? And here I thought you were dazzled from the moment you met me.” - Richelle Mead

83. “We're going on a, um, windmill tour later this week."If I'd wanted to shut them all up, I'd definitely succeeded. They all looked stunned.Adrian spoke first. "I'm going to assume that means he's flying you to Amsterdam on his private jet. If so, I'd like to come along. But not for the windmills.” - Richelle Mead

84. “He almosted smiled. "There you go again. Why? Why do yo keep helping me?"There were a million answers on my lips, everything from It's the right thing to do to I don't know. Instead, I said, "Because I want to.” - Richelle Mead

85. “Sage?" Adrian lightly touched my arm, and I jumped at the feel of his fingertips against my skin. "You okay?""I don't know," I said softly. "I just thought of something crazy.""Welcome to my world.” - Richelle Mead

86. “You are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen walking this earth.” - Michelle Mead

87. “He tilted his head to the side, still watching me in that same, disconcerting way. “Some things are true, drunk or sober. You should know that. You deal in facts all the time.”“Yeah, but this isn’t—” I couldn’t argue with him looking at me like that. “I have to go. Wait… you didn’t take the cross.” I held it out to him. He shook his head. “Keep it. I think I’ve got something else to help center my life.” - Richelle Mead

88. “Maybe everyone else thinks your aversion to food is cute- but not me. I've watched you watch Jill. Here's some tough love: you will never, ever have her body. Ever. It's impossible. She's Moroi. You're human. That's biology. You have a great one, one that most humans would kill for- and you'd look even better if you put on a little weight. Five pounds would be a good start. Hide the ribs. Get a bigger bra size” - Richelle Mead

89. “We need to get inside. I think my hair gel’s frozen.” - Richelle Mead

90. “I’m not dangerous,” I breathed.He brought his face toward mine. “You are to me.”And somehow, against all reason, we were kissing.” - Richelle Mead

91. “But each time you use spirit, you're more likely to go crazy.”“Already crazy about you, Sage.” - Richelle Mead

92. “All the while, my mind reeled with what had happened.I have a hickey. I let Adrian Ivashkov give me a hickey.” - Richelle Mead

93. “But what are loyalty and caring really worth?""To me? Everything.” - Richelle Mead

94. “The tension between us kicked up a notch, and I realized that along with our bodies being nearer, so were our lips.” - Richelle Mead

95. “What am I supposed to do with a wool coat? Especially here in Palm Springs?”“Sleep with it,” he suggested. “Think of me.” - Richelle Mead

96. “Adrian Ivashkov wasn’t easy to surprise, but I surprised him then when I brought his mouth toward mine. I kissed him, and for a moment, he was too stunned to respond. That lasted for, oh, about a second. Then the intensity I’d come to know so well in him returned. He pushed me backward, lifting me so that I sat at the table. The tablecloth bunched up, knocking over some of the glasses. I heard what sounded like a china plate crash against the floor.Whatever logic and reason I normally possessed had melted away. There was nothing but flesh and fire left, and I wasn’t going to lie to myself—at least not tonight.” - Richelle Mead

97. “Oh... Adrian, I've got one more favor to ask you. A big one." "Fondue?" he asked hopefully.” - Richelle Mead

98. “Wow,” said Adrian. He sat down on the bed and tested its bounciness, giving it a nod of approval. “This is amazing. What do you think, buttercup?”“I have no words,” I said honestly.He patted the spot beside him. “Want to try it out?” - Richelle Mead

99. “I know I’m not supposed to say this, but I love you.” - Richelle Mead

100. “Because I’ve got a lot more terms of endearment to use. Honey pie. Sugarplum. Bread pudding."“Why are they all high-calorie foods?” - Richelle Mead

101. “Historically inaccurate.' Adrian gestured at me with his other hand, the one not on my shoulder. "Who the hell looks at you and says 'historically inaccurate'?” - Richelle Mead

102. “Under normal circumstances, you inviting me to the bedroom would be the highlight of my day.” - Richelle Mead

103. “I wanted him. I arched my back, fully aware of how vulnerable that made me and that I was giving him an invitation. He accepted it and laid me back against the table, bringing his body down on top of mine. That crushing kiss of his moved from my mouth to the nape of my neck. He pushed down the edge of my dress and the bra strap underneath, exposing my shoulder and giving his lips more skin to conquer.” - Richelle Mead

104. “He’d moved toward me again. His hands released mine and moved to my waist, and I noticed I wasn’t the only one breathing heavily. He pulled me to him, bringing our bodies together. The world was all heat and electricity, thick with tension that was only one spark away from exploding around us. I was balancing on another precipice, which wasn’t easy to do in heels. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and this time I was the one who drew him closer.” - Richelle Mead

105. “I’m not a warrior or a goddess,” I said at last.Adrian leaned closer. “As far as I’m concerned, you’re both.” - Richelle Mead

106. “Something clenched in my chest, and for a moment, the whole world narrowed down to the green of his eyes.” - Richelle Mead

107. “My nails dug into his back, and he trailed his lips down the edge of my chin, down the center of my neck. He kept going until he reached the bottom of the dress’s V-neck. I let out a small gasp, and he kissed all around the neckline, just enough to tease.” - Richelle Mead

108. “So many details came into focus. The shape of his lips, the line of his neck. “I’m not dangerous,” I breathed. He brought his face toward mine. “You are to me.” And somehow, against all reason, we were kissing. I closed my eyes, and the world around me faded.” - Richelle Mead

109. “But when I touch you, your aura … it smolders. The colors deepen, it burns more intensely, the purple increases. Why? Why, Sydney?” He used that hand to pull me closer. “Why do you react that way if I don’t mean anything to you?” There was a desperation in his voice, and it was legitimate.” - Richelle Mead

110. “I wasn’t aware of just how close he’d moved to me until now. So many details came into focus. The shape of his lips, the line of his neck. “I’m not dangerous,” I breathed.He brought his face toward mine. “You are to me.”And somehow, against all reason, we were kissing. I closed my eyes, and the world around me faded. The noise, the smoke . . . it was gone. All that mattered was the taste of his mouth, a mix of cloves and mints. There was a fierceness in his kiss, a desperation . . . and I answered, just as hungry for him. I didn’t stop him when he pulled me closer, so that I almost sat on his lap. I’d never been wrapped around someone’s body like that, and I was shocked at how eagerly mine responded. His arm went around my waist, pulling me onto him further, and his other hand slid up the back of my neck, getting entangled in my hair. He took his lips away from my mouth, gently trailing kisses down to my neck. I tipped my head back, gasping when the intensity returned to his mouth. There was an animalistic quality that sent shock waves through the rest of my body.” - Richelle Mead

111. “I sent a quick text to Adrian: I have a hickey! You can’t ever kiss me again. I honestly hadn’t expected him to be awake this early, so I was surprised to get a response: Okay. I won’t kiss you on your neck again.So typical of him. No! You can’t ever kiss me ANYWHERE. You said you were going to keep your distance.I’m trying, he wrote back. But you won’t keep your distance from me.I didn’t dignify that with a response.” - Richelle Mead

112. “I see how it is,” I snapped. “You were all in favor of me breaking the tattoo and thinking on my own—but that’s only okay if it’s convenient for you, huh? Just like your ‘loving from afar’ only works if you don’t have an opportunity to get your hands all over me. And your lips. And . . . stuff.”Adrian rarely got mad, and I wouldn’t quite say he was now. But he was definitely exasperated. “Are you seriously in this much self-denial, Sydney? Like do you actually believe yourself when you say you don’t feel anything? Especially after what’s been happening between us?”“Nothing’s happening between us,” I said automatically. “Physical attraction isn’t the same as love. You of all people should know that.”“Ouch,” he said. His expression hadn’t changed, but I saw hurt in his eyes. I’d wounded him. “Is that what bothers you? My past? That maybe I’m an expert in an area you aren’t?”“One I’m sure you’d just love to educate me in. One more girl to add to your list of conquests.”He was speechless for a few moments and then held up one finger. “First, I don’t have a list.” Another finger, “Second, if I did have a list, I could find someone a hell of lot less frustrating to add to it.” For the third finger, he leaned toward me. “And finally, I know that you know you’re no conquest, so don’t act like you seriously think that. You and I have been through too much together. We’re too close, too connected. I wasn’t that crazy on spirit when I said you’re my flame in the dark. We chase away the shadows around each other. Our backgrounds don’t matter. What we have is bigger than that. I love you, and beneath all that logic, calculation, and superstition, I know you love me too. Running away and fleeing all your problems isn’t going to change that. You’re just going to end up scared and confused.”“I already feel that way,” I said quietly.Adrian moved back and leaned into his seat, looking tired. “Well, that’s the most accurate thing you’ve said so far.”I grabbed the basket and jerked open the car door. Without another word, I stormed off, refusing to look back in case he saw the tears that had inexplicably appeared in my eyes. Only, I wasn’t sure exactly which part of our conversation I was most upset about.” - Richelle Mead

113. “I also had to come tonight to apologize. If you need to go to Mexico to finish this process off, then I understand. I was wrong to criticize you for it or even imply that I had some kind of say in it. One of the greatest things about you is that in the end, you always make smart decisions. Can’t always say the same for myself. Whatever you need to do, I’ll support you.” - Richelle Mead

114. “And besides . . . I don’t want to leave you. Er, you guys.”He smiled, and it lit up his whole face. “Well, ‘we’ are certainly happy to hear that. Oh, and I’m also happy to watch our darling little love child dragon while you’re in St. Louis.”I grinned back.” - Richelle Mead

115. “In this one terrified moment, my mind couldn’t focus on any of it. “I’ve forgotten everything.”“No, you haven’t.” His voice in the darkness was calm and reassuring. He smoothed back my hair and pressed one of those half kisses to my forehead. “Just relax and focus." “His reasonable words centered me and allowed the gears of logic that ran my life to take over again.” - Richelle Mead

116. “It doesn’t matter,” said Adrian, smiling. He rested a hand on my shoulder. “Some things are worth the trouble.” - Richelle Mead

117. “I realized I’m in love. It's always been right in front of me.” - Richelle Mead

118. “Sage.” He laughed. “I’m into anything, so long as you’re with me.” - Richelle Mead

119. “I love you, and beneath all that logic, calculation, and superstition, I know you love me too.” - Richelle Mead

120. “Whatever happened to the dragon?"I mustered my primmest tone. "He has a name, you know."Adrian pulled back and gave me a curious look. "I didn't know, actually. What'd you decide on?""Hopper." When Adrian laughed, I added, "Best rabbit ever. He'd be proud to know his name is being passed on.""Yes, I'm sure he would. Did you name the Mustang too?""I think you mean the Ivashkinator."He stared at me in wonder. "I told you I loved you, right?"Yes," I assured him. "Many times.” - Richelle Mead

121. “Do you know what I see in you now? The usual aura. A steady golden yellow, healthy and strong, with spikes of purple here and there. But when I do this. . . .”He rested a hand on my hip, and my whole body tensed up. That hand moved around my hip, slipping under my shirt to rest on the small of my back. My skin burned where he touched me, and the places that were untouched longed for that heat.“See?” he said. He was in the throes of spirit now, though with me at the same time. “Well, I guess you can’t. But when I touch you, your aura . . . it smolders. The colors deepen, it burns more intensely, the purple increases. Why? Why, Sydney?” He used that hand on me to pull me closer. “Why do you react that way if I don’t mean anything to you?” There was a desperation in his voice, and it was legitimate.” - Richelle Mead

122. “Adrian suddenly glanced up at me. Our gazes locked, and I felt like he could read my mind. How often did he think about that kiss? And if he really was crazy about me, did he imagine more than just kissing? Did he fantasize about me? What kinds of things did he think about? His lips on my neck? His hand on my leg? And was that leg bare . . . ?” - Richelle Mead

123. “I gave him a smile that I hoped was as dazzling as one of his. "I realized I'm in love."Marcus, startled, looked around as though he expected to see my object d'amour in the car with us. "And you just realized this? Did you just have some sort of vision?""Didn't need to," I said, thinking of Wolfe's ill-fated trip to the Orkneys. "It's always been right in front of me.” - Richelle Mead

124. “Can you come over to Amberwood? I need you to help me break curfew and escape my dorm.”There were a few moments of silence. “Sage, I’ve been waiting two months to hear you say those words. You want me to bring a ladder?” - Richelle Mead

125. “You're my flame in the dark. We chase away the shadows around each other.” - Richelle Mead

126. “If I was drunk, I wouldn’t be here at all. And really, this is pretty good for four White Russians.”“White what?” I almost sat down but was afraid the chair might dematerialize beneath me.“It’s a drink,” he said. “You’d think I wouldn’t be into something named that—you know, considering my own personal experience with Russians. But they’re surprisingly delicious. The drinks, not real Russians.” - Richelle Mead

127. “I certainly hadn't expected to walk away from today's trip with joint custody of a miniature dragon.” - Richelle Mead

128. “Who knows more about male weakness: you or me? Use my knowledge, Sage.” - Richelle Mead

129. “Do you want me to call you Celery Stick instead of Cupcake or Honey-Pie? It just doesn’t inspire the same warm and fuzzy feelings.” - Richelle Mead

130. “Why on earth would you buy a car like this if you can't drive a stick? There are dozens of cars--new cars--that have automatic transmission. It'd be a million times easier." Adrian shrugged. "I like the color. It matches my living room.” - Richelle Mead

131. “Can't you... I don't. Find a hobby or something?""Being charming is my hobby.” - Richelle Mead

132. “The future of our relationship hinged on advice from a fifteen-year old girl, a probably untrue story from a one-eyed Chihuahua trainer, and me unromantically – yet skillfully – kissing you on top of silverware and china?” - Richelle Mead

133. “He anxiously touched his hair. "I think my hair gel's frozen.” - Richelle Mead

134. “Metaphors. This was the cost of making out with an artist.” - Richelle Mead

135. “You can think whatever you want, do whatever you want. I'm going to just go on loving you, even if it's hopeless.” - Richelle Mead

136. “All that mattered was that he was Adrian, my Adrian. My match. My partner in crime, in the long battle I’d just signed on for to right the wrongs in the Alchemist and Moroi worlds. Maybe Marcus was right that I’d also signed myself up for disaster, but I didn’t care. In that moment, it seemed that as long as Adrian and I were together, there was no challenge too great for us.” - Richelle Mead

137. “The guy that's going to kick your ass for hurting her.” - Richelle Mead

138. “I didn't realize when I brought him back here that you'd inflict more damage." I said, once I'd finished the story."I was defending your honor." Adrian gave me that devil-may-care smile that always managed to both infuriate and captivate me. "Pretty manly, huh?” - Richelle Mead

139. “Sydney: "You can be Jet if you want, but we are not posing as a couple again" Adrian: "Are you sure? Because I've got a lot more terms of endearment to use. Honey pie. Sugarplum. Bread pudding." Sydney: "Why are they all high-calorie foods? And bread pudding isn't really that romantic."Adrian: "Do you want me to call you celery stick instead? It just doesn't inspire the same warm and fuzzy feelings." - The Indigo Spell” - Richelle Mead

140. “What were you thinking?" I demanded once we were moving to the music. I was trying to ignore his hands. "Do you know how much trouble you may have gotten me in?"Adrian grinned. "Nah. They all feel bad for you. You'll achieve martyrdom after dancing with a mean, wicked vampire. Job security with the Alchemists.” - Richelle Mead

141. “And yet, you didn’t bother telling me yourself,” I snapped, still outraged. “I couldn’t! They made me promise not to.” Somehow, his betrayal hurt worse than all the others. I had come to trust him implicitly. How could he do this to me? “No one believed I’d be able to talk the Warriors down, so everyone just made contingency plans without me.” Never mind that I Hadn’t been able to talk them down. “Someone should have told me. You should have told me.” There was legitimate pain and regret in his voice. “I’m telling you, I wanted to. But I was trapped. You of all people should know what it’s like being caught between groups, Sage. Besides, don’t you remember what I said just before you got in the car with Trey?” I did actually. Almost word for word. No matter what happens, I want you to know that I never doubted what you’re going to do. It’s smart, and it’s brave. I slouched further into my seat and felt like I was on the verge of tears. Adrian was right. I did know what it was like to have your loyalty stretched between different groups. I understood the position he’d been in. It was just, some selfish part of me wished that I’d been the one his loyalty has been strongest to.” - Richelle Mead

142. “See? There it is again. My flame in the dark.” - Richelle Mead

143. “Rowena Clark and I had met on the first day of our mixed media class. I’d sat down at her table and said, “Mind if I join you? Figure the best way to learn about art is to sit with a masterpiece.” Maybe I was in love, but I was still Adrian Ivashkov.Rowena had fixed me with a flat look. “Let’s get one thing straight. I can see through crap a mile away, and I like girls, not guys, so if you can’t handle me telling you what’s what, then you’d better take your one-liners and hair gel somewhere else. I don’t go to this school to put up with pretty boys like you. I’m here to face dubious employment options with a painting degree and then go get a Guinness after class.”I’d scooted my chair closer to the table. “You and I are going to get along just fine.” - Richelle Mead

144. “Nothing will get you anywhere with me," I exclaimed. "I don't know about that." He put on an introspective look that was both unexpected and intriguing. "You're not as much of a lost cause as she was. I mean, with her, I had to overcome her deep, epic love with a Russian warlord. You and I just have to overcome hundreds of years' worth of deeply ingrained prejudice and taboo between our two races. Easy.” - Richelle Mead

145. “Sydney spent a lot of time on my bed these days.Unfortunately, it wasn't with me.” - Richelle Mead