“Look, Clay, I’m not sure what the hell your deal was at lunch. But I don’t want to see that shit again. Maggie is special and I will break your legs if you hurt her.” Daniel broke in harshly.”

“Maggie. When we make love, I want it to be special. Not some quickie in your bedroom before your parents come home. I want more than that for us. I want to be able to hold you all night and feel you against me as I fall asleep. I want us to be perfect together.”

“What is it?" I asked breathlessly. "I love you so much. Sometimes it hurts.""I don't want it to hurt, Clay. Our love should make you feel wonderful.”

“This is forever, Maggie. I would follow you into hell if I had to … You are all I want for the rest of my life.”

“I don't deserve your heart, Maggie. I should never have drug you into this hell I live in. It's not fair to you. What kind of future can I give you when I don't know if I even have one?”

“I know Clay hurt you. He's a difficult boy. But he loves you. As much as you love him. I see the way you look at each other. And it's a beautiful thing.”

“This. I can't keep doing this. I can't keep pretending that I don't want you. That I can handle seeing other guys watch you and look at you. Jesus, Mays, I wanted to beat the shit out of Gio! And I would have! I see fucking red when another guy even breathes in your direction! I can't keep lying to myself that I don't care about you. Because I do. SO damn much.”