“I couldn't help what I'd done before I learned it was wrong. I could only do better in the future.”

“I shake my head, but I can’t change this. I can only bear the scars, as I have always done, as I ever do.”

“Maybe I was just one of those people who couldn't rest easy unless things went catastrophically wrong.”

“Caring too much could be dangerous; I saw that now. But the alternative was no better.”

“Yeah, sorry. I can't help my genetics. Take your frustration out on me if it'll make you feel better, but don't mess up my pretty face.”

“Before he bent his head, I knew what he was going to do. Touch his lips to mine. Oh, and I wanted him to... I stilled, hardly daring to breathe. The old refrain of cant and shouldn't sank beneath the weight of new worlds like please and yes.”

“Now I know there are ways to belong to someone that don’t take anything away. A relationship shouldn’t impose limits—and if it does, then it’s wrong. A lover should help you exceed your potential, not clip your wings.”