“You don't have a heartbeat," I realized. "Does that bother you?" He asked."No." I thought for a minute. "As long as you can feel things and care about things.""It's a misconception that you need a heart to love," Asher whispered into my hair.”

“It's a misconception that you need a heart to love”

“Why would he do that? I thought--he said--he loved me." "As if I needed a reason to hate him more," Asher muttered, avoiding my gaze.”

“Its wrong to think that you need a heart to love”

“I love you,' he said. His voice shook with effort. 'I love you so much, it's like my whole life was just leading up to the moment I met you. And then as soon as I did, I lived in fear, every day, that you would be taken from me.' He looked down. 'I just never thought you'd be the one to do it.”

“What are you doing here?” I asked. I was breathless, not certain any longer if it was my nearly plummeting to my death or his nearness that was making it so hard to draw in air.“Protecting you. What does it look like I’m doing?”

“I am always torn. Between control and chaos; passion and tranquility. Between what's fated and what I want. Part of me longs to take the plunge, to dive off headfirst and let the feeling of control evaporate on the wind. And part of me wants to be in a place where I'd never have to worry about that choice--or any choice. Where peace and calm are the only things I'd feel.”