“I hate you, Ellie Watt," he whispered, lips coming closer to mine, "because I still love you after all these years.”

“That is what I thought of you, Ellie. Heartless, reckless, selfish, and cruel."He was back to shooting me when my armor was down. I turned my face away from him, not wanting to let him see the hurt in my eyes. He reached up and put his fingers under my chin, bringing my face forward again, forcing me to look at him."Beautiful, sad, wounded, and lost," he continued. "A freak, a work of art, a liar, and a lover."His gaze was starting to eat away at my insides. Razor-blade butterflies whirled in my heart."I hate you, Ellie Watt," he whispered, lips coming closer to mine, "because I still love you after all these years.”

“Who was that?" he whispered."Who?" I asked, playing dumb."That Ellie Watt. I know the real Ellie Watt and she’s not that much of a people person.""Which Ellie do you prefer?" I asked teasingly.He stopped walking and pulled me closer to him,staring down into my eyes."Whichever one I’ve got.”

“I love you," I whisper."And I love you." He smiles, his lips seeking mine. "Always have. Always will.”

“His lips curved into a sexy smile and i became lost in him. "I love you, Echo Emerson." I whispered the words as he brought his lips to mine. "Forever.”

“I've waited my whole life to sleep with you, Ellie Watt. I can't just pick you up from Safeway.”