“Rule #1: Hurt, but do not harm.”

“Hurt but do not harm?” Zach asked. “What’s the difference?” “Hurt is a bruise on the outside.” Nora sipped her mineral water delicately. “Harm is a bruise on the inside. If you’re a masochist, pain feels like love to you. Not being hurt is what hurts.”

“Hurt is a bruise on the outside. Harm is a bruise on the inside.”

“Are you threatening me, Ms. Sutherlin?”Sutherlin only smiled.“No. Of course not. All I’m saying is that I’ll do anythingto protect him. Anything at all. But there’s no need to worry.I’ve hurt people. I’ve hurt them badly. I’ve left permanentscars on some clients. Some outer scars. Some inner. But allthat pain I’ve inflicted…it was all consensual. I’ve never hurt anyone without their permission. All I’m saying, Ms. Kanter, is…” Sutherlin leaned forward and pressed the lightest, softest, most terrifying kiss onto Suzanne’s lips before pulling back an inch and whispering, “There’s a first time for everything.”

“There are only two reasons why you leave someone you're still in love with - either it's the right thing to do, or it's the only thing to do.”

“There’s nothing you could do to me now that I wouldn’t want.” -Kingsley”

“If it’s an abomination, Dad, you’re just doing it wrong. Bear down hard, then release. It’ll fit better.”