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First,” He Said, Coming Behind Me And Placing His Hands On The Counter, Just Outside Of Mine, “choose Your Tomato.” He Dipped His Head So His Mouth Was At My Ear. His Breath Was Warm, Tickling My Skin. “good. Now Pick Up The Knife.” “does The Chef Always Stand This Close?” I Asked, Not Sure If I Liked Or Feared The Flutter His Closeness Caused Inside Me. “when He’s Revealing Culinary Secrets, Yes.

-Becca Fitzpatrick

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First,” He Said, Coming

Becca Fitzpatrick

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First,” He Said, Coming Behind Me And Placing His Hands On The Counter, Just Outside Of Mine, “choose Your Tomato.” He Dipped His Head So His Mouth Was At My Ear. His Breath Was Warm, Tickling My Skin. “good. Now Pick Up The Knife.” “does The Chef Always Stand This Close?” I Asked, Not Sure If I Liked Or Feared The Flutter His Closeness Caused Inside Me. “when He’s Revealing Culinary Secrets, Yes.

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I Have A Free Couple Of Hours," I Told Him, Walking Toward My Car, Which Was Parked On The Next Block. "there's A Very Private, Very Secluded Barn In Lookout Hill Park Behind The Carousel. I Could Be There In Fifteen Minutes." I Heard The Smile In His Voice. "you Want Me Bad.

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I Didn’t Accept Your Sacrifice. I Turned It Down.” I Felt A Small Oh Form At My Mouth, But It Never Quite Made It Past My Lips. “are You Saying You Gave Up Getting A Human Body For Me?

In The End, The Only Thing Between Us Was Silence.

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He Felt Warm And Familiar. He Felt Solid And Safe. I Wanted To Cling To His Shirt, Bury My Face Into The Warm Curve Of His Neck, And Never Let Go.

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What I Really Wanted Was The Impossible.

Too Bad. There's A Party On The Coast. I Thought We Could Go." He Actually Sounded Sincere. ( A Bit After) I Affected A Yawn. "well, Like I Said, It's A School Night." In Hopes Of Convincing Myself More Than Him, I Added, " If This Party Is Something You'd Be Interested In, I Can Almost Guarantee I Won't Be." There, I Though. Case Closed- Page 77

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The Truth Is, Normal Might Take Years. Normal Might Never Happen. But It’s Definitely Not Going To Happen If I Lounge Around Here Watching Soaps And Avoiding Life. I’m Going To School Today, End Of Story.

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He Cracked A Slight Smile, But It Didn’t Look Amused. “i’m Not Letting You Out Of My Sight. You’re Looking A Little Deranged, Angel. We’ll Go Together.

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Patch Was Dressed In The Usual: Black Shirt, Black Jeans And A Thin Silver Necklace That Flashed Against His Dark Complexion. His Sleeves Were Pushed Up His Forearms, And I Could See His Muscles Working As He Punched Buttons. He Was Tall And Lean And Hard, And I Wouldn't Have Been Surprised If Under His Clothes He Bore Several Scars, Souvenirs From Street Fights And Other Reckless Behavior. Not That I Wanted A Look Under His Clothes.

I Wanted To Imprint His Touch, His Taste, Even The Scent Of Him So Solidly Inside Me That No One Could Take Them Away From Me.

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Everything Had Come Into Sharp Focus : His Smooth Words, His Black, Glinting Eyes, His Broad Experience With Lies, Seduction, Women. I'd Fallen In Love With The Devil.

All This Time I've Hated Myself For It. I Thought I'd Given It Up For Nothing. But If I Hadn't Fallen, I Wouldn't Have Met You.

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That Woman." Vee Hissed, "i'm Making The Sign Of The Cross Right Now.

...five Minutes From Now, When Everything Else Had Dropped Away And I Realized The Full Impact Of What I’d Done, I’d Feel My Heart Breaking.

You're Going To Have To Drive Off The Road And Park Behind Thoses Bushes," I Instructed Vee. Vee Leaned Forward, Peering Into The Darkness. "is That A Ditch Between Me And The Bushes ?" "it's Not Very Deep. Trust Me, We'll Clear It." "looks Deep To Me. This Is A Neon We're Talking About, Not A Hummer.

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I'm Not Good," He Said, Piercing Me With Eyes That Absorbed All Light But Reflected None, "but I Was Worse.

He Grinned. “busted. I’m A Monster. Jev Is My Deceptively Harmless — And Shockingly Handsome — Alter Ego.” “and I’m On Top Of It,” She Announced With Witty Triumph. “is That A Freudian Slip?” His Bluntness Caught Her Off Guard. A Self-conscious Blush Rose In Her Face.

...i Need A Boyfriend. And To Get A Boyfriend, You Have To Look Good. Doesn’t Hurt To Smell Good Too.

And Just Like That, I Shut Off The Switch To My Brain.

I Saw You, And I Wanted To Be Close To You. I Wanted You To Let Me In. I Wanted To Know You In A Way No One Else Did. I Wanted You, All Of You. That Wanting Nearly Drove Me Mad.” Patch Paused, Inhaling Softly, As Though Breathing Me In. “and Now That I Have You, The Only Thing That Terrifies Me Is Having To Go Back To That Place. Having To Want You All Over Again, With No Hope Of My Desire Ever Being Fulfilled. You’re Mine, Angel. Every Last Piece Of You. I Won’t Let Anything Change That.

I Missed You, Angel. Not One Day Went By That I Didn't Feel You Missing From My Life. You Haunted Me To The Point That I Began To Believe Hank Had Gone Back On His Oath And Killed You. I Couldn't Escape You And I Didn't Want To. You Tortured Me, But It Was Better Than Losing You.

Every Time You Strip My Sword, I Owe You A Kiss. How's That Sound?" I Bit My Lip To Keep From Giggling. "that Sounds Really Dirty." Patch Waggled His Brows. "look Whose Mind Just Rolled Into The Gutter.

Hang On, Did You Just Call Me Angel?" I Asked. "if I Did?" "i Don't Like It." He Grinned. "it Stays, Angel.

You Dress To Impress," I Said Approvingly. "no, Angel." He Leaned In, His Teeth Softly Grazing My Ear. "i Undress To Impress.

They Say That When You're About To Die, Your Life Flashes Before Your Eyes. They Never Tell You That When You Watch Someone You Once Loved Dying, Hovering Between This Life And The Next, It's Twice As Painful, Because You're Reliving Two Lives That Traveled One Road Together.

We Touched Base At Several Strategic Locations Down Our Bodies, And It Took All My Willpower To Break Away.

Patch Smiled. “you Come By Your Red Hair Naturally?” I Stared At Him. “i Don’t Have Red Hair.” “i Hate To Break It To You, But It’s Red. I Could Light It On Fire And It Wouldn’t Turn Any Redder.

There's A Disconnect Between My Mind And My Heart, But I Feel The Truth. They Say When People Lose Their Vision, Their Hearing Comes Sharper. I've Lost Part Of My Memory But Maybe My Intuition Is Stronger.

Busted. I'm A Monster. Jev Is My Deceptively Harmless-and Shockingly Handsome-alter Ego.

She Looked Up, Her Face Pink As A Christmas Ham. “you Ever Try Chasing Down A Car?” She Gasped. “i’ll One-up You. I Gave Scott My Hot Dog And Asked If He’d Go To Summer Solstice With Me.” “what Does The Hot Dog Have To Do With Anything?” “i Said He’d Be A Wiener If He Didn’t Go With Me.” Vee Wheezed Laughter. “i’d Have Run Harder Had I Known I’d Get To See You Call Him A Wiener.

That's Really Eco-friendly Of You," Vee Told Marcie. "recycling Nora's Old Trash.

Here It Comes," She Said With An Expression Of Pure Bliss. "drug Rush ... Any Moment Now ... The Surge Of Warmth ... Bye-bye, Mr. Pain..." "vee-" "knock, Knock." "this Is Really Important-" "knock, Knock." "it's About Elliot-" "knock, Knoooock," She Said In A Singsong Voice. I Sighed. "who's There?" "boo." "boo Who?" "boo-hoo, Somebody's Crying, And It's Not Me!" She Broke Into Hysterical Laughter.

"this Isn't Over," I Said. "after Everything We've Been Through, You Don't Get The Right To Brush Me Off. I'm Not Letting You Off That Easily." I Wasn't Sure If It Was A Threat, My Last Stab At Defiance, Or Irrational Words Spoken Straight From My Splintered Heart. "i Want To Protect You," Patch Said Quietly. He Stood So Close. All Strength And Heat And Silent Power. I Couldn't Escape Him, Now Or Ever. He'd Always Be There, Consuming My Every Thought, My Heart Locked In His Hands. I Was Drawn To Him By Forces I Couldn't Control, Let Alone Escape. "but You Didn't".

Vee Said," I'm Trying To Read The Title He's Holding…hang On…how To Be A Stalker." "he Is Not Checking Out A Book With That Title." But I Wasn't So Sure. "it's Either That Of How To Radiate Sexy Without Trying.

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You Want Me To Come Clean, I Will. I'll Tell You Everything. Who I Am And What I've Done. Every Last Detail. I'll Dig It All Up, But You Have To Ask. You Have To Want It. You Can See Who I Was, Or You Can See Who I Am Now. I'm Not Good," He Said, Piercing Me With Eyes That Absorbed All Light But Reflected None, "but I Was Worse.

If I Missed Out On Some Really Big Action, I’m Going To Be Royally Pissed Off!

Your Name?” I Repeated, Hoping It Was My Imagination That My Voice Faltered. “call Me Patch. I Mean It. Call Me

I Had To Lull Mom And Hank Into Believing I Was In The Right Frame Of Mind To Be Taken Into Public. If I Exited My Bedroom Foaming At The Mouth And Dressed In Black Love Sucks Tee, My Plan Would Never Get Off The Ground.

Killer Skirt, Deadly Legs.

Religion?" I Asked More Firmly. Patch Dragged A Hand Thoughtfully Along The Line Of His Jaw. "not Religion ... Cult." "you Belong To A Cult?" I Realized Too Late That While I Sounded Surprised, I Shouldn't Have. "as It Turns Out, I'm In Need Of A Healthy Female Sacrifice. I'd Planned On Luring Her Into Trusting Me First, But If You're Ready Now...

Science Is An Investigation," Coach Said, Sanding His Hands Together. "science Requires Us To Transform Into Spies." Put That Way, Science Almost Sounded Fun. But I'd Been In Coach's Class Long Enough Not To Get My Hopes Up.

If Anyone Were To Find Out—” I Began. Patch Kissed Me, Hard, But With An Amused Glint In His Eye. “if I Get Caught, It’ll Mean The End Of Kissing You. Do You Really Think I’d Risk That?” His Face Grew Serious. “i Know I Can’t Feel Your Touch, But I Feel Your Love, Nora. Inside Me. It Means Everything To Me. I Wish I Could Feel You The Same Way You Feel Me, But I Have Your Love. Nothing Will Ever Outweigh That. Some People Go Their Entire Lives Never Feeling The Emotions You’ve Given Me. There Is No Regret In That.

Jev Stroked His Chin. "do I Look Like A Summer Fling?

You’re Impinging On My Private Space,” I Said, Inching Backward. Patch Gave A Barely-there Smile. "impinging? This Isn’t The Sat, Nora.

Does Patch Have A Restraining Order Against Him?' He Read. 'is Patch A Felon?' 'give-me-that!' I Hissed Furiously. Patch Gave A Soft Laugh, And I Knew He'd Seen The Next Question. 'does Patch Have A Girlfriend?

One More Secret Smile. One More Shared Laugh. One More Electric Kiss. Finding Him Was Like Finding Someone I Didn't Know I Was Searching For.

You're Mine, Angel," He Murmured, Brushing The Words Across My Jawbone As I Arched My Neck Higher, Inviting Him To Kiss Everywhere. "you Have Me Forever.

He Grinned When I Didn't Protest, And Lowered His Mouth Toward Mine. The First Touch Was Just That - A Touch. A Teasing, Tempting Softness. I Licked My Lips And Patch's Grin Deepened. "more?" He Asked. I Curled My Hands Into His Hair, Pulling Him Closer. "more.

Wow. Nice Bike,” I Said. Which Was A Lie. It Looked Like A Glossy Black Death Trap.

He Tried To Pull Me Against Him, And I Bit Him On The Lip. He Licked His Lip With The Tip Of His Tongue. 'did You Just Bite Me?

You Laugh, But You Haven't Seen Me In A Tux. Or Maybe You Don't Like Broad-shouldered Guys With Muscular Chest And Washboard Abs?

We Don't Have An Address," I Said, "but We Do Know Where He Works." "are You Thinking What I'm Thinking?" Vee Asked, Eyes Brightening Briefly Through The Haze Of Chemical Sedation. "based On Past Experience, I Hope Not.

Say 'provoking' Again. Your Mouth Looks Provocative When You Do.

His Black Eyes Sliced Into Me, And The Corners Of His Mouth Tilted Up. My Heart Fumbled A Bit And In That Pause, A Feeling Of Gloomy Darkness Seemed To Slide Like A Shadow Over Me. It Vanished In An Instant But I Was Still Staring At Him. His Smile Wasn't Friendly. It Was A Smile That Spelled Trouble. With A Promise.

I Should Probably Confess That Ice Cream Is My Favorite Food, And I Eat It Every Night. When I Go Grocery Shopping, I Try To Buy A New Flavor, Rather Than Reverting Back To A Favorite Flavor. I'm On A Mission To Taste Every Flavor Of Ice Cream Out There!

Your Past Wouldn’t Frighten Me,” I Said, Buckling My Seat Belt Across My Lap. “i’m Guessing I’d Be More Appalled Than Anything.

Strangely Enough, It Wasn’t Gabe Who Was Haunting My Thoughts, Though. That Job Belonged To A Pair Of Sinfully Black Eyes That Had Lost Their Edge When They Studied Me, Turning As Soft And Sultry As Silk.

What Is It With Girls?” Elliot Said, Splitting A Smile Between Us. “i Swear, I’ve Never Known A Girl Who Could Go To The Bathroom Alone.” He Leaned Forward And Grinned Conspiratorially. “let Me In On The Secret. Seriously. I’ll Pay You Five Bucks Each.” He Reached For His Back Pocket. “ten, If I Can Come Along And See What The Big Deal Is.

Light Had A Way Of Keeping The Monsters Of My Imagination At Bay.

You're Mine, Angel. And I'm Yours. Nothing Can Change That.

Men Are Attracted To Beauty Because It Indicates Health And Youth—no Point Mating With A Sickly Woman Who Won’t Be Around To Raise The Children.

Cooking Isn’t Taught,” Patch Said. “it’s Inherent. Either You’ve Got It Or You Don’t. Like Chemistry. You Think You’re Ready For Chemistry?” I Pressed The Knife Down Through The Tomato; It Split In Two, Each Half Rocking Gently On The Cutting Board. “you Tell Me. Am I Ready For Chemistry?” Patch Made A Deep Sound I Couldn’t Decipher And Grinned.

The Patch I Knew Didn't Run From Anyone.

Being Nice? He’s Being Horny.

You Possess Other People's...bodies." He Accepted That Statement With A Nod. "do You Want To Possess My Body?" "i Want To Do A Lot Of Things To Your Body, But That's Not One Of Them.

I Cared About Us. But The Cold Hard Truth Was, Nothing I Said Or Did Could Realign The Stars.

You're A Psychopath." "i Prefer Creative.

Nora: This Is Crazy. Patch: I'm Crazy. About You.

He Inclined His Head At My Dress. "what's The Occasion?" "homecoming," I Said, Twirling. "like?" "last I Heard, Homecoming Requires A Date." "about That," I Hedged. "i'm Sort Of...going With Scott. We Both Figure A High-school Dance Is The Last Place Hank Will Be Patrolling." Patch Smiled, But It Was Tight. "i Take That Back. If Hank Wants To Shoot Scott, He Has My Blessing.

With You, What You See Is What You Get. And I See Cheap.

The Truth Is Scary, But Knowing Nothing Is Crippling.

Knowing Nothing

Patch? Whatever Happens, I Love You." I Wanted To Say More, Those Three Words Painfully Inadequate For The Way I Felt About Him. And At The Same Time, So Simple And Accurate, Nothing Else Would Do.

You're Mine, Angel, And Don't You Forget It. Your Fights Are My Fights. What If Something Bad Had Happened Today? It Was Bad Enough When I Thought Your Ghost Was Haunting Me; I Don't Think I Can Handle The Real Thing.

Are You Gloating Inside? That's What This Is About, Isn't It? Getting Me To Trust You So You Could Blow It Up In My Face!" [...] "i Get That You're Angry—," Said Patch. "i Am Ripped Apart!" I Shouted.

Is That A Yes?" He Asked, Pushing His Fingers Through My Hair, Fanning It Out Around My Shoulders And Searching My Face Intently. "please Let It Be Yes," He Said With A Gravelly Edge. "stay With Me Tonight. Let Me Hold You, Even If That's All It Is. Let Me Keep You Safe.

I Think I'm More Of A Guardian Angel Girl.

I Gave A Relenting Sigh. "fine! I'll Throw On Some Clothes. Turn Around. I'm In My Pj's." Pj's That Consisted Of Nothing But A Tank Top And Boy Shorts--an Image I Didn't Want To Sear Into Scott's Mind. Scott Smiled. "i'm A Guy. That's Like Asking A Kid Not To Glance At The Candy Counter." Ugh. The Dimple In His Cheek Deepened. And It Was Not In Any Way Cute... Pg 196

Based On Past Experience, I Hope Not.

Past Experiences

Vee Lowered Her Lashes And Smiled Wickedly. "this Class Isn't Going To Teach Me Anything I Don't Already Know." "vee? As In Virgin?" "not So Loud." She Winked Just As The Bell Rang, Sending Us Both To Our Seats, Which Were Side By Side At Our Shared Table.

Try It On." "it's Probably A Little Snug," I Said, Suddenly Feeling Conspicuous. "marcie Tends To Buy Down When It Comes To Sizing." He Merely Smiled. "it Has A Slit Up The Thigh." His Smile Deepened.

I Want To Wake Up With You Every Morning And Fall Asleep Beside You Each Night,” Patch Told Me Gravely. “i Want To Take Care Of You, Cherish You, And Love You In A Way No Other Man Ever Could. I Want To Spoil You — Every Kiss, Every Touch, Every Thought, They All Belong To You. I’ll Make You Happy. Every Day, I’ll Make You Happy.

If You Can't Feel, Why Did You Kiss Me?" Patch Traced A Finger Along My Collarbone, Then Headed South Stopping At My Heart. I Felt It Pounding Through My Skin. "because I Feel It Here, In My Heart," He Said Quietly.

Hmm?' I Looked Away, Flustered Automatically Using Irritation To Cover My Discomfort Up. 'what Does 'hmm' Have To Do With Anything? Could You Ever Use More That Five Words? All This Grunting And Minced Words Make You Come Across-- Primal.' His Smile Tipped Higher. 'primal.' 'you're Impossible.' 'me Jev, You Nora.' -nora & Patch (pg 226)

Sometimes Bad Things Have To Happen Before Good Things Can.

What Little Light Was Left Inside Me Flickered Out.

First,” He Said, Coming Behind Me And Placing His Hands On The Counter, Just Outside Of Mine, “choose Your Tomato.” He Dipped His Head So His Mouth Was At My Ear. His Breath Was Warm, Tickling My Skin. “good. Now Pick Up The Knife.” “does The Chef Always Stand This Close?” I Asked, Not Sure If I Liked Or Feared The Flutter His Closeness Caused Inside Me. “when He’s Revealing Culinary Secrets, Yes.

I Undress To Impress - Patch

Your Mine, Angel. And I Won't Let Anything Change That.

How Was Your Night?" I Asked, My Voice Carefully Neutral As I Attempted To Break The Ice. My Spying Adventures Still Hung Uncomfortably Between Us. "interesting.yours?" "not So Much." "homework Was Brutal,huh?" He Was Making Fun Of Me. "i Didn´t Do Homework." He Had The Smile Of A Fow. "who Did You Do?" I Was Speechless A Moment. I Stood There With My Mouth Slightly Open. "was That An Innuendo?" "just Curious What My Competition Is." "grow Upp." His Smile Stretched. "loosen Up.

If I Asked You To Do Something For Me, I Don't Suppose You'd Listen?" When He Had My Attention, He Continued, "i'm Going To Take You Home. Try To Forget Tonight Happened. Try To Act Normal, Especially Around Hank. Don't Mention My Name." By Way Of An Answer, I Shot Him A Black Look And Swung Out Of The Tahoe. He Followed Suit, Coming Around To My Side. "what Kind Of Answer Is That?" He Asked, But His Voice Wasn't Nearly So Gruff.

My History Is Long, And Not Much Of It Is Good. I Can't Erase It, But I'm Determined Not To Make Another Mistake. Not When The Stakes Are High, Not When It Comes To You.

Whoa, Who Peed In Your Cheerios?

I Couldn't Escape Him, Now Or Ever. He'd Always Be There, Consuming My Every Thought, My Heart Locked In His Hands. I Was Drawn To Him By Forces I Couldn't Control, Let Alone Escape.

It Was Bad Enough When I Thought Your Ghost Was Haunting Me; I Don't Think I Could Handle The Real Thing.

Walk Out,” He Repeated. “we Need To Talk.” “about How You Need To Sacrifice Me To Get A Human Body?” I Asked, My Tone Light, My Insides Feeling Leaden. “that Might Be Cute If You Thought It Was True.

I Shook My Head. “i Don’t Think So. This Isn’t A Good Idea. This Isn’t Right.” “there’s All Kinds Of Right,” He Murmured. “on The Spectrum, We’re Still In The Safe Zone.” ... “definitely Right. Usually Right,” Patch Continued. “mostly Right. Maybe Right.

The Antique, Almost Primitive Band He Held Between His Fingers Caught The Sunlight, Glinting Silver. “i Found This Ring Shortly After I Was Banished From Heaven. I Kept It To Remind Myself Of How Endless My Sentence Was, How Eternal One Small Choice Can Be. I’ve Kept It A Long Time. I Want You To Have It. You Broke My Suffering. You’ve Given Me A New Eternity. Be My Girl, Nora. Be My Everything."

I Want To Wake Up With You Every Morning And Fall Asleep Beside You Each Night.

I Saw You, And I Wanted To Be Close To You. I Wanted You To Let Me In. I Wanted To Know You In A Way No One Else Did. I Wanted You, All Of You.

Because I Thought I Was In Love. And When You Think You're In Love, You Are Willing To Stick It Out And Make It Work Until It Is Love.

See, When You Lie To Me It Hurts," Rixon Said, Swiping An Imaginary Tear. "i Thought We Had Something Special. I Thought Our Joint Eternal Sentences Of Damnation Were Our Bond.

You Smell Good, Too,” Said Patch It’s Called A Shower.” I Was Staring Straight Ahead. When He Didn’t Answer, I Turned Sideways. “soap. Shampoo. Hot Water.” Naked. I Know The Drill.

It’s Brown.” So Maybe I Had The Teeniest, Tiniest, Most Infinitesimal Amount Of Auburn In My Hair. I Was Still A Brunette. “it’s The Lighting,” I Said. “yeah, Maybe It’s The Lightbulbs.” His Smile Brought Up Both Sides Of His Mouth, And A Dimple Surfaced.

Your Biggest Dream? - Nora Grey Kiss You. - Patch Cipriano

Chase Him Down And Stall For Time. I Need Two More Minutes. ” “chase Him Down? How? The Neon Has A Flat.” “with Your Own Two Feet!” “you Mean Exercise?

Boys Like Girls Who Look Like...girls.

Hang On, Did You Just Call Me Angel?” I Asked. “if I Did?” “i Don’t Like It.” He Grinned. “it Stays. Angel.” He Leaned Across The Table, Raised His Hand To My Face, And Brushed His Thumb Along One Corner Of My Mouth. I Pulled Away, Too Late.

Don’t Panic, I Thought. But Already My Breathing Was Faster, Shallower. “you Mean You Can Feel Happy Or Sad Or—” “desire.” A Barely-there Smile.

Don't Make Me Regret This" I Said, Breathless. " You Haven't Regretted Me Once". He Kissed Me, And I Answered So Hungrily I Thought My Lips Would Bruise. Patch&nora ( P. 180)

Anything Was Better Than Nothing. Half-full Was Better Than Empty. Ignorance Was The Lowest Form Of Humiliation And Suffering.

You Keep Life On A Short Leash.” “what’s That Supposed To Mean?” “you’re Scared Of What You Can’t Control.

There´s My Date, I Said. "fashionably Late." Nora (p. 232)

If I Could Make This Go Away, I Would. If I Could Stand In Your Place, I Wouldn't Hesitate. But I'm Left With One Choice, And That's To Stand By Your Side Through The End. I Won't Waver, Angel, I Can Promise You That. -patch To Nora

Rollover Minutes Don’t Work With Curfews.

Is Everything A Joke To You?” I Asked. He Dabbed His Tongue To His Lip Again. “not Everything.” “like What?” “you.

Any Happiness, No Matter How Brief, Seemed Better Than The Long, Simmering Torture Of Waking Up Day After Day, Knowing I Could Never Have Him.

Reading A Good Book In Silence Is Like Eating Chocolate For The Rest Of Your Life And Never Getting Fat.

I’m Not Stealing It. We’re Stranded. This Is Called Borrowing.” “this Is Called You’re Crazy.

Vee Never Needed A Reason To Do Something Stupid. Sad Thing Was, Most Of The Time I Didn't Either.

Patch Backed Me Into A Tree And Kissed Me, Hard. I Regained My Breath. "boys Take Not Everywhere: That Was A Kiss.

I Don't Go Out With Strangers," I Said. "good Thing I Do. I'll Pick You Up At Five.

My Life Sucks When I’m Only Half-aware Of It. If I Quit Drinking And Saw What It’s Really Like, I’d Probably Jump Off A Bridge.

She Already Has A Car.” “a Ford. That’s Like Toyota’s Worst Enemy.

Patch Was In My Life For A Reason. I Needed Him. We Were Two Halves Of The Same Whole.

I Love You More Than I Think I Should.

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