I want your innocence. I want your blind, unquestioning devotion to your father, your acceptance of who and what he is. I want you to look at me the way you look at him, knowing the worst. I want you to trust me, even when your brain tells you you shouldn't, I want you to ignore common sense and your lifelong need to protect yourself. I want you to give yourself to me, body and soul.

She tilted her head to one side, considering him. "Do you love me?" "Love is a trick and a sham. A foolish plague and a lie and a torment." "Do you love me?" she repeated, quite calmly. Knowing the answer. "Yes, may it curse my soul." "May it save your soul," she said.

Jesus, woman!" he snapped. "When did we have to become Romeo and Juliet?

She had the underwear of a thirteen-year-old, as well, he thought. He glanced back at her. But the shoes of a courtesan.

After all, if spinster chaperons required their own spinster chaperons there simply wouldn't be enough to go around.

If I am ever in the position where I wish to seduce someone I will simply assure her it’s better than rats.

If we don't risk it all, we may as well not write at all.