But if the choice I have to make comes down to you or me, I choose you. I always have. All my love, Patch

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.

What is it with you and girls’ bathrooms?

You're mine, Angel. And I'm yours. Nothing can change that.

I'm not good," he said, piercing me with eyes that absorbed all light but reflected none, "but I was worse.

A feeling of violation swayed inside me, making me feel as if Id been shoved off a high platform without warning. I was falling, and I feared the sensation far more than hitting bottom. There was no end; just a constantsense of gravity having its way with me.

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.