She didn't know how much she'd been hoping that he still loved her, until she felt how much it hurt to realize he didn't.

Because I am about to be devoured by poodles," I quip. "Remember me always, my love.

I can’t help feeling a little bit competitive and a little bit disappointed in myself that I’m already so far behind. After all, Yulikova thinks Barron has a real future with the Bureau. She told me so. I told her that sociopaths are relentlessly charming. I think she figured I was joking.

A man may daydream of how he would spend a million dollars, but playing the same game with a billion dollars sours the fantasy. There are too many possibilities. The house he once wished for with all his heart is suddenly too small. The travel, too cheap. He wanted to visit an island. Now he contemplates buying one.

He looks like the good boy he's never been.

Boys never believe I can beat them, she told me back then. But I always win in the end.

Those who really love you don't mean to hurt you and if they do, you can't see it in their eyes but it hurts them too.