If she were (looking into my eyes), sheโd have seen how absolutely floored I was the first time I finally, truly saw her. The clouds moved at just the right moment, fully lighting her face by the moon. She was dazzlingly beautiful. Underneath thick lashes were eyes blue as ice, something cool to balance out the flames in her hair. I felt a strange flutter in my chest, like the glow of a fireplace or the warmth of the afternoon. It stayed there for a moment, playing with my pulse.
Kiera CassWe danced. Remember? I was so proud to have you there, in my arms,in front of other people. Even if you did look like you were having a seizure.
Kiera CassIt turns out I'm absolutely terrible at staying away from you. It's a very serious problem.
Kiera CassAmerica Singer, one day you will fall asleep in my arms every night. And you'll wake up to my kisses every morning.
Kiera CassBut you just said you loved me." "I do, Mer. That's the point. I can't make you like me. I can't stand the thought of you hungry or cold or scared. I can't make you a Six.
Kiera CassThe Selection was no longer something that was simply happening to me, but something I was actively a part of. I was an Elite.
Kiera CassHow did thie person-someone I'd imagined would be my polar opposite-always seem to find the things that would make me the happiest?
Kiera CassI don't know if I'm supposed to be holding on or letting go. I don't want to give up, but if there's nothing for me to hope for, then tell me.
Kiera CassEvery girl will come with pros and cons. Some people will choose to focus on the worst in some of your options and the best in others, and it will make no sense to you why they seem so narrow minded. But Iโm here for you, whatever your choice.
Kiera CassThe picture of me just after Iโd found out Aspen was saving up to marry me. I looked radiant, hopeful, beautiful. I looked like I was in love. And some idiot thought that love was for Prince Maxon.
Kiera CassSo he enjoys a girl who stands up to him," Dad said once we all calmed down. "I like him more already.
Kiera CassThey'll kill you for doing this," I breathed in a brief moment when his lips traveled to my neck. "If I don't I'll die anyways.
Kiera CassI know there was a time, when our country was new, when the assignment of these numbers helped organize something that was on the brink of not existing. But we are no longer that country. We are so much more now.
Kiera CassMaxon lowered his lips to mine and gave me the faintest whisper of a kiss. Something about the tentativeness of it made me feel beautiful. Without a word, I could understand how excited he was to have this moment, but then afraid at the same time. And deeper than any of that, I sensed that he adored me. So this is what it felt like to be a lady.
Kiera CassHe let you have the pants anyway?" she asked. I had started talking about Maxon as soon as I could, eager to know how their conversation had gone. "Yeah. He was very generous about it all." "I think it's charming that he's a good winner." "He is a good winner. He's even gracious when he's gotten the raw end of things." Like a knee to the royal jewels, for example.
Kiera CassYouโre the only person who really knows me. The only person I feel I truly know myself.โ โKnowledge isnโt love,โ I contradicted.
Kiera CassI was afraid I was wrong, that you would change your mind any second. Iโve been looking for a suitable alternative, but the truth is โฆโโMaxon looked me in the eyes again, unwaveringโโthereโs only you. Maybe Iโm not really looking, maybe they arenโt right for me. It doesnโt matter. I just know I want you. And that terrifies me. Iโve been waiting for you to take back the words, to beg to leave.
Kiera CassIt doesn't really matter how you feel about your character; it just matters what you do with it.
Kiera CassHe let out a sigh. With my head there against his chest, I could faintly make out the sound of his heart beating through his suit coat. It seemed to be rushing. His hand, gentle as ever, reached to cup my cheek. As I looked into his eyes, I felt that unnameable feeling that was growing between us. With his eyes, Maxon asked for something we'd both agree to wait on. I was glad he didn't want to wait anymore. I gave him a tiny nod, and he bridged the small gap between us, kissing me with unimaginable tenderness.
Kiera CassThe look in Marlee's eyes was triumphant, and the smile hiding behind her cup of tea said, 'Gotcha'!
Kiera CassHe stood and went to read my pin as I approached. โAmerica, is it?โ he said, a smile playing on his lips. โYes, it is. And I know Iโve heard your name before, but could you remind me?
Kiera CassCould it be that simple? Tell one story to one generation and repeat it until it was accepted as fact?
Kiera CassAll I want is your promise to stay with me, to be mine. Sometimes it feels like you can't possibly be real. Promise me you'll stay.โ "Por supuesto. I promise.
Kiera CassYou were the one who changed us when you left me in the tree house; and you keep thinking that if you push hard enough, you can make everything go back to before that moment. It doesn't work that way. Give me a chance to choose you.
Kiera CassI'm not so stupid as to believe that you've completely forgotten about your former boyfriend. I know you think there are others here more suited for me and this life, and I wouldn't want you to rush into trying to be happy with any of this. I just... I just want to know if it's possible.
Kiera CassAmerica, I don't think you can change history." All the same, his expression looked hopeful. "Sure we can. Besides, who'd ever know about it but you and me?
Kiera Cass