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1 " I never stopped loving you. Ever. Even when we fought, even when I pretended to hate you, even when I tried to forget you, you’ve always been the one. "
― Melanie Harlow , Hold You Close
2 " I don’t hate you. I wish I hated you. It would make things easier, it would mean I don’t care. "
3 " Our eyes meet and I’m transported back to a time when London and I weren’t always at each other’s throats. A time when we had feelings for each other. Even though we’re both aching, there’s something keeping us from breaking completely – a trust that even in the deepest pain, we can still come together and offer comfort. "
4 " The thing about love is that it’s irrational and stupid. I work with statistics and analyse hard data – I weigh probabilities and risks, and think in truths and facts.Truth – Ian broke my heart.Truth – Ian is the man I’ve never gotten over.Fact – Ian is a selfish player who doesn’t give a shit about me.Fact – I want to rip his clothes off and fuck his brains out. "
5 " If I couldn’t have her, I had to hate her. It was the only way I could get over her.But as I sit here and watch her leave my house, I know that deep down, I never did. "
6 " Are you thinking about when I kissed you?”Her lips part. “No.”I keep walking toward her, waiting for her to stop me. “No? You don’t want me to hold you in my arms, press my lips to yours, and remind you how good we fit?” She doesn’t move and now we’re just a breath apart. I could kiss her right now.I could do everything I’ve wanted to.But I won’t make a fool of myself again.“No, I don’t.”She’s lying, but I’ll let her have it.“The next time I kiss you, London Parish, it’ll be because you beg me to,” I promise her. "
7 " No matter what lingering issues are between Ian and me, we’re not entering any kind of relationship different from what it’s been for years. Hostility and resentment.Because hate is easier than love. If I hate him and he lets me down, I’m not left disappointed. "
8 " London represents everything I’ve ever wanted but didn’t deserve.She’s a pain in the ass, but she’s also brilliant, funny, kind and loving. I loved her once and let her go because she needed to fly. "
9 " I will always fight for you, London. Even when you pull away, I’ll hold you close, because this is where you belong – with me.”“Always?”…”Always. "
10 " Well, Lon? What do you say? Think you can live with a hot caveman, two smart-ass teenagers, and one adorable almost-first-grader? "
11 " I hate you.” He laughs. “You only wish you did, baby.” Then the jerkface slaps my ass. Ian wasted no time getting me pregnant. I think he took a bet with someone over how fast he could do it, because it was his damn mission. "
12 " Once again, he’s reminded me why I loathe him. This is what we are. We fight. Claw, scratch, and tear each other apart. He’s an asshole and I’m a bitch. We bring out the worst in each other. It’s been this way since…I let him in.One mistake.One night.One thing that will never happen again. "
13 " I’ve spent a long time trying to hate you, London, but the truth is I never really did. "
14 " His hand cups my cheek. “I meant what I said before you left. You might think I’ve charmed you before, but you haven’t seen anything yet. I hope you’re ready.”My throat goes dry at his promise. “What if I’m not?”He smiles down at me. “Then you better find a way – and fast. "