Corrupt

When you want to make an impression and you think you’ve gone far enough, go a little further. Always leave them wondering if you’re just a little bit crazy, and people will never fuck with you again.

The closer you got to anything beautiful, the less beautiful it became. Allure was in the mystery, not the appearance.

Those who are patient, plan. And beware the man with a plan.

The shy ones tend to be the baddest after all.

The only way we find out what we’re capable of is by getting into a little trouble.

Well, it's like you're saving your energy for something. Holding back. But it doesn't make any sense. Life is one-way, and there is no return trip. What are you waiting for?

It’s just you, Little Monster. Own it or it will own you.

Own it. Don’t apologize for who you are. Own it. You can’t win if you don’t show up, right?

Run all you want, Little Monster,” he said, sounding like a threat. “We’re faster.

Redefine normal. None of us know the full measure of our power until we start pushing our boundaries and pressing our luck, and the more we do, the less we care what others think. The freedom feels too good.

Our scrapes and bruises, tattoos, scars, smiles, and wrinkles told our stories,

And from Michael—as well as Damon, Will, and Kai—I learned to breathe fire. I learned to walk as if the path were carved for me and me alone, and to treat the world as if it should know I was coming.

She needed a hot shower, a warm bed, and me.

Things done in the dark hours of night, behind closed doors, or in the heat of the moment looked a lot different in the morning, out in the open, and with a clear head.

Own who you are,” he commanded. “And don’t apologize. Do you understand? Own it or it will own you.

They were untouchable, fascinating, and nothing they ever did was wrong. I wanted that. I wanted to look down at the sky.

I’ll look out for my little brother’s girlfriend and keep her nice and safe in the light of day and not violate the fuck out of her in the dark.

The most valuable lesson anyone learns in life should be learned as early as possible. That you don’t have to live in the reality someone else had invented. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. Ever.

Her fucking eyes, going from defiant to mischievous to hurt to on fire, and then finally, to broken.

Chess would teach me strategy, fencing would teach me human nature and self-preservation, and dancing would teach me my body. All necessary for a well-rounded person.

There were dark deeds and bad seeds, but who cared if the house was falling apart as long as it was pretty, right?

I’m not playing your games. You were wrong.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “You want to know what I’ve learned? I don’t win by playing your games. I win by making you play mine.

It's odd to see how no one is really human to us until we talk to them and realize there's barley any separation between who we are and who they are.

What do you treasure? Is anything precious to you?

Yeah, they’re just matches,” I continued, my voice growing thick with tears. “And memories and smells and sounds and butterflies in my stomach every time I heard the car door slam outside, telling me that he was home. A thousand dreams of all the places I’d have adventures someday.

Most of the matchbooks and little boxes were made of paper, and even if the matches dried out, the containers were split, torn, and shriveled. The damp cardboard dripped with water, discolored and broken.

I didn’t feel so lost when he was around. It was the only time I didn’t feel lost.

They’re hopes and wishes and reminders and all the times I smiled, knowing he’d remembered me while he was gone.

When I thought about it, there actually weren’t a lot of things or people in the world that I loved. Why had I left them here?

You’re a horny little bitch,” Damon seethed. “You almost fucked him right here in front of us.