“He perched the bat on his shoulder, giving a nod that he understood I needed his help. With one loud yell and a couple swings of the bat, he cleared me another path.”

“You're maybe eighteen. Your mother didn't love you enough so you decided to pierce your lip and brand your body to piss her off. You hang around this band because they make you feel like you belong...”

“Nona was as wacky as they came.”

“Had I just made a date with a tatted up bat wielding miscreant?”

“It would be the last thing he did if he beat my dog.”

“It was a little difficult to take him seriously when he sang along to a song about a woman taking another woman's man.”

“History has been written, but it has not always been right or complete.”

“I want to kiss you again, Tess.Why?He chuckled, low under his breath. Why? Because youre beautiful, and because I want you. And I think you want me too.”

“With every breath I take, I will always love you.”