The Elite (The Selection, #2)

by Kiera Cass

What would it be like to simply love Maxon?

“It turns out I’m absolutely terrible at staying away from you. It’s a very serious problem.”

And don’t expect me to start.”

I only wish I knew that you’d actually want to be with me when that time was over.”

I need time, Aspen.”

Time. I was asking for a lot of it these days. I hoped that if I had enough, everything would somehow fall into place.

“They’re just distracting. And since it would be televised, I want all eyes on me.”

“This hand makes sounds incomparable to anything I’ve ever heard. Sometimes I think I only dreamed that I heard you play the violin, it was so beautiful. These calluses are proof that it was real.”

This was more than a book; it was Maxon’s trust.

The only hands that would touch it would be mine.

“if there’s one thing I’ve learned from being in the Selection, it’s that some girls have a frightening killer instinct. Don’t let the ball gowns fool you,”

“And it’s clear you’d do practically anything for them. After all, you stayed in the Selection for them.”

“Maxon, they were part of the reason I stayed in the beginning, but they’re not why I’m here now. You know that, right? I’m here because . . .” “Because?”

“Because?”

I wanted to be his dear, his darling. I wanted to be Maxon’s alone.

“Sometimes you can be so stupid.”

“It’s you,” I said. “I don’t want to leave you.”

I held on to his hand tightly. For some reason, I dreaded letting it go. It felt like this whole moment was fragile somehow, and if it shifted too much it might break.

See, it said, soon I’ll get to touch you like this in front of the world. You don’t have to worry about anything.

“So he enjoys a girl who stands up to him,” Dad said once we all calmed down. “I like him more already.”

and every second after you have it, you fear the moment you might lose it.”

We waited to see if Maxon had a conversation with anyone else’s father; but if he did, they didn’t go to the gardens.

but I didn’t want to be caught staring at him. I fluffed out my dress and stared at his parents instead. They looked very happy.

there’s only you. Maybe I’m not really looking, maybe they aren’t right for me. It doesn’t matter. I just know I want you. And that terrifies me. I’ve been waiting for you to take back the words, to beg to leave.”

“Maxon, that’s not going to happen,” I whispered into his neck. “If anything, you’re going to realize I’m not good enough.”

“Darling, you’re perfect.”

“Soon, when it’s proper for me to end the Selection, when I propose to you, I want it to be as easy as breathing for you to say yes. I promise to do everything in my power between now and that moment to make it that way. Anything you need, anything you want, say the words. I will do everything I can for you.”

“All 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.” “Of course. I promise.”

“Then he and I both have everything we need.”

I couldn’t imagine anything strong enough to take that happiness away.

Maybe Maxon would send her home since he knew how much I disliked her, and he did say he wanted me to be comfortable here.

These offenses are treason to the royal family!”

“This is a crime punishable by death! But, in his mercy, Prince Maxon is going to spare these two traitors their lives. Long live Prince Maxon!”

“You promised you’d stay with me. Don’t give up, not like this. Please.”

Just because you’re a Five, you think you’re the only one who’s ever suffered?”

Finally someone said it

Whore.”

“One girl came in with her feet bleeding after someone slipped glass in her shoes in the night.

It seemed Aspen and I had a date tonight.

Babes why are we still hanging out with this loser when your best friend just got canned in front of everyone for the exact same thing!?

but I’m really sorry Maxon turned out to be such a bad guy.

“Some of the girls come from less-refined castes and aren’t used to the proper behavior expected at the palace.

She’s pretty enough,

but we need a new leader, not a comedienne.

Whoever you love, Prince Maxon, make sure she’s worthy. We want to love her, too!

“Sorry, Mer. I don’t. You don’t have it in you to be as calculating as they are.”

dick

And I couldn’t help but wonder whose company he was enjoying instead.

liked

Maxon had told me once that there were two kinds of rebels: Northern and Southern.

What use does another rebel attack have on this plot? It’s so pointless every time

“I’m fine with that. I can wait. I just want you to know . . . I’m not able to find words big enough to express how relieved I am that you’re here, in one piece. I’ve never been so grateful for anything.”

IF YOU WANT THE CROWN, AMERICA, TAKE IT. TAKE IT. BECAUSE IT SHOULD BE YOURS.

I just need to know if you want to be here at all.”