His Pretty Little Burden (Kids of The District, #4)

by Nicci Harris

"Without the spiny stems and thorns, they'll slowly wilt and die. Pretty things need ugly defences.

"I didn't see any flaws, little deer. I saw you tearing down the middle. I saw you being mauled by life. I can't rip those fuckers from your mind, but I will rip them from this world. All of them." His eyes blaze. "I did. I will be your thorns, sweet girl. Your future is with me.

"You're not my pretty little burden, Fawn." He lifts my chin. "You're my pretty little queen."