Secrets of a Summer Night (Wallflowers, #1)

by Lisa Kleypas

“I would die a thousand times over,” he said, a tremor in his voice, “to spare

you the slightest harm. And the fact that you were willing to throw your life away in a completely pointless sacrifice is more than I can bear.”

“I would rather have died in your arms, Simon, than face a lifetime without you. All those endless years . . . all those winters, summers . . . a hundred seasons of wanting you and never having you. Growing old, while you stayed eternally young in my memories.” She bit her lip and shook her head, while her eyes flooded. “I was wrong when I told you that I didn’t

know where I belonged. I do. With you, Simon. Nothing matters except being with you. You’re stuck with me forever, and I’ll never listen when you tell me to go.” She managed a tremulous smile. “So you may as well stop complaining and resign yourself to it.”

“My God, I can’t stand this! I can’t let you go out every day, fearing every minute that something might happen to you, knowing that every ounce of sanity I’ve got left is hinged on your well-being. I can’t feel this way . . . it’s too strong . . . oh, hell. I’ll turn into a raving lunatic. I’ll never be of use to anyone again. If I could just reduce it somehow . . . love you only half this much . . . I might be able to live with it.”