Fallen Foe (Cruel Castaways, #2)

by L.J. Shen

“Oh, and by the way.” She throws one last look at me, clutching the door. “That kiss? Four out of ten. Maybe that’s why Grace cheated on you. You’re a bad kisser.”

“I always feel like you’re expecting me to be embarrassed about where I come from.” “And what if I do?” He lingers on this point. “Why should you succumb to other people’s wants and expectations? You have free agency and an admirable mind. Keep shutting me down. Fight back. Never be ashamed of where you come from. A person has no future without first owning up to their past.”

“That’s right, life is a messy business. Living is a lesson in endurance.” Arsène nods. “And endurance is a lesson in humility. The problem with humankind is that everyone wants a simple, comfortable life. But that’s such a terrible existence. How could you ever appreciate the good moments if you haven’t braved the bad ones?

This!

He hands me the flowers, completely at ease, like the last time he was here didn’t end up in a third world war. “For you.” “That’s . . . a lot of flowers,” I observe. “One for each facet of your personality,” he remarks dryly. “I’ve yet to determine whether you’re too sweet or too assertive.”

feel strongly that you could do with some unconditional love, and that’s exactly what I’m going to offer you, Winnifred.”

“In case I haven’t made myself clear thus far, I’m not Paul. I’m not interested in a prenup. Or in a baby machine. Or in a woman who makes cookies for my colleagues. I want a partner. An equal. I want you to be exactly who you are.” I

“And who you are is who I fell in love with,” I