Aleatha Romig Quotes

I think we're all crazy. That doesn't mean that I'm leaving here today without you. My love, you're coming home.

While I do, I'll be comforted in knowing that no one else has ever loved as completely or has been as loved, as I have been by Anthony Rawlings.

God help me, I do care about you. Gently hugging her against his chest, he tenderly moved her hair away from her angelic face. Seeing her sleep, peaceful and trusting, his thoughts of waking
her for his desires were quickly replaced.

It is not the strongest of the species that survives, not the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change. - Charles Darwin

You have rules to learn and penalties to experience
- Nox

DREAMS, LIKE FAIRYTALES, all come to an end. We wake or turn that final page. There's no escaping it. It may take days, years, or an entire lifetime, but forever doesn't truly exist.

You don't marry someone you can live with, you marry the person who you cannot live without.

doesn't she hate me? It wasn't that I wanted Sara to hate me, I didn't, but she should. Backing

God she hated the dance. A blow to the cheek one minute and discussing a romantic getaway the next. It was the one step forward, two steps back waltz. She wanted to scream. Sitting on the side of the bed, Claire allowed herself tears and swallowed

She put her arms around his waist and looked up at his face. "I did? What did I take?"
He bent down to kiss her. She stood to meet
him halfway. His lips softly touched her lips and her neck as his hands became tangled in her hair.
"I believe it was my heart.

As an esteemed businessman, he forgot one very important rule. He forgot to read the fine print. It wasn't an acquisition to own another person as he'd previously assumed. It was an agreement to acquire a soul.

Childhood was the past. It couldn't be changed, only remembered.

Fate of her husband.

Then, if you want, we can bring her back to New York and keep her safe. If she means that much to you, she means that much to me." My head continued to move from side to side. "Who the fuck are you?" Nox leaned close, his cologne clouding my thoughts. "I'm Batman, princess. Next time you want to fly across the country, tell me. I won't delay two hundred people's plans, and we can just fly in the bat plane.

In Del Mar I'd given him my heart. I knew that now, because today he'd broken it.
- Charli

Maybe it wasn't what you give up - maybe it was what you receive.

Life is not what it's supposed to be. It's what it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.

Unfortunately, the story wasn't a novel, and it wasn't fiction.

That was years ago. I've learned my lessons well and played my role. No longer willing to be a victim, today I'm insidious.

Caused discomfort: more evidence that last night was real.

Actions have consequences, I have told you that. Why is that difficult for you to understand?

The evil you create will ultimately destroy you, you cannot escape the consequences of your actions. - Leon Brown

... It wasn't about making mistakes. They were part of life. It was about repeating them. That was where the real men became separated from lesser men.

What is love? Love is when one person knows all of your secrets, deepest, darkest, most dreadful secrets of which no one else in the world knows. And yet in the end, that one person does not think any less of you.

Their journey wasn't complete. If their
relationship had been a poker tournament, unquestionably, they'd not been dealt the best cards. When faced with the same odds, as Tony and Claire, many players would have folded and walked away. They hadn't - they'd continued to play. In the process they'd grown and changed. At one time, they were opponents, strategizing against one another, now they were teammates, yet their tournament wasn't over. It was too early to declare the winner. They both knew there were more cards to be revealed.

Mr. Rawlings is a man of his word. The problem was, he made two different promises and he felt honored to keep them both. He hoped that by fulfilling one, in a different than expected way, he may have the chance to rectify the other.

Take a dark journey into the minds of multiple men and learn firsthand about the man who believes that he controls everything and controls nothing.

Claire believed she was teetering literally on the edge of sanity. A strong wind was all it would take to blow her one way or the other. Iowa had its share of storms, strong winds and tornadoes, they were all unpredictable. It made an ironic parallel for her life.

The ocean breeze returned, stinging his eyes, causing moisture to pool. He blinked it away before Claire could see, because ... Anthony Rawlings didn't apologize and he didn't cry ... that's the truth.

Tomorrow is a mystery. Yesterday is history. Live today, it's a gift, that's why they call it present.

He remembered the day.

Remembering her words, Tony, you are mine and nobody else's, he acquiesced; he'd met his match.

A wish, a dream, a miracle - Whatever it is, it's real.

Those who have trusted where they ought not,
will surely mistrust where they ought not.
-Marie von Ebnuer-Eschenbach

The longer I waited for you to get home that night, the more betrayed I felt, I lost control. ~Anthony Rawls

If you're sure of what you're getting yourself into, I will spend the rest of my life atoning for my sins against you and against others. I want my name to be something you're proud to carry.

You're right. Your decietfulness far exceeds my modest attempts at dishonesty. I bow-down to your superior duplicity.

If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude. - Maya Angelou

Our first time," he said, "because there will be more than one time, won't be what you deserve.

God, he was a beautiful son of a bitch. Not fair.

You, my dear, are my drug. I'm so damn addicted. I can't quit you. I know, because I've tried, not for me, but for you. I failed miserably. The more I have of you, the more I need. I can never get enough.

I promise you, when I'm done, your ass will be sore, but others will be dead." "You're not being literal, are you?" "Yes, your ass will be sore." I

Suddenly, the ice became liquid and her veins filled with the cold, condensing fluid. Her heartbeat intensified as the poor muscle attempted to pump the viscous solution.

The heat of the summer transformed the green grass into long brown straw, only the weeds were green. Claire didn't mind, the weeds had pretty flowers. Unlike Tony's flowers, which had been sentenced to his yard, gardens, or clay pots, these flowers grew free wherever they wanted. Furthermore, weeds were survivors. When all else died, the weeds remained. Yes, Claire liked weeds.

My life hasn't been perfect, yet I've never wasted my time envying anyone else. If something wasn't the best it could be - I made it better.

Putting her head back on the chair, she contemplated how she should revisit the subject without being disrespectful of his answer or lack thereof.

First, you're sorry for invading my privacy for years, years before I even knew you existed. Second, you're sorry for kidnapping me, isolating, controlling me, and manipulating me. Third, you're sorry for lying to me, pretending you cared and oh yearh, marrying me. Fourth, listen carefully Tony, this is the big one ... you're sorry for framing me for attempted murder, resulting in incarceration in a federal penitentiary."
"I am deeply sorry for one and four. I did provide you with an alternative destination for number four. I am not proud of two, but three would never have happened without it. I am not, and never will be sorry for three. And, for the record, I never lied about or pretended to love you. I didn't realize it at first, but I have loved you since before you knew my name. And, you forgot our divorce. I am sincerely sorry for that also.

I am a man of my word.

I think it was a game to both of you, a real life chess game. Every move you made he countered. In order to get his king, you sacrificed your queen, a bold move. One I believe will work. But at what cost?

As a wife you don't question. By doing as you're told, you're relieved of the responsibility of decisions.[...]It's a blessing. Don't you agree?

Her response received a twinkling eyed grin from her

This man dominated every situation. He was a man who knew what he wanted and took it.

Does one fight when one knows she can't win? Does one protest when she knows it falls on deaf ears? Does one pray for escape, even if death is the most viable alternative? ~ Claire Nichols Rawlings

We all have time machines. Some take us back, they're called memories. Others take us forward, they're called dreams. - Unknown

He recognized the difference in her touch.
Looking down into her green eyes, he said, "I need to keep working."
"No, Claire, I need to keep working to be a man you are proud to be married to.

Our first time will be what you want, what you fantasize about. I'm going to take you, right here, right now.

Questions: How did this happen? How did I get here?

Tony squeezed her hand and whispered, "It's as beautiful as I remember."
"Have you been here – recently?"
"No, I'd be lost without you.

What we fear is what we do not know. When something is cloaked by the darkness of uncertainty, it's a mystery. Allowing light to penetrate that darkness makes everything clear.

We shall draw from the heart of suffering itself the means of inspiration and survival.
-Sir Winston Churchill

Hope is the dream of a waking man. - Aristotle

Tony poured wine into each glass and handed one to Claire. "Do you remember when we had wine at the Red Wing?"
Claire closed her eyes, recalling the scene from a lifetime ago, and nodded. "I do."
"I'd been watching you for years. I was so nervous that night. I thought I was planning your acquisition." He looked into his red liquid.
Her stance straightened, "If you're using business metaphors, may I suggest hostile takeover. It's more appropriate.

We wouldn't want appearances to be questioned.

We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face ... we must do that which we think we cannot. - Eleanor Roosevelt

I have made some bad decisions ... and done some things I regret in my life ... but without a doubt ... what I regret the most ... is divorcing you. If you tell me there is hope, that one day you'll be Mrs. Rawlings again, I will wait.

I know you enjoy coffee, I´d offer you some. But, the last time I got you coffee, it didn´t work out so well for me."
Tony smirked, "God, Claire you´re something else. I can´t imagine anyone else joking about that."
"Well, see, you misinterpreted. I wasn´t joking. I´m actually still pissed as hell.

It made Claire feel so much better knowing that even though she'd almost died, appearances were maintained.

I don't doubt you can handle it; you've
handled so much. You've always been so strong. It's what - "
"I know - it's what infuriated you about me."
He squeezed her hand. "Yes - and it's
what made me fall in love with you.

With the sleep deprived pounding behind Brent's closed eyes, he made a decision. He wouldn't quit, and he hadn't been fired; however, without a doubt - he wasn't getting paid enough to put up with this shit! He deserved a raise, and if Tony weren't around, then damn, that was something Brent could facilitate on his own! This shit deserved more money!

Each thought was epic yet minuscule.

For the first time in his life he'd dared to believe in happily-ever-after.He learned at a young age it was unattainable. Therefore, he'd never even tried ... until Claire.

A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future and accepts you for who you are today.

I'm not throwing you away! I'm setting you free.

Perhaps the rest of the world was gone. It was the most plausible answer. Heaven knows she couldn't see or think of anyone else. That must be the answer, they were the only two people left, as the Earth spun into a timeless abyss.
Claire once read time doesn't pass at normal speeds within a black hole. If one were to travel into a black hole for only moments and return again, centuries would have passed. That explained the sensation she felt, once again peering into his dark gaze. She wouldn't look away; she'd trained herself better than that. Then again, she reasoned, it wasn't an option. She couldn't divert her gaze if she wanted. The hold upon her stare was stronger than any ropes or chains made by man. Claire knew from experience, submitting to the hold was her best chance at survival. Fighting was a futile waste of energy.

No matterwhat he did to make Claire's life better or show her he'd changed, these memories would always linger in the recesses of his mind. For the rest of his life, he'd know what he'd done. Tony hated himself for all of it - hell, he always had the end justifies the means argument, but even he didn't believe that anymore. Not now. Not now that he knew Claire and loved Claire.

Theirs was a long, complicated story with a monster and a knight. What made their story unique was that these two players were the same person.

There is something perverse about more then enough. When we have more, it is never enough. It is always somewhere out there, just out of reach. The more we acquire, the more elusive enough becomes.

How does it make you feel to not get what you expect?"
"It disappoints me. I don't like to be disappointed.

S they sat, him on the sofa and her in a chair, she added, "I know you enjoy coffee, I'd offer you some. But, the last time I got you coffee, it didn't work out so well for me."
Tony smirked, "God, Claire you're something else. I can't imagine anyone else joking about that.

She sat back down, arms once again crossed over her breasts. It was the most direct she'd ever spoken to him, and it felt liberating. Unfortunately, the resentment coursing through her veins wouldn't allow her to relish her new found independence.
She expected her words to incite anger; after all, she'd experienced his anger before. Nevertheless, carelessly and unapologetically Claire forged ahead, I would prefer the words, but you are welcome to say, one through four, if that's easier for you.

It's documented, when a person is forbidden something, once it's available, they tend to overindulge."
Tony met her gaze, his tone a sultry melody, "Before it is made available, a person may dream of it, long for it, and fantasize about it. Especially if they once had it and know how amazing it is.

Though she knew his sins and shortcomings, she never judged. She forgave. She forgave unforgivable acts. She forgave a man who had never before been forgiven. It was more than that: she'd given him a child and a life.

Hope was nothing but a vindictive bastard that took up residence inside and gave a false promise of something outside of your control.

As the tears coated his cheeks, he told himself, Anthony Rawlings doesn't cry. He doesn't apologize, and he doesn't

Glasses, yet to make the masquerade complete, at such a dinner there should have been wine or champagne. It

It wasn't fair to Claire

Character wasn't about perfection. It was about wisdom and the ability to learn and change. If

It has been said that something as small as the flutter of a butterfly's wing can ultimately cause a typhoon halfway around the world. - Chaos Theory

His words were barely audible. That was all right; they weren't intended for anyone except the woman who wasn't there. "I'm so sorry ... for everything ... why? ... why did you leave me?" As the tears coated his cheeks he told himself, Anthony Rawlings doesn't cry. He doesn't apologize, and he doesn't cry ...

Disappointment to a noble soul is what cold water is to burning metal. It strengthens, tempers, intensifies, but never destroys it.