“
Darling, if I’m the dark, then you’re the stars.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
You want to watch the world burn?"
"Let me guess, you'll set it on fire?" I ask.
He chuckles, the sound vibrating through me settling into my bones.
"No, darling. I'll hand you the match, and stand at your back, watching you become queen of the ashes.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Just remember that whenever things feel bleak, all situations are temporary. It’s not your circumstance that determines your worth, it’s how you rise from the ashes after everything burns.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
The greatest thing I've ever done in my life was to love you,Wendy,darling.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Maybe people never change and it’s only our perceptions that alter the view.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Only yours, James Barrie.” “And always yours, Wendy, darling.” He kisses my jaw. “Every night.” “And straight on ‘til morning.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Give it to me," she whispers.
I shake my head, my body trembling. "I don't have anything to give."
Her mouth grazes along my jaw, pressing soft kisses to my skin. "So give me all your nothing," she replies.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Anything happens to her and there will be no corner of the earth that can hide you from me. Understand?
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
You can have anything in life if you will sacrifice everything else for it. — J.M Barrie, Peter Pan
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
And to think, it all started with a little bit of faith. Misplaced trust. Missing pixie dust. And a villain who just needed to steal a little love.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
But we’re all a little twisted, and there’s no such thing as good and evil. There are only perspectives, and perceptions change depending on the angle.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
I'm done fighting it.
James may not be a hero, but even villains can feel. And you can't help who you love.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
I'll sacrifice my soul a thousand times over in order to stay with his.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
That’s my girl,” he whispers against my skin.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
When do you want it?” “Yesterday.” I press into her. “Now.” She stumbles into the cab’s door. “Tomorrow.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
But I regret, with every fiber of my being, that for even one moment you suffered under my hands.” Her eyes widen, the beautiful shades of brown glossing over. “You are, without a doubt, the only good I’ve ever known.” I rest my forehead on hers, my shaky breaths ghosting across her lips, my thumb rubbing against her cheek. “So… don’t lie to me, Wendy, darling. Because my heart won’t survive it if you do.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
People aren't static. Our morals aren't constant. They're variables, ever changing and molding into different versions of themselves; energy that can be re-shifted and realigned.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
The greatest thing I’ve ever done in my life was to love you, Wendy, darling.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
it’s how you rise from the ashes after everything burns.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
I’m yours just as much as you’re mine.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
I want you to say it because you are mine. Because you’re going to stay, even though we both know you should leave.” Her breathing stutters, her hands framing my face as she stares deep into my eyes. “I’m yours, James.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Filthy words for such a pretty mouth.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Are you ready to go?” His thumb presses into my bottom lip. “With you?” “As if I’d allow you to leave with anyone else.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
The kiss is anything but sweet. It’s twisted, and toxic; a poison masked in sugar, making you love the taste of death. But for the life of me, I can’t stop.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
I don’t like her knowing me as Hook, especially when she’s the only person in this world who makes me feel like James.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
People don't expect to see darkness in the daylight.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Do me a favor, pet.” “A—anything,” I stutter out. “Grind that sweet little pussy on me until you make a mess all over my lap.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
He points to the clock tower that sits in the middle of the town square, the moon and stars shimmering in the background. “Straight on ‘til morning.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Go to sleep, darling. Your soul is safe tonight.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
And until I decide otherwise, Wendy Michaels is mine.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
You want to watch the world burn?” “Let me guess, you’ll set it on fire?” I ask. He chuckles, the sound vibrating through me and settling into my bones. “No, darling. I’ll hand you the match, and stand at your back, watching you become queen of the ashes.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
No one is allowed to touch you here again.” His fingers pump in and out while his thumb circles slowly against my swollen clit. “I’m a very possessive man, Wendy. And I want you for myself.” His
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
I would give you the world. You simply have to ask. You want kids? Done.” He presses his lips to my jaw. My stomach tightens. “You want to stay here and never work again?” Another kiss, this time just beneath my ear. “Done.” My core flutters, heat spreading through me. “You want to watch the world burn?” “Let me guess, you’ll set it on fire?” I ask. He chuckles, the sound vibrating through me and settling into my bones. “No, darling. I’ll hand you the match and stand at your back, watching you become queen of the ashes.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Because James sees me as his equal. As someone worthy to stand at his side.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Boys are fickle.
Real men have loyalty.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
For anyone who has been the villain in someone else’s story.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
You can have anything in life if you will sacrifice everything else for it.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Something about the way he stares makes me feel alive.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
The pain of lost time never really gets easier, does it?
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Feelings don't just go away, they merely shift and change as your soul breaks, molding themselves into the cracks.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
I’ll take care of you, darling. Breathe through the pain.” He blows out a breath and I suck it in, a tear escaping from the corner of my eye.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Do you like to be choked, darling?” His fingers grip tighter with a thrust of his hips. “Want me to squeeze your throat until you’re on the edge of oblivion and seeing stars?
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
You want to watch the world burn?"
"Let me guess, you'll set it on fire?" I ask.
He chuckles, the sound vibrating through me settling into my bones.
"No, darling. I'll hand you the match, and stand at your back, watching you become queen of the ashes.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
I feel like a blank jigsaw puzzle with a thousand scattered pieces.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
My torn-up heart rattles against its blackened cage, beating just for her, hoping she’ll learn to love it through the dirt.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Every night.” “And straight on ‘til morning.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
I realize that even the most fractured of hearts have further to break. Because mine was just decimated to ash.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
He leans in, his lips skimming the top of my ear. “And if you’re a good girl, maybe I’ll show you the real reason why my mouth should be illegal.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
My chest pulls, insides reeling as I stare down at her, realizing that I’ve never held such beauty in my hands. And in this moment, I’m not sure how I’ll let her go.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Don’t ever try to leave me again.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
That means you don’t quit until you get what you want. Even if it takes all damn night. Understand?
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
You’re such a good girl. Do you know that?
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
It’s in this moment that I know, as wild as it seems, that I love her. And that terrifies me more than anything else ever has.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
He already told you, didn’t he?” Wendy cocks her head. “He popped my cherry.” Gasps sound around the table, and I choke on the liquid of my drink, my hand shooting to my chest to stifle the cough. “Wendy,” Peter hisses.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
You’re so violent.”
He grins. “It’s just who I am, darling.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
But people see the world through a personal lens, and sometimes it’s easier to believe what you think is true instead of having to figure out others.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
We're all by-products of evil, some of us born into it and others created from circumstance.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
His little shadow.
Fitting nickname, I think. After all, one can't leave their shadow behind without missing it in the end.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Hi,' she says.
My stomach flips. 'Hi back.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
If I’m yours, then what are you to me?” Your worst nightmare.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
I guess when you’ve experienced the things I have, you learn quickly that immortality is only granted through people’s memories.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Hook,” I whisper through the dark. “Wendy.” “I don’t want to die.” He sighs. “Go to sleep, darling. Your soul is safe tonight.” “Okay.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
And maybe that makes me stupid.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
If maybe I haven’t irrevocably ruined everything.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Every night.” “And straight on ’til morning.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
I’ve made sure that people understand the end of a blade hurts worse when the person wielding it enjoys causing pain.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
And just so we’re clear.” He presses his thumb into my chin. “If someone else touches you, I’ll cut off their hands so they can never touch anything again.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
He bites, sucks, and kisses, and while I’m sure he’s leaving marks, I can’t find it in me to care, too lost in the way he seems to mold me to fit perfectly to every single piece of him.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Just remember that whenever things feel bleak, all situations are temporary. It’s not your circumstances that determine your worth, it’s how you rise from the ashes after everything burns.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
But I’m worse than any of the wild that lives in these woods, and I’ll hunt down everyone involved like prey, bathing in their blood and dancing to their screams until they repent for their sins.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
You’re beautiful,” I gasp as he pulls out and thrusts back in. He smirks. “Am I?” “Yes.” My heart swells in my chest and my hand reaches up to trail along his jaw. “You’re dark and moody and mysterious. But beautiful.” Leaning down, he sucks my tongue into his mouth and sets a steady pace, my walls squeezing around his length as if my body wants him closer. Needs him deeper. His lips break away, his hand wrapping around my throat the way he knows I love. “Darling, if I’m the dark, then you’re the stars.” And
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
He points to the clock tower that sits in the middle of the town square, the moon and stars shimmering in the background. "Straight on 'til morning."
My head tilts. "What's that mean?"
His arm wraps around my shoulders, bringing me in close. "That means you don't quit until you get what you want. Even if takes all damn night. Understand?
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
There’s something strangely gratifying about becoming someone’s judge, jury, and executioner. A type of thrill that can’t be replicated. One that courses through your insides and makes you feel untouchable. Infallible. Like a god.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Somewhere along the way, I’ve started to care. The realization that I no longer wish to use her against her father slams into me, sucking the breath from my lungs and making my tortured heart skip a beat. But if I give her freedom, she’ll run far, far away.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
So... don't lie to me, Wendy, darling. Because my heart won't survive if you do.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
And if you're a good girl, maybe I'll show you the real reason why my mouth should be illegal.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Years of being at the hands of someone who frequently lost their wits have taught me that control is paramount.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Innocent. And for some reason, that shoots a thrill straight to my cock, making it thicken and pulse as I imagine all the ways this place could defile her.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
You see ... subduing a woman is all about control ... A delicate weaving of power. A give-and-take, if you will. Supplying them with the absolute pleasure of your dominance.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
her chocolate eyes sparkling as she grins up at me, her face level with my groin. Such a pretty position we’re in.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
I rather like the idea of you having a reminder of me on your skin.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
People aren't static. Our morals aren't constant. They're variables, ever changing and molding into different versions of themselves; energy that can be re-shifted and realigned.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
I shake my head, my body trembling. "I don't have anything to give."
..."Then give me all of your nothing.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Wendy Michael is a delicious treat, and I can’t wait to enjoy every bite of it.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Give it to me.
I don't have anything to give.
So give me all your nothing.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
I’m tired of being told to heel.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
I think we’re all susceptible to strange things when our emotional and physical state are under duress.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
When you’re all alone in your room, how do you make yourself come?
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Good girl.” I pat her cheek before lowering her head back to my lap.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
How fortuitous that the man I long to kill is serving himself to me on a silver platter.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
You have to relax, or I’ll never fit inside you.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
we’re all a little twisted, and there’s no such thing as good and evil. There are only perspectives, and perceptions change depending on the angle.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
People aren’t static. Our morals aren’t constant. They’re variables, ever changing and molding into different versions of themselves; energy that can be re-shifted and realigned.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
desperation making my tongue loose, hoping that somebody would act in my favor. That someone would finally see me and understand.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Most of the time, his personality is calm waters, still and sparkling and as clear as glass. But a single drop can disrupt the entire surface, and you never know when the rain will hit.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
Just remember that whenever things feel bleak, all situations are temporary. Its not your circumstance that determines your worth, its how your rise from the ashes after everything burns.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
When you come to the JR tonight, wear something blue.” I lean in, my breath ghosting along her ear. “It’s such a lovely color, and I want to spend all night imagining the way it will look shredded on my bedroom floor.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
If you want to ensure someone’s loyalty, you have to make sure they understand why you deserve it. And I’ve made sure that people understand the end of a blade hurts worse when the person wielding it enjoys causing pain.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))
“
For the record.” He dips his head down, the tips of his hair tickling my neck as he presses kisses to my skin. “I would give you the world. You simply have to ask. You want kids? Done.” He presses his lips to my jaw. My stomach tightens. “You want to stay here and never work again?” Another kiss, this time just beneath my ear. “Done.” My core flutters, heat spreading through me. “You want to watch the world burn?” “Let me guess, you’ll set it on fire?” I ask. He chuckles, the sound vibrating through me and settling into my bones. “No, darling. I’ll hand you the match and stand at your back, watching you become queen of the ashes.
”
”
Emily McIntire (Hooked (Never After, #1))