The Elite Kiera Cass Quotes

It turns out I'm absolutely terrible at staying away from you. It's a very serious problem.

Love is beautiful fear

You’ve changed me forever. And I’ll never forget you.

You know that you’ve found something amazing, and you want to hold on to it forever; and every second after you have it, you fear the moment you might lose it.

Sometimes I feel like we're a knot, too tangled to be taken apart.

It wasn’t like I made his world better. It was like I was his world. It wasn’t some explosion; it wasn’t fireworks. It was a fire, burning slowly from the inside out.

America, there’s no question that you’ve had my heart from the beginning. By now you have to know that

I should have proposed that night in your room." "I should have let you.

He must love you very much,' Gavril said once I had my footing. I couldn't look at him. 'What makes you say that?' Gavril sighed. 'I've known Maxon since he was a child. He's never stood up to his father like that.

Darling, you’re perfect.

The Selection was no longer something that was simply happening to me, but something I was actively a part of. I was an Elite.

A lot of things are yours, America

...I want it to be as easy as breathing for you to say yes.

I'd spare your tears for the rest of your life if I could.

America Singer, you get back here." He ran in front of me, wrapping an arm around my waist as we stood, chest to chest. "Tell me," he whispered. I pinched my lips together. "Fine, then I shall have to rely on other means of communication." Without any warning, he kissed me.

I was afraid I was wrong, that you would change your mind any second. I’ve been looking for a suitable alternative, but the truth is …”—Maxon looked me in the eyes again, unwavering—“there’s only you. Maybe I’m not really looking, maybe they aren’t right for me. It doesn’t matter. I just know I want you. And that terrifies me. I’ve been waiting for you to take back the words, to beg to leave.

I know, I know. It's hard to explain. All I can say is that I've been given a second chance. Maxon matters to me, and I'm going to fight for him.

I'm sure you would have stopped it if you could have." "In a heartbeat.

All I want is your promise to stay with me, to be mine. Sometimes it feels like you can't possibly be real. Promise me you'll stay.” "Por supuesto. I promise.

It was almost comforting, this mutual acceptance of our secrets.

So he enjoys a girl who stands up to him," Dad said once we all calmed down. "I like him more already.

It's the most wonderful and terrible thing that can ever happen to you," she said simply. "You know that you've found something amazing, and you want to hold on to it forever; and every second after you have it, you fear the moment you might lose it." I sighed softly. She was absolutely right. Love was beautiful fear.

It’s because I’m so good-looking, isn’t it?

I kind of wanted someone to rearrange the stars so they spelled out his words. I needed them big and bright, and somewhere I could see then when things felt dark. I love you. And I'm so, so proud.

We danced. Remember? I was so proud to have you there, in my arms,in front of other people. Even if you did look like you were having a seizure.

The Angeles air was quiet, and for a while I laid still, listening to the sound of Maxon breathing.

The look in Marlee's eyes was triumphant, and the smile hiding behind her cup of tea said, 'Gotcha'!

We know you're strong, but accepting help is its own kind of strength.

It's just the way it is. The sky is blue, the sun is bright, and Aspen endlessly loves America. It's how the world was designed to be.

If me dying meant you living, how could that be anything but good?

I knew that, in my whole life, if I married Aspen or someone else, no one would ever make me feel this way. It wasn’t like I made his world better. It was like I was his world. It wasn’t some explosion; it wasn’t fireworks. It was a fire, burning slowly from the inside out.

I sighed. "Actually, Mom, we argue pretty regularly." "What?" She gaped at me. "Well, stop it!" "Oh, and I kneed him in the groin once." There was a split second of silence before May barked a laugh. She covered her mouth and tried to stop it, but it kept coming out in awkward, squeaky sounds. Dad's lips were pressed together, but I could tell he was on the verge of losing it himself. Mom was paler then snow. "America, tell me you're joking. Tell me you didn't assault the prince." I don't know why, but the word assault pushed us all on the edge; and May, Dad, and I bent over laughing as Mom stared at us. "Sorry, Mom," I managed. "Oh, good lord." She suddenly seemed very excited in meeting Marlee's parents, and I didn't stop her from going.

You were the one who changed us when you left me in the tree house; and you keep thinking that if you push hard enough, you can make everything go back to before that moment. It doesn't work that way. Give me a chance to choose you.

I do intend on giving you things, but that's not what I mean. I'm going to love you more that any man has ever loved a woman, more than you ever dreamed you could be loved. I promise you that.

You’ve changed me forever. And I’ll never forget you.” I ran my free hand down his chest, straightening his coat. “Don’t tug your ear with anyone else. That’s mine.” I gave him a tight smile. “A lot of things are yours, America.

I pranced around the room like a blind moose, but what I lacked in grace I made up for in effort.

And I know it's over, but it's the same way I felt when you broke up with me.

I only wish I knew that you'd actually want to be with me when that time is over.

I remembered suddenly that Aspen had always been this way. He sacrificed sleep for me, he risked getting caught out after curfew for me, he scrounged together pennies for me. Aspen's generosity was harder to see because it wasn't as grand as Maxon's, but the heart behind what he gave was so much bigger.

I don't know if I'm supposed to be holding on or letting go. I don't want to give up, but if there's nothing for me to hope for, then tell me.

I always wondered if they’d change you.

I wanted to be his dear, his darling. I wanted to be Maxon’s alone.

When we died, no one would know, and that fraction of a moment that was so important to who we were would be gone.

Could it be that simple? Tell one story to one generation and repeat it until it was accepted as fact?

How did thie person-someone I'd imagined would be my polar opposite-always seem to find the things that would make me the happiest?

It’s okay, Kriss. Have some pie,” Natalie offered.

I curled closer to May, comforted by her warmth.

Don't tug your ear with anyone else. That's mine.

Maxon, that’s not going to happen,” I whispered into his neck. “If anything, you’re going to realize I’m not good enough.” His lips were at my ear. “Darling, you’re perfect.

Time. I was asking for a lot of it these days. I hoped that if I had enough, everything would somehow fall into place.

I know there was a time, when our country was new, when the assignment of these numbers helped organize something that was on the brink of not existing. But we are no longer that country. We are so much more now.

Thank you,” he whispered. “At least I can know for certain that, for one brief moment of our time together, you and I felt the same thing.

If you want the crown, America, take it. Take it. Because it should be yours.

Break my heart for what breaks yours. Everything I am for you kingdom's cause, as I walk from nothing to eternity.

We'd be a wonderful us.

Maxon sighed. “Honestly? I was trying to give the other girls a sporting chance. From the beginning, I’ve really only looked at you, wanted you.

Well, the one thing I've thought about is having dad give me away. You know when he takes your hand and he puts it in the hand of the person you marry? That's the only part I've ever wanted.

I had been so mad at him when I left, I'd given them back. All except for the one that stuck to the bottom of the jar. He smiled. "They're at home, waiting." "For what?" His eyes glittered. "That, I cannot say.

But if it was always a point of speculation, where one person insisted it was a certain way and another denied it, how would anyone ever hold on to the truth?

What’s it like to be in love?”"It’s the most wonderful and terrible thing that can ever happen to you,

I was overwhelmed. He understood me so well, how nervous I was about making this commitment, how frightening it was for me to become a princess. He was going to give me every last second he could and, in the meantime, lavish me with everything possible. I had another one of those moments when I couldn't believe this was all happening. "That's not fair, Maxon," I mumbled. "What in the world am I supposed to be able to give you?" He smiled. "All I want is your promise to stay with me, to be mine. Sometimes it feels like you can't possibly be real. Promise me you'll stay." "Of course, I promise.

All the talk in the world won't undo what we are. They put us in a corner we could never get out of on our own, and they're not in a rush to pull us out.

Don’t tug your ear with anyone else. That’s mine.” I gave him a tight smile. “A lot of things are yours, America.

I looked at his face, unsure of how many more of his smiles I'd have.

You were my pick. My only pick.

Lord knows what would happen to the country with you at the helm.” I laughed along because he was right. “I’d probably ruin it.” Maxon continued to smile when he spoke. “But maybe it needs ruining.

Not that I am cheering for him or anything, but if he can't see how amazing you are, he's an idiot." -Aspen

I'd spent time with all those girls trying to find someone who outshone you, who I thought I could want more, and I failed. I felt hopeless.

No, I should have been more open.” “I should have been more patient.” “I should have proposed that night in your room.” “I should have let you.

if there’s one thing I’ve learned from being in the Selection, it’s that some girls have a frightening killer instinct. Don’t let the ball gowns fool you,” she finished with a smile.

Maxon managed to pull me even closer. “I was saving this one. I’ve put in time with all the other girls, so my obligations are over. Now I can enjoy the rest of the evening with you.

What are these?" Maxon asked, brushing across the tips of my fingers as we walked. "Calluses. They're from pressing down on violin strings four hours a day." "I've never noticed them before." "Do they bother you?" I was the lowest caste of the six girls left, and I doubted any of them had hands like mine. Maxon stopped moving and lifted my fingers to his lips, kissing the tiny, worn tips. "On the contrary. I find them rather beautiful." I felt myself blush. "I've seen the world – admittedly mostly through bulletproof glass or from the tower of some ancient castle – but I've seen it. And I have access to the answers of a thousand questions at my disposal. But this small hand here?" He looked deeply into my eyes. "This hand makes sounds incomparable to anything I've ever heard. Sometimes I think I only dreamed that I heard you play the violin, it was so beautiful. These calluses are proof that it was real.

Trust me, Mer, any man who passes up the chance to be with you is the stupid one.” “You tried to pass me up,” I reminded him. “That’s how I know,” he replied with a smile.

It turns out I'm terrible at staying away from you. It's a very serious problem." I smiled. "Have you really tried?" He pretended to think about it. "Well, no. And don't expect me to start." -America and Maxon

I smiled to myself, thinking of America, measuring her against the other girls. She was pretty, if a bit rough on the edges. It was an uncommon type of beauty, and I could tell she wasn't aware of it.

Perhaps the highlight was Natalie on top of the table, doing some kind of dance that made her look like an octopus.

It was dark, so I couldn't make out much of her face, but she had brilliant red hair, like honey and roses and the sun altogether.

Something about being that close to him all the time made my bones feel weak.

I don’t care what anyone says, Lady America. You’re leaving in style,

Perhaps our country is flawed, but we cannot deny its strength. My fear is that, without change, that strength will become stagnate. And I love our country too much to let that happen. I hope too much to let that happen.

If she’s going to win, we need a plan.” Her smile was diabolical, and I grinned with her. I’d never met anyone as organized as these girls. If I had them, there was no way I could lose.

It’s you,” I said. “I don’t want to leave you.” “Me?” I nodded. “You want me?” I giggled at his bewildered expression. “That’s what I’m saying.

Almost all the girls who went home are already engaged to wonderful men. To be a part of the Selection at all makes you a prize. And you made it to the top four of the Elite at the very least. Trust me, Elise, guys will be lined up around the block for you.” Elise smiled. “I don’t need a line. I just need one.” “Well, I need a line,” Celeste said, making us all chuckle, even Elise. “I’d like a handful,” Kriss said. “A line does sound overwhelming.” They looked at me. “One.” “You’re nuts,” Celeste decided.

Resulta que soy absolutamente terrible en permanecer lejos de ti. Es un problema muy serio.

It was like they carried the sun inside their souls and let it shine out on everything around them.

I’ve been so foolish,” I said, my breath catching. I’d fought hard against the tears, but I couldn’t anymore. “I kept letting the crown scare me out of wanting you. I told myself that you didn’t really matter to me. I kept thinking that you had lied to me or tricked me, that you didn’t trust me or care about me enough. I let myself believe that I wasn’t important to you.” I stared at his handsome face. “One look at your back says you’d do damn near anything for me. And I threw it away. I just threw it away. . . .

I wasn’t here to win anymore. So how could I go out with a bang?

What’s wrong? You’re excited to meet the queen, aren’t you?” I asked. “I am. It’s just …” “What?” She sighed. “How am I supposed to go back to khakis after all this?

Anything you need, anything you want, say the words. I will do everything I can for you.

Oh!” Aspen said, surprised to see me, too. “I think it makes me the worst guard ever that I assumed you were in your room this whole time.

I wished I could erase everything else and hold on to this moment, this brief second when he and I knew how much we meant to each other.

Maxon, I hope you find someone you can't love without. I really do. And I hope you never have to know what it's like to have to try and live without them." Maxon's face was a shallow echo of my own pain. He looked absolutely brokenhearted for me. More than that, he looked angry. "I'm sorry, America. I don't..." His face shifted a little. "Is this a good time to pat your shoulder?" His uncertainty made me smile. "Yes. Now would be a great time." He seemed as skeptically as he'd been the other day, but instead of just patting my shoulder, he leaned in and tentatively wrapped his arms around me. "I only really ever hug my mother. Is this okay?" he asked. I laughed. "It's hard to get a hug wrong." After a minute, I spoke again. "I know what you mean, though. I don't really hug anyone besides my family." I felt so drained after the long day of dressing and the Report and dinner and talking. It was nice to have Maxon just hold me, sometimes even patting my hair. He wasn't as lost as he seemed. He patiently waited for my breathing to slow, and when it did, he pulled back to look at me. "America, I promise you I'll keep you here until the last possible moment. I understand that they want me to narrow the Elite down to three and then choose. But I swear to you, I'll make it to two and keep you here until then. I won't make you leave a moment before I have to. Or the moment you're ready. Whichever comes first." I nodded. "I know we just met, but I think you're wonderful. And it bothers me to see you hurt. If he were here, I'd...I'd..." Maxon shook with frustration, then sighed. "I'm so sorry, America." He pulled me back in, and I rested my head on his broad shoulder. I knew Maxon would keep his promises. So I settled into perhaps the last place I ever thought I'd find genuine comfort.

I reached for his hand. “I also care enough about you to tell you you’re making a mistake.

Part of me thinks the slowness is on your side.

If you're about to tell me that I need to stop fighting for you, that's not a conversation I want to have" ~Aspen

Siempre has sido guapa; siempre has tenido talento. Y ahora sé que tu talla moral está a la misma altura, que ves claramente cuando algo no está bien y que haces todo lo que puedes por combatirlo. Como padre, no puedo pedir más. Te quiero, America. Y estoy muy muy orgulloso. PAPÁ

Love is beautiful fear.

I worked, and I was excited about the next time the five of us had a joint class. When that time came, Silvia started by asking us what we were passionate about. I scribbled down my family, music, and then, as if the word demanded to be written, justice.

Kriss put a hand on Elise’s. “Almost all the girls who went home are already engaged to wonderful men. To be a part of the Selection at all makes you a prize. And you made it to the top four of the Elite at the very least. Trust me, Elise, guys will be lined up around the block for you.” Elise smiled. “I don’t need a line. I just need one.

We should take pictures!" Elise said. "Anyone got a camera?" Celeste asked. "I;m a pro at this." "Mason does!" Kross shouted. "Come here for a minute," she said to a maid, waving her over encouragingly. "Hold on," I said, grabbing some paper. "Okay, okay. 'Your Highest of Highnesses, the ladies of the Elite require, immediately, the least fancy of your cameras for. . .'" Kriss giggled, and Celeste shook her head. "Oh! A study in feminine diplomacy," Elise added. "Is that a real thing?" Kross asked. Celeste tossed her hair. "Who cares?" Maybe twenty minutes later, Maxon knocked on the door and pushed it open an inch. "Can I come in?" Kross ran over. "No. We just want the camera." And she snatched it from his hand and closed the door in his face. Celeste fell on the floor, laughing. "What are you doing in there?" he called. But we were all too busy doubling over to answer.