The Striker Ana Huang Quotes

To loving every version of yourself, even the ones you want to leave behind.

I’ve been here since day one, darling. I was simply waiting for you to join me.

The past was the past, and the future was unpredictable. But the present? It belonged to us, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Does she know what an idiot she’s dating?” “Yes, sir, and she loves me anyway.

He wasn’t my brother’s nemesis or my trainee—he was the person who’d carried me up three flights of stairs, stayed with me until I regained consciousness, and didn’t make me feel like an object of pity when I told him about my accident. And that’s exactly why he’s dangerous.

Asher laughed. “Scarlett, this is Jules, an old friend of mine.” “And this is Josh, my boyfriend,” Jules added, gesturing at the man beside her.

If her smile was a burglar, her laugh was a fucking thief because I was pretty sure she just stole a piece of my heart from right out under me.

If Scarlett had plagued my thoughts before, the kiss had built her a permanent home there and invited her in for tea.

I looked at her, this beautiful, incredible woman whom I never would’ve expected would turn my world upside down, and marveled that she was mine.

now I found out the girl I couldn’t stop thinking about was related to my biggest rival. The universe had a sick sense of humor.

If it makes you feel better,' I said. 'I prefer Asher to Asher Donovan.

God definitely had favorites, and Asher was one of them.

Even if there were seven hundred thousand instead of seventy thousand people here, I would’ve found her just as easily because a part of me would always be connected to a part of her.

For Scarlett, I could do anything.

No matter where we were or how many people surrounded us, she commanded my attention like a lighthouse in a storm.

But at the end of the day, you have to ask yourself what you’d regret more—trying and failing, or not trying at all?

If we think we're perfect and there's nothing we can improve on, we'll never grow. If there's no growth, we stagnate. And greatness doesn't come from stagnation; comes from progress.

Her other hand carried a sign that said Kick Holchester’s ass from here to Pluto in huge, bright purple letters. I burst into laughter. God, I loved that woman.

He’s hot.” My head snapped toward her. “Who? Markovic?” “Yeah. In a scary, I-might-kill-you-after-I-fuck-you sort of way. But it works. What?” she said defensively when I arched my eyebrows. “I have a thing for bad boys.” “Sometimes, you worry me.” “I always do.

Tomorrow would always be there. Tonight, it was just us, and I was going to enjoy every second of it while it lasted.

Amusement slid across his infuriatingly perfect face. “What’s this?” “The flirting. It’s unprofessional.” “I’m afraid flirting is part of my nature, darling.

She’s moping around?” “Out of everything I said, that was your takeaway? And yes, she is, unfortunately, moping.

I could handle it if they were just coming after me. I know what I signed up for," Asher said. "But you're getting caught up in this mess, and that's not fucking okay.

We didn’t speak. We didn’t need to. Sometimes, actions were enough.

For someone whose mere presence put me on edge, he had a way of also easing my anxiety—namely by distracting me so much I didn’t have time to think about anything else.

You won’t because I won’t race anymore. I don’t need it, but I need you.

The noise around us dulled into an indistinguishable roar. No matter where we were or how many people surrounded us, she commanded my attention like a lighthouse in a storm. Bright. Beautiful. Unwavering.

The point is, your injuries don't define who you are. Maybe you're not the same dancer anymore, but who says you have to be? Growth isn't always linear, and I've seen you in the studio. I think you're still pretty damn incredible.

You’re telling me the Asher Donovan has nothing better to do with his time than drop by a ballet academy?” A shadow flickered in those crystalline green eyes. “I have other things I could do,” he said. “I wouldn’t say they’re better.

After all, there was nothing wrong with staying in. A book and tea were far superior to battling drunken strangers for breathing room in a sweaty nightclub.

If the way he said darling was illegal, the velvety intimacy with which he uttered my name was downright sinful.

We all have ugly feelings sometimes. It's a part of human nature. But it's what's do with them that counts.

Darling, if you want to call me pet, I won’t stop you.

I couldn’t believe Vincent DuBois, of all people, was giving me a pep talk. A harsh and annoying one, but a pep talk nonetheless.

Please,” Scarlett panted. “No more teasing.” “I thought you liked my teasing.

How hard do you want me to fuck you, Scarlett?

Her eyes shone bright in the sunlight, and looking up at her, even after all this time, I couldn’t quite believe she was mine.

A beautiful redhead approached us in the hall with a tall, handsome Asian man in tow.

I’d been surrounded by money and fame for most of my adult life. But this, right here, with Scarlett happy and content in my arms? This was all I truly needed.

It wasn’t just about the sex—it was about the fact that she trusted me enough to let go. To hand over the reins of control and let me take us where I wanted because she knew I would never hurt her. Her trust was more intoxicating than any sexual act.

I love you,” he repeated, his words thick with emotion. “I’m so fucking in love with you, darling, and the only reckless thing I want to do is explore how deep this rabbit hole goes with you. Together.” “It goes pretty deep, I imagine.” He smiled. “I think so.

There’s a part of me that feels like I owe it to him to win. Like if I don’t succeed, his death would’ve been for nothing. It’s irrational because the two have no direct correlation, but people aren’t always rational, are they?” “No,” I said softly. “But not everything needs to be rational to be true.

One more thing,” she said. “You’ll see you have several blocks of free time. They’re highlighted in yellow. You are, of course, free to spend that time however you wish. But”—she jabbed a finger at his chest—“if I find out you’ve so much as stepped foot near a sports car while you’re here, I will personally fetch a Japanese steel knife from the kitchen and castrate you with it. Scarlett is my witness. Do. You. Understand?

What’s this important thing you need to show me? It’s not your dick, is it?” “Not necessarily, but if you want to see it…” “I’ve seen it plenty. I don’t need—what are you doing?” “Stealing some time alone with my girlfriend. I’m tired of sharing you with other people.” “We were apart for ten minutes max, and we see each other every day.” “True,” he conceded. “But ten minutes is too long, and every day isn’t enough.” “You’re impossible.

I had a whole speech prepared, but I… well, I forgot all of it,” I admitted. “So forgive me is this doesn’t sound as pretty or polished as it should. But even though I don’t have the words to fully express what you mean to me, or how much I love you, I hope I’ve shown you how I feel through my actions every day we’ve been together. Our relationship started unconventionally, for lack of a better term. You came into my life at a time when my world revolved around football, and I couldn’t imagine anything or anyone changing that. Then I met you. I didn’t know who you were at the time, but I somehow knew you’d be an important part of my life. It was like the universe tapped me on the shoulder and told me to pay attention, yet I resisted. At least, I tried to. But as you may have noticed, I can never say no to you for long—not even when it comes to extremely important things like paint swatches and home shelving systems. You turned my world upside down, and I thank God for that every day. You’re not just one important part of my life. You’re the most important part, and I can’t imagine spending it without you. So, with that being said—Scarlett DuBois, will you marry me?

(dance moms were a terrifying breed),

Most of all, I don’t want to ruin my chances of spending as many days with you as possible because I love you. More than football, more than racing, more than anything else in this universe—Pluto included.

I love you,” he repeated, his words thick with emotion. “I’m so fucking in love with you, darling, and the only reckless thing I want to do is explore how deep this rabbit hole goes with you. Together.

We couldn’t change the past. We could only shape the future, and I wanted a future with him. Together.

I firmly believed paparazzi deserved a special place in hell next to the telemarketers and corrupt politicians.

I looked at her, this beautiful, incredible woman whom I never would’ve expected would turn my world upside down, and marveled that she was mine. The universe knew what it was doing after all.

I guess it was easier to make friends when I actually left the house. Imagine that.

I was so used to the luxuries in my life that I sometimes took them for granted, but experiencing them through her eyes did something to my soul.

And I think you’re doing her a great bloody disservice to insinuate I’m only interested in her because she’s your sister and not because she’s incredible on her own.

I think you’re capable of more than you give yourself credit for,” I said. “But at the end of the day, you have to ask yourself what you’d regret more—trying and failing, or not trying at all?

There was no steady ground with Asher Donovan. It was a constant sea of change--frustrating, terrifying, and, as much as I hated to admit it, exhilerating.

Once you’ve been betrayed by someone you trusted completely, it was hard to let your guard down again.

That wasn’t true anymore, but a girl could dream. Sometimes, dreams were all we had.

Come with me.” “Come with you to where?” “To Japan.

You called her darling.” “You must be enjoying the date more than you admit unless you use that endearment with everyone. Does it always work for you?” “I’ve only called one woman that and meant it.

Why did you come back?” “I came back for you.

I’ll always have your back. Always. No matter what happens, there’s nothing in this world that I won’t do for you.

The point is, your injuries don’t define who you are. Maybe you’re not the same dancer anymore, but who says you have to be? Growth isn’t always linear, and I’ve seen you in the studio. I think you’re still pretty damn incredible.

So maybe I was stepping over the line with what I had to say next, but I wouldn’t be a friend if I didn’t point it out—and I did consider her a friend, even if that sentiment wasn’t reciprocated.

Scarlett wasn’t my best friend, girlfriend, or family, but I didn’t need a label to know that I did care about her.

I think you’re capable of more than you give yourself credit for,” I said. “But at the end of the day, you have to ask yourself what you’d regret more—trying and failing, or not trying at all?

Hi, darling. The only words that always made me feel like I was coming home.

I got the Lambo!” Adil jangled his keys with a triumphant grin. “Thanks for breaking up with him, Scarlett. You should do it more often.

said.

He was my childhood best friend. We grew up next to each other. He loved football as much as I did, and he was better at it than I was.” “Stop.” I found it impossible to believe that any living player could be better than Asher. Sorry, Vincent. Yet another, albeit silent, betrayal of my brother. But I’d worry about that later. “It’s true,” Asher said. “He was better compared to how I played back then, at least. But whereas I couldn’t wait to sign with a club, he refused. Said he wasn’t interested in playing professionally.” “Why?” “He was afraid. Football isn’t a steady career, and he didn’t want the pressures that came with it. He hated being in the spotlight. He was worried that if he failed, he’d do so publicly and humiliate himself. So instead of living his dream, he let me live it for him.” “He must be proud of your success.” Proud or bitter, but I chose to give him the benefit of the doubt. “We don’t exactly talk anymore.” Asher sounded distant. I sensed there was more to the story, so I remained quiet. I was right. “I signed with Holchester when I was seventeen. I was so damn excited. We went out to celebrate, but I left early because I had a meeting with Holchester’s manager the next morning. Teddy chose to stay, and I remember thinking, good for him. He needed to loosen up a bit, you know?” Asher’s laugh sounded hollow. “We went to a pub in a seedier part of town since it was the only one that didn’t ID us since we were underage. Teddy left maybe an hour after I did. He was on his way to the bus stop when he got mugged.” I sucked in a sharp breath, already dreading the conclusion to the story. “It must’ve been the liquid courage, but Teddy refused to give up his wallet. He got into a fight with the mugger, who stabbed him six times and ran away. Teddy didn’t even make it to the hospital.” I saw it coming, but that didn’t stop my lurch of shock. Stabbed six times. Jesus. “One minute, he was there. The next, he was gone. And all these years, I can’t help but think…would he be alive if I’d stayed with him? If I’d insisted he leave when I did?” Asher’s voice thickened. “He wouldn’t have been there in the first place if it weren’t for me.

I never would’ve thought someone so delicate-looking could string together those particular words in those particular ways. It was impressive.

I was used to eliciting various reactions from the opposite sex, but horror typically wasn’t one of them.

Jesus. The guy who could get any girl he wanted was fascinated by the one girl who wasn’t impressed. I was a walking cliché.

Besides, I have to be extra nice to you now that I know you’re Vincent’s sister. You’ve suffered enough.

Before you say anything else, this…” I gestured between us. “Ends now.” Amusement slid across his infuriatingly perfect face. “What’s this?” “The flirting. It’s unprofessional.” “I’m afraid flirting is part of my nature, darling.

Arguing with myself. Never a good sign.

Two new rules,” she said. “One, no flirting with me. Ever.” “Ah, we’re back to that again. Ever’s a long time. Also, I wasn’t flirting. I was telling the truth.” “Two,” she continued, ignoring me. “Don’t call me darling.” “What about honeybun?” “No.” “Madame?” “No.” “Tinkerbell?” “Only if you want me to kick you in the tinkerbell between your legs.

Note to self: Buy more full-coverage robes in case of similar future occurrences. Preferably full-length with a turtleneck and so many layers you can’t tell if it’s a human body or a concrete block under there.

Don’t bat your lashes at me. It’s not going to work.

Where the hell did that come from?” “It’s the truth. I didn’t have to look too hard for it.

Someone was going to get hurt, and it wasn’t going to be me. Not today, Satan.

Oh my God. I’d almost bashed Asher Donovan’s face in with cookware.

Free falling into hell couldn’t be worse than assaulting my host with surgical-grade stainless steel.

Getting hauled off on attempted murder charges would’ve put a serious damper on my weekend.

I hate to interrupt your ogling, but can you please get up? As much as I love having you on top of me, this tile wasn’t designed for comfort.

If I died tonight, I only had myself to blame. Here lies Scarlett DuBois, a victim of self-inflicted humiliation.

I wasn’t ogling you.” “Sure, and rain isn’t wet.

Good news: I was no longer hungry. Bad news: My craving for food had morphed into a craving for something else.

With my luck, he probably possessed some superpower that allowed him to pick up on any orgasms he’d had a hand in (literally and figuratively).

My reaction seemed even more ridiculous in broad daylight than it had last night, but weren’t best friends supposed to have your back no matter what?

I didn’t realize there were sides. But if there are, I’m on yours, obviously. That being said, what happened was clearly a sign.” “A sign that I need better judgment?” “No, a sign that you need to sleep with him.

I know when the universe is playing matchmaker, and it is totally shipping you two right now.

I used to roll my eyes at the clichéd characters who could “never love again” because some asshole broke their heart. Everyone suffered heartbreak at least once in their life, right? Get over it and move on.

Sometimes, dreams were all we had.

Seeing her wear my clothes was hands down one of the hottest things I’d ever experienced. It made almost getting bashed in the face worth it.

Wait. Scarlett, darling… are you jealous?” “You wish.” “Maybe I do.” “You shouldn’t.

So we’ll still have time for shopping and trolling for good-looking men with a stable job, decent personality and no significant other.” “Good-looking, single, employed, and not a prat? In London? You’re asking for way too much.” “A girl can dream.

Yet. Funny how one three-letter word contained a world of possibilities.

Me? Overlook a potentially juicy carrot of information? I’m not even going to dignify that insult with a response.

Babe, I am so fucking proud of you right now.” “It’s not something to be proud of,” I grumbled, my face hot. “It was inappropriate.” “Most fun things are.