Sloane decided on the boat that day that she wanted to be unflappable. To be unmoved by the tides that might shift around her. To hold herself in her own hands.

This is an outlandish notion only if you don’t know how a person can destroy you by the simple act of disappearing.

At the same time that she was grateful her secret was safe, she couldn’t understand why nobody confronted her.

ecclesiastical

propriety.

deputized

Even in love Lina understands there is competition—a frantic need to be the one who will hurt less than the other.

Sometimes Lina feels she is as in love with the river as she is with the man she meets there.

I put this war paint on, but underneath I’m scarred and scared and horny and tired and love you.