Alek was right behind her ...

Alek was right behind her now, his body pressing close as he adjusted her sword arm. She hadn't realized this fencing business would be so touchy. He grasped her waist, sending a crackle across her skin. If Alek moved his hands any higher, he might notice what was hidden beneath her careful tailoring. Always keep sideways to your opponent, he said, gently turning her. That way, your chest presents the smallest possible target. Aye, the smallest possible target, Deryn sighed. Her secret was safe, it seemed.
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 Scott Westerfeld

Quotes from the same author

Sometimes the facts in my head get bored and decide to take a walk in my mouth. Frequently this is a bad thing.
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 Scott Westerfeld
Maybe this was how you stayed sane in wartime: a handful of noble deeds amid the chaos.
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 Scott Westerfeld
We're not freaks, Tally. We're normal. We may not be gorgeous, but at least we're not hyped-up Barbie dolls.
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 Scott Westerfeld
You'd think that in a fight, NOT MOVING would be a bad habit!
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 Scott Westerfeld
She couldn't disappoint the whole village. There were no wallscreens here, no newsfeeds or satellites bands, and touring soccer teams were no doubt few and far between. (...), that made stories a valuable commodity, and it probably wasn't very often that a stranger dropped in from the sky.
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 Scott Westerfeld