# Quote — Scott Lynch, The Republic of Thieves

> How you deal with it I must and will leave to you, not out of despair or resignation but in deference to my conscience, that broken clock which I believe is now chiming one of its occasional right hours. I will not question your reasons. It is enough for you to tell me that you wish to keep this distance between us, and it will always be enough. Know that a single word will bring me running, but unless and until it pleases you to give it, I will expect nothing, force nothing, and contrive nothing contrary to your wishes.
>
> I desire you as deeply as I ever have, but I understand that the fervor of a desire is irrelevant to its justice. I want your heart on merit, in mutual trust, or not at all, because I cannot bear to see you made uneasy by me. Not for all the world would I do so again, and I leave it to you to tell me how to proceed, if and when you can, if and when you will.

- Author: [Scott Lynch](https://www.leafyquotes.com/scott-lynch.md)
- Book: [The Republic of Thieves](https://www.leafyquotes.com/scott-lynch/the-republic-of-thieves.md)
- Page: 605
- Source: [Wikiquote](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Scott_Lynch#The_Republic_of_Thieves_(2013)) ([CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/))
- Quote page: https://www.leafyquotes.com/scott-lynch/the-republic-of-thieves/how-you-deal

## More from this book

> “In my dreams I sign chits and file papers,” Nikoros muttered. “Then I awake to sign real chits and file real papers. I imagine my grave marker will be carved as a writing desk. ‘Here lies Nikoros Via Lupa, wifeless and heirless, but gods how he could alphabetize!’”

p. 582 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/scott-lynch/the-republic-of-thieves/in-my-dreams.md)

> Are you really that arrogant, that logic is as optional as a fashion accessory for you?

p. 551 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/scott-lynch/the-republic-of-thieves/are-you-really.md)

> “You need money that badly?”
>
> “As a tool, certainly. Its application is simple and universally effective.”

p. 190 — [Quote page](https://www.leafyquotes.com/scott-lynch/the-republic-of-thieves/you-need-money.md)