--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I’m in control. But it’s a lie, because…" description: "\"“I’m in control. But it’s a lie, because now I’ve tasted him. His lips are salty-sweet with yesterday’s laughter … digging in the black sands beneath W..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bb0/a-g-howard-3922_alyssa_i-m-in-control-but-it-s-a-lie-because-no_2689386.jpg" --- # I’m in control. But it’s a lie, because now I’ve tasted… ![“I’m in control. But it’s a lie, because now I’ve tasted him. His lips are salty-sweet with yesterday’s laughter … digging in the black sands beneath Wonderland’s sunshine, playing leapfrog atop mushroom caps, and resting in the shade of black satin wings. I try to shake off the spell, but he…” quote by A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bb0/a-g-howard-3922_alyssa_i-m-in-control-but-it-s-a-lie-because-no_2689386.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bb0/a-g-howard-3922_alyssa_i-m-in-control-but-it-s-a-lie-because-no_2689386.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bb0/a-g-howard-3922_alyssa_i-m-in-control-but-it-s-a-lie-because-no_2689386.jpg) > ““I’m in control. But it’s a lie, because now I’ve tasted him. His lips are salty-sweet with yesterday’s laughter … digging in the black sands beneath Wonderland’s sunshine, playing leapfrog atop mushroom caps, and resting in the shade of black satin wings. I try to shake off the spell, but he angles his face and deepens the kiss. “Embrace me … embrace your destiny.” He breaks the barrier of my lips, touching his tongue to mine, a sensation too wickedly delicious to deny. As our tongues entwine, his lullaby purrs through my blood and bones, carrying me to the stars. Behind closed eyes, I’m floating against a velvet sky, lungs filled with night air. On some level, I know I’m still in the middle of a fire-warmed chamber, yet my wings pantomime flight on a cool breeze. I’m dancing with Morpheus in the heavens, no longer imprisoned by gravity. Fluttering our wings in unison, we twist and whirl a weightless waltz among stars that coil and uncoil in feathery sparks high above Wonderland’s warped and wonderful landscapes. Each time we spin, then return to each other’s arms, I laugh, because at last I’m me. I’m a me I’ve longed to be in my innermost fantasies—spontaneous, impetuous, and seductive.”” [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A lover’s intoxicating kiss awakens hidden desires, merging fantasy with self‑realization, and freeing the speaker to embrace their true, unapologetic self. **In simple terms:** A kiss reveals hidden self and frees the speaker. Key Takeaway Embrace your authentic desires. Themes identity desire freedom fantasy self‑acceptance Mood ecstatic liberated intimate Type poetic romantic inspirational When to use this quote - intimate encounter - personal awakening - creative imagination - self‑discovery - artistic expression Key Concepts psychology sensory immersion transformation Questions to Reflect On - What parts of yourself have you hidden behind fantasies? - How can you sustain authenticity without external validation? A Different Perspective The experience may be fleeting and dependent on another’s presence, risking loss of self if not grounded. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Alyssa](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/alyssa/) [Embrace Destiny](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/embrace-destiny-2645848/) [Kiss Embrace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kiss-embrace-777173/) [Morpheus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/morpheus/) [Seductive](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/seductive/) [Tasted Lips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tasted-lips-2374244/) [Tongues Entwine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/tongues-entwine-2645849/) [Wonderland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wonderland/) ## Related quotes > [“One thing more: Wonderland and I are the same. You love one of us, you love the other. You are Wonderland, too. Which means…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/one-thing-more-wonderland-and-i-are-the-same-you-love-one-of-us-you/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Smoke fills the room, gray and sylphlike, lovely in its deadly grace. It trails into the fire and forms what appear to be wings—black…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/smoke-fills-the-room-gray-and-sylphlike-lovely-in-its-deadly-grace-it/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Morpheus leans close. His hair brushes my exposed shoulder, tickling and soft. “Shy little blossom,” he whispers, his sweet breath cloaking me. “We’re simply…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/morpheus-leans-close-his-hair-brushes-my-exposed-shoulder-tickling/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Still on my knees, I droop against Morpheus’s thighs—a solid support. The cool leather of his pants cushions my cheek. I close my eyes.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/still-on-my-knees-i-droop-against-morpheus-s-thighs-a-solid-support/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Morpheus snatches both of my necklaces from my fingers, holding the delicate links taut enough that I can’t struggle without breaking them. “Were he…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/morpheus-snatches-both-of-my-necklaces-from-my-fingers-holding-the/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Morpheus reaches out to catch a teardrop on his fingertip. He holds it up in the pale glow that radiates from the few remaining…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/morpheus-reaches-out-to-catch-a-teardrop-on-his-fingertip-he-holds-it/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“I shove him back. “I can convince him.” “What? By seducing him?” Morpheus scoffs. “I have half a mind to let you try. Whatever…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/i-shove-him-back-i-can-convince-him-what-by-seducing-him-morpheus/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Release me of my vow,” I say, forcing myself to meet his gaze. “We both know I’ll never have feelings for you. So why…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/release-me-of-my-vow-i-say-forcing-myself-to-meet-his-gaze-we-both/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“I shake my head, eyes clamped tightly. “We’re too high … it makes my stomach kick.” He laughs and inhales a puff off the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/i-shake-my-head-eyes-clamped-tightly-we-re-too-high-it-makes-my/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“I hate you." "Only because of the way I make you feel." My fingernails eat into my palms. "Only because you bring out the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/i-hate-you-only-because-of-the-way-i-make-you-feel-my-fingernails-eat/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“«He grins and straightens, wings high and regal behind him. I glare at his costume. It’s so typical him. A mix of medieval and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/he-grins-and-straightens-wings-high-and-regal-behind-him-i-glare-at/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Shh." I squeeze his hand. His palm feels clammy. "We have to try to keep it down, okay? We don't want my dad coming…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/shh-i-squeeze-his-hand-his-palm-feels-clammy-we-have-to-try-to-keep/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Nothing about you or Wonderland makes sense. And the ‘one abiding truth’ is that life was so much easier when I’d forgotten your massive…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/nothing-about-you-or-wonderland-makes-sense-and-the-one-abiding-truth/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Shh." I squeeze his hand. His palm feels clammy. "We have to keep it down, okay? We don't want my dad coming in." He…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/shh-i-squeeze-his-hand-his-palm-feels-clammy-we-have-to-keep-it-down/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“What is a lovely queen like you”—his nose wrinkles—“doing in a smelly place like this?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/what-is-a-lovely-queen-like-you-his-nose-wrinkles-doing-in-a-smelly/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) ## More by A.G. Howard > [“One thing more: Wonderland and I are the same. You love one of us, you love the other. You are Wonderland, too. Which means…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/one-thing-more-wonderland-and-i-are-the-same-you-love-one-of-us-you/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Raising one hand, he tilts his hat to that sexy slant. "You want me. Admit it." Even if he's partly right, I'll never tell…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/raising-one-hand-he-tilts-his-hat-to-that-sexy-slant-you-want-me/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Shh." I squeeze his hand. His palm feels clammy. "We have to keep it down, okay? We don't want my dad coming in." He…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/shh-i-squeeze-his-hand-his-palm-feels-clammy-we-have-to-keep-it-down/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Because of all the things I've experienced on this journey - shrinking and growing, flying sprites, living chess pieces - not a one of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/because-of-all-the-things-i-ve-experienced-on-this-journey-shrinking/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Memories, real and irreplaceable, all of them. The happy ones, the bitter ones, the terrified and the poignant.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/memories-real-and-irreplaceable-all-of-them-the-happy-ones-the-bitter/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Nothing about you or Wonderland makes sense. And the ‘one abiding truth’ is that life was so much easier when I’d forgotten your massive…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/nothing-about-you-or-wonderland-makes-sense-and-the-one-abiding-truth/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“I clench my fingers. "She's right, huh? The morbid and revolting are such fascinating subjects.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/i-clench-my-fingers-she-s-right-huh-the-morbid-and-revolting-are-such/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Oh, to be sure. That kiss was nothing if not motivational.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/oh-to-be-sure-that-kiss-was-nothing-if-not-motivational/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“I ache to cry... ache so much, it takes my breath away.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/i-ache-to-cry-ache-so-much-it-takes-my-breath-away/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Love is inside each of us... a dormant seed. Once it has been planted, whether in the soils or the fallows, it will take…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/love-is-inside-each-of-us-a-dormant-seed-once-it-has-been-planted/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“All those nights we climbed the stars and rearranged the planets with our songs, we were complete and invincible when we stood together.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/all-those-nights-we-climbed-the-stars-and-rearranged-the-planets-with/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Because he believes in me. He lets me take chances and learn from them. That's something a friend does.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/because-he-believes-in-me-he-lets-me-take-chances-and-learn-from-them/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Shh." I squeeze his hand. His palm feels clammy. "We have to try to keep it down, okay? We don't want my dad coming…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/shh-i-squeeze-his-hand-his-palm-feels-clammy-we-have-to-try-to-keep/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Little blossom trapped in between, wearing malice like a queen; hide the truth, be cruel and tart, still all the more, you rule my…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/little-blossom-trapped-in-between-wearing-malice-like-a-queen-hide/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Nothing can break the chains you have on my heart. For you are Wonderland.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/nothing-can-break-the-chains-you-have-on-my-heart-for-you-are/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) [Explore all 113 A.G. Howard quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) ## More Alyssa quotes > [“One thing more: Wonderland and I are the same. You love one of us, you love the other. You are Wonderland, too. Which means…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/one-thing-more-wonderland-and-i-are-the-same-you-love-one-of-us-you/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“She’s alive, Alaric. She was wounded, but it was minor,” Alexios said, a rough compassion in his voice. A strange weakness raced through Alaric…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alyssa-day/she-s-alive-alaric-she-was-wounded-but-it-was-minor-alexios-said-a/) [Alyssa Day](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alyssa-day/) > [“Shh." I squeeze his hand. His palm feels clammy. "We have to keep it down, okay? We don't want my dad coming in." He…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/shh-i-squeeze-his-hand-his-palm-feels-clammy-we-have-to-keep-it-down/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Because of all the things I've experienced on this journey - shrinking and growing, flying sprites, living chess pieces - not a one of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/because-of-all-the-things-i-ve-experienced-on-this-journey-shrinking/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Alaric, go after her. Since Daniel forced the blood bond on her, Quinn has been different. Lost. She deserves better than for you to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alyssa-day/alaric-go-after-her-since-daniel-forced-the-blood-bond-on-her-quinn/) [Alyssa Day](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alyssa-day/) > [“Nothing about you or Wonderland makes sense. And the ‘one abiding truth’ is that life was so much easier when I’d forgotten your massive…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/nothing-about-you-or-wonderland-makes-sense-and-the-one-abiding-truth/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“I clench my fingers. "She's right, huh? The morbid and revolting are such fascinating subjects.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/i-clench-my-fingers-she-s-right-huh-the-morbid-and-revolting-are-such/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Shh." I squeeze his hand. His palm feels clammy. "We have to try to keep it down, okay? We don't want my dad coming…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/shh-i-squeeze-his-hand-his-palm-feels-clammy-we-have-to-try-to-keep/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Tearing down the rest of the world won't make you happy. Look inside yourself. Because finding who you were meant to be? What you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/tearing-down-the-rest-of-the-world-won-t-make-you-happy-look-inside/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Then she (Gossamer) turns to Jeb. "Elfin knight, do you wish for pleasure on your quest? I can provide it, if you so desire."…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/then-she-gossamer-turns-to-jeb-elfin-knight-do-you-wish-for-pleasure/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“You know better than that the only thing about you that scares me is your absence, Alaric”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alyssa-day/you-know-better-than-that-the-only-thing-about-you-that-scares-me-is/) [Alyssa Day](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alyssa-day/) > [“I'm going to fall in love with an artist. And we'll have two kids and live in the country. A quiet life, so we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/i-m-going-to-fall-in-love-with-an-artist-and-we-ll-have-two-kids-and/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Poor control-freak Jeb. Your world’s way off-kilter when little Alyssa’s not tripping over her chastity belt. Is that it, bad boy?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/poor-control-freak-jeb-your-world-s-way-off-kilter-when-little-alyssa/) [A.G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard/) > [“Look...' I find my voice again. 'I'm sorry for scaring you by driving so crazy. I shouldn't have played on your fears like that.'…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard-2/look-i-find-my-voice-again-i-m-sorry-for-scaring-you-by-driving-so/) [A. G. Howard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/a-g-howard-2/) > [“That seems to be another habit of yours. I get broken, and you fix it.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alyssa-day/that-seems-to-be-another-habit-of-yours-i-get-broken-and-you-fix-it/) [Alyssa Day](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alyssa-day/) [Browse all 71 Alyssa quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/alyssa/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "“I’m in control. But it’s a lie, because now I’ve tasted him. His lips are salty-sweet with yesterday’s laughter … digging in the black sands beneath Wonderland’s sunshine, playing leapfrog atop mushroom caps, and resting in the shade of black satin wings. I try to shake off the spell, but he angles his face and deepens the kiss. “Embrace me … embrace your destiny.” He breaks the barrier of my lips, touching his tongue to mine, a sensation too wickedly delicious to deny. As our tongues entwine, his lullaby purrs through my blood and bones, carrying me to the stars. Behind closed eyes, I’m floating against a velvet sky, lungs filled with night air. On some level, I know I’m still in the middle of a fire-warmed chamber, yet my wings pantomime flight on a cool breeze. I’m dancing with Morpheus in the heavens, no longer imprisoned by gravity. Fluttering our wings in unison, we twist and whirl a weightless waltz among stars that coil and uncoil in feathery sparks high above Wonderland’s warped and wonderful landscapes. Each time we spin, then return to each other’s arms, I laugh, because at last I’m me. I’m a me I’ve longed to be in my innermost fantasies—spontaneous, impetuous, and seductive.”", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "A.G. Howard" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/i-m-in-control-but-it-s-a-lie-because-now-i-ve-tasted-him-his-lips/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Alyssa" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/a-g-howard/i-m-in-control-but-it-s-a-lie-because-now-i-ve-tasted-him-his-lips/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bb0/a-g-howard-3922_alyssa_i-m-in-control-but-it-s-a-lie-because-no_2689386.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bb0/a-g-howard-3922_alyssa_i-m-in-control-but-it-s-a-lie-because-no_2689386.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/bb0/a-g-howard-3922_alyssa_i-m-in-control-but-it-s-a-lie-because-no_2689386.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“I’m in control. But it’s a lie, because now I’ve tasted him. His lips are salty-sweet with yesterday’s…” — A.G. 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