How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
I see the damage and pain of hard years. I see the emptiness and desperation of existence without hope. I see a young life that has been too long. (2.4.505)
James can tell that Lilly is suffering because she's had a hard life, partly as a result of the actions of her abusive mother. If one of the other men had told James this story, he'd probably have laughed, but hearing it from Lilly makes him care for her more.
Quote #8
Shame is a terrible thing. Necessary, but terrible. (3.2.339)
Miles is suffering from shame because of what he's done to his family. Unlike James, who seems to revel in his suffering, Miles doesn't like it… but he's still trying to use it as motivation to get better.
Quote #9
He started using her. His friends started using her. Her heart was broken it had never healed it just broke again. She was smoking crack and using pills. He and his friends used her. (3.2.564)
Lilly has arguably suffered the most out of any character in the book: sold by her parents, abused by her boyfriend, addicted to the worst kinds of drugs imaginable… it just goes on and on. James feels like he can protect her, maybe because she's one of the few people more damaged than he is.