“His fear came from needing her. It was the danger to her life that frightened him.”

“A wave of possessiveness came over him, almost frightening in itsintensity. Mine. The thought of another man looking at her was almostenough to make him change his mind about leaving.”

“That had been an odd meeting, but reassuring. She need no longer fear the earl-at lest not for his hostility to her father. What danger he might be to her heart was another matter entirely.”

“Her green eyes came unafraid to his. The connection was so intense that it threatened to drain his sense of self. He felt that he had always known her, that she had always been a part of him, that her needs were his needs.”

“The sense of danger made her lift up her head higher. There were battles coming. But life was meant to be a battle, wasn't it? There was nothing to fear.”

“He was done with politics and intrigue. He loved her, and no empire, no king, and no earthly fear would keep him from her. No, if they tried to take her from him, he'd rip the world apart with his bare hands. And for some reason, that didn't terrify him.”