“I would be a fool to lose my heart to him, but I am tempted more each day.”

“I believe it is love, but how does one tell?”Her friend’s gaze grew thoughtful. “The signs are usually recognizable. When you love a man, he becomes the center of your world. You yearn to be with him, and when you are not, he is constantly on your mind. He brightens your day. His simplest touch sparks passion in you... a tender look fires awarmth in your heart. Life feels empty without him.”

“No, I won't let you go, Marcus thought fiercely. He was conscious of a savage urge to carry Arabella far away from here, captive, in his sole possession, until she finally agreed to wed him and give him her heart.”

“And she felt raw with love for him-her possessive, protective, warrior knight; her dangerous lord who had given his heart over to her to protect to keep safe. ”

“Will you have me, though I come to you corrupt? My armor tarnished with sin and decadence.”

“My capitulation wasn't dependent on a legend or a Shakespearean play, however. You were the reason I fell in love, sweet, precious Sophie." His gazed softened. "How could I help but love you? I feel joy just being with you. I feel pleasure at the sound of your voice...”

“He was a warrior, a modern-day white knight.”