“I love you. You’re mine. I’ll kill any bastard who tries to take you from me.”

“Then and now, beautiful, I’ll take you any way you come to me … Any way. I love this Sylvie, I loved that Sylvie. I just love you, baby.”

“I don't know that I understand the human concept of jealousy. I'm not afraid of any other male taking you from me because no man who ever tried such a thing would live. But yes I hold what is mine close to me.”

“You better think real carefully before you say anything, cateyes, because if you give me your love, I’m not going to let you take it back. I can’t keep worrying about whether or not I can make you happy. I’ll try my best but there isn’t going to be any changing your mind later. Do you understand what I’m saying? If you’re going to be my woman, there’s no way in hell I’ll ever let you go.”

“Preston pulled me up against his chest and cupped my face in his hands. “I love you. I love you so damn much it consumes me. I don’t deserve you, but I’m gonna become the man who does deserve you. I promise you. I’ll make you proud of me.”I reached up and ran my thumb over his lips. “I am and will always be proud of you. I want the world to know you’re mine.”

“You are mine. Do you hear me? You are mine, Della Sloane. I will take care of you. Nothing is taking you away from me. Nothing.”