Afraid — Barbara Cartland

"Of course," Felica said, "and now you have saved me for the... second time!"

She raised her face to his as she spoke, and by the light of the moon that was high overhead, the Duke of Darlington could see the tears glistening on her pale cheeks and the tremble of her lips.

At the same time she looked so lovely that he stared down at her and quite unexpectedly wanted to kiss her....

That he desired her was quite understandable, but he also wanted to protect her and save her from being afraid, and to ensure that she was his, not only for the moment, but forever.