" You’re leaving me alone?” she squeaked.
“You’ll be fine.” He handed her the pistol. “Shoot if you have to.” His eyes gleamed at her. “I know you know how.”
He headed for the door, and she cried, “Wait!”
When he paused to look at her questioningly, she hurried up to hand him his surtout. “You’ll need this. It’s freezing out there.” As she helped him into it, she whispered, “Be careful.”
He tipped his hat. “Always, my lady,” he said in that husky rasp that never failed to make her heart turn over. Then he walked out. "

― Sabrina Jeffries , A Lady Never Surrenders (Hellions of Halstead Hall, #5)