" Dread that she would meet some other man and see in him all the joy of life that he lacked.

“I will see you home.” The words came out all wrong, with gruff emphasis on the word will. One look at her, and he lost all chance at serenity. Because he had never in his life cared whether anyone liked him. He’d never thought about it. Until her. "

― Carolyn Jewel , In the Duke's Arms