Mountains of Dawn

"In your environment, women flock to you," Judith said, finishing his sentence for him. "I know that. You've never needed to court anyone before. I was a challenge."

"No…no, that's not it, or at least, not all of it. But I never thought I was in great danger. I'd never have agreed for you to be my bodyguard if I knew you could get hurt. I never wanted to put your life in danger because of me. Please, Judith. Please understand. I really care for you."

Judith covered her head with her pillow. "I won't listen to you, Brian. No use to fight you. You win anyhow. But at least I'm not going to listen."

"Judith, please, don't hate me. You don't know how much I admire you-it's just that…"

"You're a male chauvinist and you can't change. I heard that before. Many times over."

"Maybe so. But there's more to that. I protect what's dear to me. And you are. Very dear. Nobody has touched me so deeply as you have. Please, Judith-" Brian bent to kiss her hair. "Please-"