Another tear appeared and then another, trailing silently down her cheeks. This was so much harder than she’d thought it would be. She was usually so articulate, yet at the moment her brain seemed to have turned to mush. He turned his head to kiss the tears from her cheek, and it was as though his act of tenderness finally unleashed the truth that was struggling to emerge.

— Emily Arden

As soon as the torch went out the atmosphere of the forest intensified. As her eyes slowly became accustomed to the darkness she started to notice the outlines of canopies above them where trees were silhouetted against the pale moonlight. The sounds around them became more noticeable; the shuffling of an animal through the undergrowth, the whistling of the wind through the trees, and now and then the cry of some creature being captured in the darkness. As they sat quietly, the noises seemed to become louder still until both visitors felt absorbed into the forest world.

— Emily Arden

Benedict’s hand clenched by his side, still tingling where it had touched her. He wished she’d let him do more. It was so romantic out here in the darkness; the cool breeze rustling through the trees and the moonlight showing faintly through cloud. They were completely alone, and it felt like the sort of night where anything could happen. It was a pity that Tamsin didn’t seem to feel the same way.

— Emily Arden

Do you know how many acres of beautiful forests and moors have been destroyed by your company? How many animals have lost their homes and how many trees have been murdered? I am sick of being bothered by you people.

— Emily Arden

Fate was cruel to play this trick on her, although if she were honest she knew she only had herself to blame. She had taken the chance, and now she had to pay the price.

— Emily Arden

For you, it’s all about money, money, money. But what about the forests I say? Some of those trees have been there for hundreds of years. What right have you to destroy that?

— Emily Arden

He felt torn. He wanted her to feel safe with him, but he also wanted her to feel the sort of heady excitement that any young girl should feel when they fall in love. Furthermore, he wanted to give her everything she craved, and he was not quite sure if he could do it.

— Emily Arden

He looked at her and could see she was trembling, her face even paler than usual and her eyes wide and vulnerable. His heart went out to her, and he reached towards her, gathering her much smaller hand into his.“It’s OK Rosa. Whatever you have to say to me, it’s OK. Don’t be afraid – nothing will come between us now.

— Emily Arden

Her heart ached to be nearer him – to know that he would stay with her no matter what. She couldn’t imagine how she’d feel if he left – he’d become so necessary to her.

— Emily Arden

He was looking at her with that intense blazing gaze – the one that made her feel she was the only woman in the world. Oh God, don’t let him get to her. She’d tried to raise her defenses against him, but he was so very attractive – almost irresistible. It would be easy to admit defeat…

— Emily Arden