In a quiet moment shared between two individuals, a man reflects on the depths of his feelings as he lies beside a woman, captivated by the sound of her breathing. This serenity contrasts sharply with more troubling thoughts about the nature of violence and its motivations. He understands that many reasons exist for taking a life, yet he feels that the most compelling reason is the desire to protect those he loves. The intensity of this emotion overshadows all others, driving the instinct to safeguard his closest connections.

The man's contemplative state invites readers to explore the complexities of love and the darker realities that can emerge when one is threatened. J.D. Robb's narrative reveals how the emotions surrounding affection can give rise to extreme actions. Ultimately, it points to a primal instinct: the fierceness of love that compels individuals to act decisively to ensure the safety and well-being of their loved ones, even in the face of potential violence.