Meeting you again (part 3)

Darcy wasn't sure why The Phantom would go out of his way to provide for her to live a comfortable life. He had already helped her enough many times. 

"Because…" he began his footsteps slowing down. "Things are becoming more dangerous now." 

"We already knew a time like this would come. The storm before the calm perhaps," she said hopefully. 

She felt his fingers around her hand tighten slightly. Her heart changed rhythm, shifting strangely in her chest. What was this feeling? 

"I don't want you to get hurt," his voice lowered and thickened. 

Darcy was taken aback by his reply. 

"I only allowed you because I saw you come alive finding something meaningful to do," he quickly explained as if regretting his earlier statement but he seemed to regret this one too as he cut himself off and remained quiet. 

Darcy could feel his arm stiffen. 

"It is still meaningful to me," she spoke softly. 

"I know," he replied curtly.