He was right. She didn't like it, but she knew he was. "I'm not in danger. At least not anymore. If I ever was. They're better off, without me."

Keeping her back to him, she tried to hide her expression. Controlling the worried undertone in her voice was more difficult, but the protective affection she felt was also audible.

It truly touched her, that he didn't want to walk away. That he had the heart and the strength of will to stand here amidst her ice, and refuse to walk away.