[ Isn't it proof enough that he's here? That he's with her? Proof that he's not pushing her away? ]

No. I -

[ His hand rests atop hers, fingertips digging into her skin. Not hard. Not enough to cause any pain. Even now, he's cautious and gentle. ]

What I'll do is discipline it. Discipline myself. Root out any madness if it reveals itself. I must be cautious - do you see?

[ Do you see why I cannot be the wild, passionate creature you want me to be? Why I must shrink from all that fire you put in me? ]