[ The “no” catches him off-guard, sudden and startled and raw as it is. He blinks down at her, eyes widening just a fraction. He’d been half-expecting an agreement, a confirmation that his presence was a danger, a disruption, and she’s had more than enough of that for a lifetime, thank you very much.

She’s not making this any easier on him. ]

Emma, please. Those men would never have shown up here in the first place if it wasn’t for me.

[ It was dangerous, coming back, but it’s become even more dangerous to stay. He’s arguing for his own sake as much as hers. ]

Next time we might not be so lucky.