"It's not that simple," he said, his voice dangerous and soft. His fingers tensed against her shoulders, not gripping any tighter. He wanted to shove her away, to run from the room. It had been bad enough to hear her pulse. But feeling it beneath his hands was almost too much. Because he did want what she was offering. He wouldn't have to stop himself. He had the power to save her. To ensure Zoom couldn't do anything more to her. But she would never forgive him. She would never be able to live a normal life. Stuck being so young forever. He'd lived his life already. She had everything ahead of her.

He fixes his eyes on hers, wishing he could just make her understand. "If you trust me, then you need to trust I can't. Not you. There's more at risk than just hurting you."