She hadn't expected him to get so upset over what she'd told him. It tore at her.<br/><br/>She pulled away suddenly, cupping his face and gently forcing him to look at her. Her gaze was set, hard beneath the tears.<br/><br/>"Stop it," she said, voice cracking and yet still a little demanding. "Please stop apologizing and beating yourself up about it. I didn't like doing it, but because it was for you, I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. I'd kill a thousand times more if it would save you." She pressed her forehead against his. "So please stop...."