Shit. He knew how untrustworthy he'd been in the past. He'd let people down and caused them tremendous pain. What right did he have to earn someone's trust? That kind of self-doubt reared up and showed its face to him now, at a time when he desperately wanted to be trusted. For that, he tore his eyes away from her and screwed his face up a little when her eyes searched his for the truth she wanted.

"I gotta admit... I've let a lotta people down before. I've done stupid things, reckless things, selfish things that put others in danger. I can't be the one to decide whether you do or don't put your trust in me, but... here's what I can guarantee. I'd never, ever want to hurt you. You can trust me on that much."