Here he'd thought he'd been doing a solid job of murdering himself, but it seemed she wanted that killing blow after all. His eyes widened a little, heat already chasing her fingertips.

"It's too late for me," he said with a single, soft laugh. It was easier to laugh at himself, even if the small smile in its wake was more bittersweet than he could really help. "Reckless by nature 'n all." Especially when it meant keeping important things safe.

It was the only option he had, knowing he couldn't actually do anything for the pain in her eyes.