Dax POV
She has no idea what she's asking of me. Her pleas, the soft shimmer in her eyes, the way she holds herself as though any minute now she might finally have the breakdown I know is coming, all leading to this. A desperation to forget, to push the memories aside as though they don't exist, and make what could ultimately prove to be something she regretted. I couldn't deny the longing inside of me, the temptation to accede to her wishes, but she was vulnerable and in no state to be taken advantage of. Because that's what it would be. Taking advantage of a terrible situation while she was emotionally unprepared for it.
"Riley, I can't," I said, gritting my teeth.
God, it was hard to deny her. To hold myself back when there was nothing more I wanted to do than push her back on that
