I stay speechless, unable to react after his question. His gaze peers at me with such strong emotions. No one had ever looked at me like that. I can't brace myself to hear what he's about to say. I'm not ready to trust a man after what happened to me. My mind and heart are unprepared for any emotional turbulence. Who's to say he won't leave when he finds someone better? Someone without low self--esteem and one worthy of him. 

"Because-- I can't get you out of my ...