Hmmmm. [he lets out a long sigh, exhaling through his nose. the grin on his face looks like it should be faked, by all rights, given his situation. it's far too wide and white and immobile. but for what it's worth, at least he's sincere.]

Now, I didn't ask for a guarantee, did I, chica? [the heat behind his eyeballs has mounted into a full-on ache, and he can feel his pulse pick up just a fraction. he blinks again, notices her watching him, and grins just a bit wider.] Just said I didn't wanna go inviting any more interlopers to take a guided fucking tour through my skull.