His fingers responded to the light touch and he opened his eyes as she stood. Despite never wanting to involve her in any of this he had and it galled him. He took a breath and gave her one last piece of honesty, "You haven't spoiled anything, Ella. This isn't your fault. It's not your fault that I'm not equipped to give you anything nearly as pure as the friendship you seek. I don't make friends with women, Ella. I seduce them. I sleep with them and I toy with them. And then I cut them out of my life. You wanted to know how I've changed...well that's it. You're right I can't have Music the way I used to and that eats at my soul and because I can't have the one thing that I want, I have become very, very good at taking things away from other people..." He stopped then. No charming mask in place to shield him. "So, I'll ask you to forgive me if I don't see you to the door. But you see, if I come near I'll feel compelled to break my promise about being on my best behavior. And for just one night, I'd like to know what it's like to keep a promise to a woman that I am attracted to..." Then he smiled a sad smile and waited for her to pass judgment on her way out the door.