"There's a difference between trusting you and trusting that. I'll do whatever you want me to do, Ruby, but that right there isn't even in the realm of potential possibilities." He stood up, a hand raking through his hair as he turned in place to look down at her. "I respect your opinion and I know that you have good intentions here, but it's not happening. If you have any respect for me, you won't bring it up again."
He had to say it. He had to get it out there. Maybe, just maybe, if he threw that 'if you respect me' thing out for her to hang onto he wouldn't have to do more than that.