So it had been the truth spell that had compelled him to tell her that. Well, it certainly wasn't a lie. He did love her. He had for years and he had been wanting to tell her but perhaps not in this context. The magic made him loose of lip, something he deeply regretted and always feared. As if Zatanna hadn't already had a strong hold over him, he didn't need more. She was a long time friend and more... he indeed loved her, much more than he cared to admit... though she was asking him now to do so.
Feeling her pull off of him was painful. He moaned, biting his bottom lip pleadingly and looking up at her with puppy-dog eyes but he wanted her to know that it was not just pillow talk, not just the heat of the moment. So, he leaned back and held her by her arms, looking deeply into her eyes, though his hardness, throbbed complaintively between them.
"...because..." he spoke trying with great difficulty to keep his voice straight though his heart broke with very thought and every word. "Those who I tend to love... aren't safe, Zana and weren't able to..." he couldn't finish the words. There were too many who died because of him... first his parents, Rachel and so many who were hurt; Vicky, Selina- the list went on. "I can't stand the thought of loosing you, Zee..." he whispered, kissing her again and leaning his forehead against hers. "I love you."