Adrian didn't flinch, didn't blink. He just returned her gaze, begging her with his eyes not to get up and leave.
"I did." He waited a few more moments, wrestling with himself. He'd never felt the need to explain himself to anyone, but he found himself wanting to make her understand why he'd done this, why he'd made the decision that he had.
"Ali...he was making all kinds of threats. This is the best way to keep you and my family safe- if I'd said no he likely would've killed me, and then gone after all of you." His voice grew rough as he shook his head. "That's the only reason I'm doing this. So they won't."