"I did not take anything from you that you did not give to me," he retorted, tensing. "The only power I have over you is the power that you give me. If I had more than that, we’d be in Oakes right now, safe and sound, together. You wouldn’t be hurt." The words tumbled out against his will, and he wished that he could take them back, he wished that he could tuck his desires away, never to be seen, but she always had a way of bringing out the parts of himself that he didn’t want anyone to see. He let out a bitter laugh. "A minor setback? You were shot!" His voice was louder than it should have been, and he took a deep breath to calm himself. It simply would not do if the assistant commissioner was found in the hospital room of a young woman outside of visiting hours. "Something like this changes you, Elena. It effects are not small." He shifted closer, leaning in, far closer than he normally would dare. "You’re going to change, Elena. You’re not going to be the same girl that you were before Sunday." When he saw the tears in her eyes, the wetness on her cheeks, his demeanor changed entirely, his anger gone. Her words were like knives, making lacerations on his chest with every syllable. How did she have such a sharp tongue, even when she was so vulnerable? "I’m sorry," he said, the words abrupt and unexpected. "I know that I’m not a perfect man - I don’t even know if I’m a good man - but I only want to see you succeed." And on your knees. He shook the thought from his head, looking down at her hands. It was a dangerous move, but he was willing to take the chance. Slowly, he reached out, his fingers brushing against hers with uncommon delicacy, testing the waters. He looked back up at her, watching her carefully to gauge her reaction.