His fingertips gently wiped away a tear that had escaped down my cheek. "That's part of it," he said. "But also...well, you and I will both be Lissa's guardians someday. I need to protect her at all costs. If a pack of Strigoi come, I need to throw my body between them and her."<br />"I know what. Of course that's what you have to do." The black sparkles were dancing in front of my eyes again. I was fading out.<br />"No. If I let myself love you, I won't throw myself in front of her. I'll throw myself in front of you.