[ He doesn't say anything as she panics. His arms go up, curling around her, careful to keep a space open for her if she wants to flee or even just slip away. He runs one hand up and down her back and tries to think of what to say. Finally, he shakes his head. ]

I can't hate you for what he told you to do. You will never disgust me, Jess. You, the person that you are, the person that I know [ his voice has been rising a little but it settles, firm, at the end ] the woman that I love.

You are not disgusting, Jess.