There are fights worth having with Gadriel, most of which he would back down, but not about murdering people who hurt her. That was not really negotiable. And sure she could protect herself, but he could do it faster and leave her conscience unstained.

He tried to follow the kiss, just for a moment, before relenting with a soft, discontented sound. He'd rather that, than have her have to endure another memory of his. "Are you concerned it will happen again?" Because he is.