You Don't Know That

Vincent stood there feeling horribly exposed after saying what was on his mind. Maya wasn't responding. Each second that ticked by seemed like it was counting down to his doom.

When she got over her shock, her eyes clouded over and she drew her legs even tighter against her chest. "No one has ever looked out for me, Vincent. Every time I try to rely on someone, they inevitably let me down. It's better for me not to get my hopes up."

He knew that, even if he didn't have all of the details. She certainly had been. Let down to the point that she had no one to rely on but herself. 

Homeless. Friendless. Desperate enough to take him up on his offer and shackle herself to him for life. Since she was going to be married to him permanently, it made more sense to rely on him than not. He wasn't going anywhere.

Vincent sat down next to her on the rock. How was he supposed to get that across to her?