And on some level, I knew it wasn’t right that I was allowing myself to yield to her appeal. Just as I had hoped, Emily was as innocent and kind as I had pictured. It was evident that she was in love with me; if she weren't, she would have fled in terror at my unexpectedly aggressive demeanor. She was either too young or too naïve to grasp that chemistry like ours might be harmful.

I couldn't use my youth or lack of experience as an excuse. I’d never had a connection this strong with any woman, but I should’ve understood that things were developing way too quickly. I couldn’t...