[He watches her, serious but unwavering. Carefully, hesitantly, he drops a hand onto her shoulder.]

Dellie, just stop. You're putting me in an awkward position here. [He leans in, as if they were flirting, and continues speaking sotto voce.] The less people who know things, the better. Less chance of info getting out, less chance of things being sabotaged.

...I like you decent enough, okay? You're a good person. I don't want to see you used against me. If I need you in on something, I'll let you know.