Mine did too. I did the same begged him not to. Not because I wanted to protect AP, but because I didn't feel like having to post bail and get him out of jail, worst case scenario he catch a murder 1st degree charge. It was terrifying when he left the house that night on a mission. Came home so there's that, but cover in blood and he wasn't bleeding. I don't care to go into too many more details because I probably broke a law myself protecting my bh.
And that's something we really don't think about when we begin an affair. I mean people die everyday probably in an act of passion by a betrayed soul.
It wasn't a deal breaker for me. I was able to put myself in his shoes and whether or not I'd actually follow through, I'd want some blood. Did the AP deserve it? Idk that's subjective.. but I would take my ass whooping and move on. Chalk it up as a consequence for fucking someone's husband.
I'm not saying violence is the answer, of course it usually never is, but it do be an answer sometimes. Right or wrong.
The rage is very real that our betrayeds feel. Not everyone is equipped to handle the massive feelings that cheating causes. I know many BSs make a lot of mistakes in the wake of a dday and I tried very hard to meet mine in a place of understanding as best as I could.
I feel with this type of self destructive behavior of his we will never ever be able to reconcile.
I don't know when your dday was but you should know that this "type" of behavior comes from being severely traumatized and make no mistake he is. Its a special kind of hell. And early on you will see behavior that is scary and sad and miserable. Imagine your whole world being sucked into a black hole, just gone. The destitute suffered in one second, everyone says a knife in the back, I always imagined it more like a hammer to the temple. I've self destructed for less.
I'm just curious though,
Your self destructive behavior caused major emotional, psychological, and even physical harm, for him to even consider R is a tough shit sandwich to swallow.
Before this was your want set on R? If this is your hill so be it.