Lord of the Rings Series -- Amazon

i think Sauron really wrestling with wanting to be good is going to be significant to the story

I dont think it is so much "be good" as wanting to be forgiven... which him being in despair of his situation and desiring an exit is consistent with canon.
I don't think it's either. I think he was saying those things to try to manipulate her and in either way, he succeeds. He either convinces and corrupts his most formidable foe into joining him or she rejects him strengthening her resolve to find the power to destroy him & therefore allowing the forging of the rings not realizing Sauron will have the power to control them through the one ring.