If she survived him, she'd prove herself alright. But it wasn't a measure of worth anymore, for him. It was a measure of rightness. If she didn't throw him out, if she held on to herself, he'd follow her anywhere.

The fact that her body was responding positively, even if she was still denying him, spoke to the effect he had on her.

With a sneer on his lips, he started to move. He was as far from gentle as he knew how to be. Which wasn't as far from gentle as he could be, but it was definitely a large step in that direction.