"Why?" He demanded. "I wouldn't dream of causing you pain or discomfort, so why are you? Do you want me to harm you? I mean, do you like that?" It came out harsh, and Avery flinched back from him like he had raised his hand to her. It made him feel strange, to see her reacting in such a way, like he wanted to get a rise out of her to get back at her. He knew it was wrong, he knew he could never, but he couldn't help it; he was frustrated with her although he knew he shouldn't be.
He was so gentle with her, and she was still so afraid and he knew it wasn't really her fault. He knew there was something else there, something she was keeping to herself. She had the right, but he didn't like it. Couldn't let it be on his conscience if something were to happen that he could have prevented.
"It
