Otter Creek This Was No Accident, This Was a Therapeutic Chain of Events

Again, a bristling response — but it holds less bite from the man's current position. He considers leaving him to die; it would make the most sense, take the least effort, and perhaps it'd even give him some satisfaction. But... it seems like a waste, especially when he remembers that unwanted yet exhilarating flush of heat at the first river they'd met at, though he'd never admit that part to himself or anyone else. So he lingers, wondering how exactly he might find the satisfaction he craves without leaving the stranger to die —
And then it hits him, as he watches the man struggle fruitlessly. I'll help you... if you agree to follow me afterward. Go wherever I go, and do what I say, until I tell you that you can leave, He smirks, taking a step forward in anticipation of an agreement. The alternative is death, after all. Surely even this level of humiliation would be preferable.