Bearclaw Valley i can't fight this time now

She pulled away from him. He didn't like it. Had he not spoken to her rationally? Had he not given her the proper answers? He was doing it by the book: by the code of honor. If he did not claim to be honorable, lest him try to fulfill it now.
Don't, he started, tone firm, relentless, as he commanded her to settle. He caught himself speaking too hefty, reeling it in through the ironclad of his chest. Slow it down, Nephie... there was too much space between them. Too much. It could suffocate a swallow, birds falling from the skies— he reached for her again.
Look at me, and if she did not, he'd pull her face toward him.
I ain't— voice softening, I ain't mean it like that. And he didn't. He didn't mean to upset her, cause her to thrash and writhe. He meant that if she saw a better opportunity than him, younger, fitter than she should take it!
Voice dropping to a clerical of want, he stood, brushing back the furs from her face, her neck. He cupped her tight, gripping her jaw. 'Course I want you.
But would he even be enough? Y'just... got so much more life ahead of you. I’ve seen things, done things—things you don’t deserve to be burdened with.
He didn't wanna hold her back. Not from life. But he was selfish. A selfish, selfish man. But I ain't goin' no where. Y'hear me?