His reaction to her words is to grasp tighter and push harder, aware that he is pushing the limits of what he knows for certain is safe and gentle enough. He slides one hand behind her head and breathlessly brings his lips to hers, anxious for her taste, for more contact.

He is tracking every signal that is passing between them. He knows the exact temperature of every area of her body he is touching, has counted the number her heartbeats and the frequency of her breaths, has an equally careful record every pulse and wave of heat that is passing from her body into his... But he does not need these indicators anymore to tell him what he is doing. He is rather shocked at how natural it feels.

He pulls back slightly to let out a few breaths. His fingers tighten in her hair and behind her waist as he pushes again; his systems are getting close... The bed rocks and creaks again, bumping the wall behind.