Problematic relationship

How could he pull away immediately if he could feel a smooth, soft skin that touched his wrist for the first time? 

Canillas' heart unknowingly fluttered. He finally was able to feel her skin, which was not covered with gloves, touching one part of his rough body, and he was glad, as it was regarded as significant progress in their problematic relationship.

However, a fleeting moment later, Canillas cursed inwardly. It seemed that what he had frequently heard when he was on the battlefield with his troops was proven to be right. Most men were beasts. They fought and killed. They also devoured their prey.

How could he not agree with that if he was now feeling there was an urge inside him to feel more than this little part of the woman's skin? He wanted her to touch him more, just like he wanted to feel her more.