The hand on her back was felt as if the devil's claws had caught her, and in grief, Marianne closed her eyes to listen to his murmurs become growls that could eventually make her lose her sanity.
"It's been so long…" — Paul gasped, touching the visage of the nauseous woman who appeared graceful, lifting it so the beauty could be admired… until patience would be lost. — "Open those eyes. Look at me, Marianne."
A second was the only time he gave her before his hand would shake and squeeze her jaw harmfully so the anthracite would be unlocked by the long eyelashes. And watching them look directly into his golden hues, the hardened demeanour with which he demanded her stare quickly melted into a pesky grin.