Words like this, gruff and violent, were words of love from Bill Sikes. Just as he'd kissed her with his knuckles or the back of a hand time and time again. They meant every bit to her as much as his proclamations of love. People didn't understand them, how she knew that's how he said he loved her. But that was because they didn't know Bill like she did. Never even bothered to take the time to really get to know him.

But not Nancy. Nancy knew him.

And faithful- there's a word she'd thought he'd never use again to describe her. But she was loyal. She was Bill's until the end and then back again. She hadn't had to think twice about returning to him, when she saw him that rainy day. She nuzzles against his neck. "You can expect the same from me- I'd do anything it'd take to stay with you."

Minutes ago, she had been crying, terrified of him. But now he was soft and lovely again, as he always was. Nancy parted her lips against his in her next kiss. Slowly, she starts to unfold herself from Bill, if only so they can transition into a more comfortable position on the bed, face to face.