He snorted under his breath, feeling practically boneless as his hand continued to brush through her hair, nose resting somewhere by her temple, none of the small touches or physicality spared. He'd always enjoyed being somewhat of a tactile person, even if circumstance often had Sawyer using that knowledge against a person, knowing exactly how to hold a woman to make her trust him, knowing where to touch to make her feel as though he knew her to the core. The difference was, he didn't have any ulterior motive just then.

"Now, don't develop too much of an ego," he breathed, dropping another press of his lips to her skin. "But I guess you could say that. Got a new way to put up with all the crap the island pulls."

Not that he planned on seeking her out whenever upset, Sawyer reminded himself. That'd gotten him into trouble before.