I think it's kinda that he doesn't wanna push his desires on her and make her lose the plot- he wants to be her dog, but not just her being his master and playing with whatever toys *he* wants, but she decides. also in the novel he doesn't wanna push his desires on her
She wants to please Richard as a reward for being nice and helpful during a stressful time for her. She asks Richard what he wants he says nothing sexual, she feels hes lying or being distrustful of her by not expressing his desires she puts a bit of pressure on him to spill the beans
Richard is conflicted and takes his sweet time going to her which in turn throws her into turmoil because she thinks she's misstepped in this relationship that she really is growing to love
In reality Richard is a masochist partly because hes sick of people falling all over him to please him because of his status at birth. He feels everyone around him is lying to him because of the facade of respect they have to put on.
Hes in love with her and part of the reason he fell is because Courtney didn't do that noble facade act because she quite literally couldn't afford too.
He's terrified Courtney is going to get into the habit of pleasing him in their relationship which could be fun momentarily but could also lead to habitually pleasing him which he views to be fake and cold due to the way people treat him cause of his status. He is scared of their relationship Turning superficial and decides it would be easier for courtney to focus on her wants so they never end up like that.
He is currently conflicted on how to convey this to Courtney.
If this reads like a mess I apologize I'm sleep deprived.
Did a good job describing that chapter ⋆˙⟡
Ty I tried
I’m sorry I lost the plot can a kind soul dumb it down for me please