Sentence:  “No, you needn't worry, Peres,” he'd gone on. “I wouldn't <WSD>lay a glove on</WSD> you. I've been meaning to tell you; you're really not my type at all. I just didn't want...Well, you know—your self-esteem and all that. You can understand, can't you?” 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  To physically touch, especially in a way that causes hurt.