He put a hand on his aching ribs. “I don’t enjoy every type of pain. If I fall from my horse and hurt my back, I feel nothing but annoyance. There are moments when I become nervous, and restless energy torments me. At first, I thought doing something physically exhausting would help. It did for a while, but my body demanded something more each time. Something more intense. The relief lasted for shorter times.” He lowered his voice. “My visits to The Octagon have become more frequent as of late.”
Compassion softened her features. “I would like to see this place to understand what it’s like.”
“No. It’s not a place for you. Once you see certain things, you can’t forget them.”
“I’m hopeful.” She brushed his hand, sending a shot of desire down his back that wasn’t completely pleasant. “If a pig made it, so can you.”
“Thank you for the encouragement,” he quipped. “I feel much better now.”
She laughed, and he enjoyed watching her so carefree.
“Thank you.” He squeezed her hand. “Your help means a lot, especially now.”
“You look sad. Is something the matter?”
“Rowan doesn’t want to talk to me.” He followed two squirrels rushing up a tree. Again, another surprise. He didn’t know there were squirrels in his garden. “He knows about me, knows I lied to him about his mother, and he didn’t take it well.”
“He’s a sensitive boy. Give him time. Would you like me to talk to him?”
“I would be grateful. Mostly, I’m concerned about him.”
“I’ll do my best.”
