Page 76 of Reins

We drive in silence while I pretend to read until he clicks on his blinker to pull into a wide spot on the interstate.

“I gotta stretch and check on the horses,” he groans as he slides out of the seat.

I catch a glimpse in the mirror of him leaning against the trailer with his leg pressed out backwards. Then he switches, a grimace tugging up the scars on his cheek before he limps towards the rear and disappears.

He’s in agony and I hate it.

Last year Petunia pulled a ligament in her hip and the veterinarian showed me how to work it out. I used the same technique on her shoulder.

I wonder if it would help Cade?

As dark starts to fall, he pulls us into a large parking lot of a hotel. “I’ll be back in a few.” He leaves me in the truck with the engine running to keep the heater blowing.

“Welp,” he says as he opens the door. “They’re almost booked out but I got us a room with double beds.”

“That’s okay. It makes me feel safer when you’re close anyway.” I grab my overnight bag and sling it over my shoulder then fall into step next to him.

When my fingers seek out his, he squeezes my palm and tugs me against him. “Me too.”

He tries to hide his limp as we walk across the frozen pavement, then he leans heavily on the rail in the elevator on the way to our room.

It’s not fair that he has to suffer from what my brother did to him. And he’s done so much for me, yet I haven’t done anything.

His bag drops by the foot of the far bed, then he shrugs out of his thick coat.

I catch his wince when he toes off his boots.

“Cade?” I don’t even know how to ask but find myself moving to him. “Please let me try to help?”

“Help with what?” He half-falls to sit on the mattress, his legs sticking out as he lies back onto the blanket.

“I know you’re in pain.”

Tossing his arm over his eyes, he lets out a long exhale. “I’m fine, Ros. Sitting all day in the truck just kicks my ass. When I’m up and moving it ain’t as bad.”

“Don’t we still have days of driving left?” My sneakers find a place next to the wall and I drape my jacket over the chair. “Will those pills you gave me do anything?”

He snorts without looking. “Kinda. It’s okay. I’ve been dealing with it a long time.”

I step close enough that my feet frame his. “Then you should let me try something.” When my palms wrap his knee, he jumps.

“No!” The forcefulness of his bark makes me recoil and sends a flame of embarrassment up my cheeks.

“I’m sorry.” I stagger back, bouncing off the cabinet under the TV, then rush into the bathroom and slam the door behind me.

Tears burn down my cheeks as I slink to the floor. I didn’t want to make him angry.

I’ve ruined everything.

“Ros?” His knuckles rap lightly against the wood. “I didn’t mean to yell, I’m sorry.”

“I shouldn’t have—” I take a shuddering breath. “—I only wanted to—” Another sob steals my words.

“I know.” He’s muffled through the hollow paneling. “I just…I didn’t want to scare you, and ended up scaring you. I feel like an ass.”

“I don’t understand,” I whimper, burying my face in my hands.

“I’m pretty shit at explaining. But I’ll be as honest as you want me to be.” His voice drops. “Although you’ll probably hate me by the time I’m done.”