She lay back down, snuggled into his back, and closed her eyes. She refused to acknowledge the stirring in her heart. She could admire him and care for him, but she would not allow herself to fall in love with him. That was the scar she carried and it may not be physical, but it was just as real as the silvery scars that crisscrossed his back. She wouldn’t risk her heart, not again.

Francine threw the cane she was using across the room. Mason had managed to keep from crying out or ...