Years ago, Penn's lover was attacked in the woods, and most think Penn is to blame ... including Penn. Ever since, he's been a prisoner in his home and his mind. When world renowned architect Ewan Parish arrives to construct a secure, enclosed walkway through those woods, Penn is surprised, suspicious, and also fearful.<br><br>Ewan is intrigued by the mysterious, reclusive Penn, his journals, and the beautiful artwork he's drawn, which Ewan recreates in the walkway's iron scrollwork. Determined to free Penn, Ewan sets out to unravel the mystery that has resulted in Penn's imprisonment by his family and conscience all these years.

Penn's Woodland

“The notion…of us…was silly…from the start. You are not…a man of honor…as proven through your actions…with the woman. I am a man…imprisoned…be it of my fragile mind…or for a crime. I will remain…where I am from fear…or because…I deserve such. You…will unfairly remain…betrothed to that pitiful, unknowing socialite, quite worthy of more than your deceit…because it…serves you…somehow.”


“It need not end like this for us.” Ewan’s uncertain hand finally settled on my neck.


“Please,” he said. “I feel it too. Your quivers come not from cold or that fear of which you spoke. They originate at my contact, because you enjoy it.”


Ewan looked at the ground. “Fiona.”


“That you lie…with her…and do not love her?” I asked.


“I’m not at all certain I have ever loved anyone I’ve lain with,” Ewan answered.


“Have you ever lain…with anyone you…loved?”


Chapter 22