Otatso Wetlands I'm getting Hickeys from my Bedbugs

Taikon listened while she chastised him, shrinking back as though she were threatening to hit him. He opened his mouth for a moment to speak, but nothing came out, and she wasn't done in any case. Berating herself, overflowing with emotion, she went on. She spoke of her responsibilities again, and he blinked many times, taking in her words.
Then she apologized, and he wet his lips, hoping that the saliva would magically bring the right words to him. Like many men, he was not used to dealing with emotions. This was bigger than that. This was a disclosure, a secret that he dared not repeat.
While Taikon sat silent, the copper-faced Aphrodite asked again if he would join her at her pack. Then, strangely, she flirted with him once more, which stunned him. I was going to say... He began, still laying down. Very slowly, he rose as she did and moved close, but not too close to her. You're strong, he finished. Poking at the muddy ground once more, he began to walk forward toward her gesture. He turned to look at her, making sure she would walk with him. I will walk there with you, but I'm sure you'll be tired of my face by the time we get there. He smiled very weakly. His mind was swimming with feelings and thoughts that he didn't know what to do with. He felt a terrible, new urge to hurt something, someone. His heartbeat raced, but he forced a shield of calm like she did.