She studied him, then took his hands and turned them, palm up, onto his knees. She rolled up his sleeves, just a little. Then she dipped a finger into the oil and rubbed it gently on the insides of his wrists.
The insides of his elbows.
At the base of his throat.
His temples.
It wasn't strong-smelling oil, it was faint and delicate and soothing. She rubbed it in gently, then sat back on her pillows, watching him.
"Take a few deep breaths, then tell me why you came here, tonight."