Low.
Too close.
“I’m fine,” I answer automatically.
I don’t turn around.
Big mistake.
Because now I’m aware of him anyway.
The heat of him behind me.
The way his pace matches mine exactly.
Watching.
Always watching.
“You’re limping.”
“I’m walking.”
“Barely.”
Annoyance flares fast enough to overpower the pain for half a second.
I stop abruptly and spin around.
“Do you want to carry me again?” I hiss quietly. “Because I’m pretty sure I can still manage that part myself.”
Russ looks completely unimpressed.
Calm.
Steady.
Infuriating.
“Don’t tempt me.”
The answer hits harder than it should.
Heat climbs instantly into my face.
I turn around before he can see it and start walking again.
Behind me, I hear the faintest rough huff of amusement.
I hate him a little for that.
Possibly more for the fact that part of me likes it.
The ridge narrows ahead.
Lucas raises a hand immediately.
We all drop low without a word.
