Page 26 of Protected By the Elf Prince

Dashiel was close.

A strange mix of anticipation and nerves twisted through my stomach before I could stop it.

“Nope,” I whispered immediately. “I’m not going to acknowledge that.”

A knock came at the door, and my heart stumbled. Which was ridiculous because I already knew who it was.

Still, I set my coffee down carefully before heading toward the front door.

Dashiel stood on the porch, looking entirely too good for this early in the morning. His dark hair fell around his face, hiding the pointed ears I wanted to properly see and touch. He wore black again today, his clothes fitted enough that I noticed broad shoulders and a lean build I was trying very hard not to think about.

I shouldn’t be.

Why was I?

I finally met his eyes.

And there it was, that focused and warm look he gave me, like I genuinely mattered to him.

“Good morning, Landon,” he greeted softly.

I swallowed once before clearing my throat. “Morning.”

For a second, neither of us spoke.

Then Dashiel inclined his head slightly. “I hope I have not arrived too early.”

“Question: Do you know when I wake up?”

A faint smile touched his mouth, yet he scoffed after. Like he was both happy I asked as well as annoyed that I would think it. “I do not monitor your sleeping habits.”

“That almost sounded like you were offended,” I teased.

“I am mildly offended.”

That startled a laugh out of me before I could stop it. Dashiel’s expression softened immediately.

God.

My stomach fluttered. This was dangerous.

I shifted awkwardly against the doorway. “So… what are you doing here?”

“If you would allow it,” he said carefully, “I wish to walk with you to work.”

The offer settled strangely warm in my chest. This felt sweet and normal and definitely like something people did when they… liked each other.

I ignored that thought immediately.

“You don’t have anything else to do?” I asked.

“I do.”

I blinked. “Then why are you here?”

His expression gentled further somehow. “Because I wished to see you.”

And there went my ability to think properly again. I looked away briefly, rubbing the back of my neck. “Right,” I muttered. “Okay. Uh… yeah. You can walk with me.”