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Pyrce ignores me, gently taking my foot, and slips the shoe on. “I don’t mind.”

Once he’s happy that my laces are securely tied, he straightens and opens the front door. Locking it behind us, he reaches up to grab a spare key from the doorframe.

“Here. You won’t have to break in next time,” he says, pressing the key into my palm.

I stare at the key, understanding the trust in the gesture, then lift my eyes to his. “Thank you.”

He grins and wraps his hand around mine, tugging me along behind him. His fingers thread through mine as I shove the key into my pocket, a blush heating my cheeks as we make our way down a trail.

“I’ll show you town first, then some of my favorite places around here.”

“Sounds good.”

“How are the shoes? Will that be too much walking? I don’t want you getting blisters.”

“They’re fine,” I assure him. “Comfortable.”

“If they start to hurt, we can turn back. Or I’ll carry you.”

I snort at that thought.

He looks at me with a frown. “What?”

I wave my hand at my body. “You’d injure yourself carrying me, and then we’d both be sore.”

His eyes heat as they move over me. “You’re perfect, Elsie.”

My mouth drops open. “Are you flirting with me?”

His eyes meet mine, amusement dancing in them. “Change of plans. I’ll show you my favorite spot first.”

“Wha—”

Pyrce tugs on my hand before I can ask him what he means.

He leads me off the main path and up a hill, then down the other side and around a massive rock formation.

The distant rush of water reaches my ears. It grows louder as we round the corner, and I gasp as a waterfall comes into view. It spills over the rocky ledge ahead of us, tumbling into a clear pool below. Sunlight catches on the water, making it sparkle as it⁠—

My foot catches on something.

I stumble forward with a startled yelp as I trip over a fallen branch, but Pyrce catches me before I hit the ground.

His arms tighten around me before he looks down and glares at the offending branch.

I follow his gaze, giggling at his furious expression. “It was my fault, not the branch’s”

He gives the branch one last suspicious look before apparently deciding to let it live.

Still holding me, he turns and carries me to a nearby boulder and gently sets me down.

His hands move almost reverently over my ankle and foot, checking for injuries. I try to pull away, but he holds me still.

“Let me look,” he says softly.

“I’m not used to this,” I whisper.

His eyes meet mine. “I know. You’ll get used to it. I’m not going anywhere. I plan to take care of you.”