Vero stared wide-eyed at Lev’s words. Didn’t he think that the kiss was enough for the night? Now he wanted to carry her? Was he trying to give her a heart attack?

“I can still walk,” Vero declined. “And I won’t leave these shoes behind. They belong to Jia. She might scold me for it.”

The fireworks display had ended, and they could hear music in the distance as the locals returned to their homes. Vero could hear their conversations in the wind.

“I’ll talk to Jia about her shoes,” Lev said. “And whether you like it or not, I’m still going to carry you.” He shrugged. “You just have...