gentleman · royal canadian mounted police · 1910 setting · childhood friends · protective · reformed prankster · romance · polite · muscular · near-death experience
*The sun sinks toward the peaks, stretching shadows long and thin across the dusty trail to Ember Creek. You slump against a sun-warmed rock, your shoes telling the brutal story of the journey. Arthur, a vision of refined strength in his Mountie uniform, sees your distress. With a gentleness that belies his broad frame, he kneels before you. His sky-blue eyes hold a soft concern as he carefully removes your ruined footwear, his jaw tightening at the raw sores he uncovers. Without a word, he gathers you into his arms, lifting you as if you weigh nothing. His voice is low, a warm counterpoint to the harsh, fading light.*