CHAPTER 78

KRISTINA'S POV

He gave a soft smile. "I was just going to suggest the same thing. Okay. Let's do it for your sake as well. I won't let anything happen, Kristina."

As if on cue, we both stood and began to walk out of the cafeteria together. He held my hand tightly; keeping me grounded in reality for the moment when all of this seemed unreal. When the door slammed shut behind us with a bang, he stopped dead in his tracks and turned to look at me. My heart sank. This wasn't the reaction I'd been hoping for.

"Kristina–" I could hear the concern laced throughout his voice, "Why are you holding my hand?"

I shrugged and tried to smile at him.

"You scared me a second ago. We've got to keep this act realistic. Just because people might get suspicious doesn't mean anything is wrong."

Nathan's face softened a little, and then he squeezed my hand in reassurance.

"Yeah, I suppose you're right. But if you ever feel unsafe, come find me, alright?"

Relief spread through me and I gave a gratefu