Angel's POV
I hesitated for only a second before placing my hand in his.
His fingers closed around mine - warm, gentle, strong - and he helped me to my feet.
We walked out together, and I felt the weight of dozens of eyes following us.
But I didn't look back.
*****
The fresh air felt like a blessing.
I hadn't realized how stuffy the dining hall had become until we stepped out into the corridor, where windows overlooked rain-soaked gardens and cool air drifted through.
"Thank you," I breathed. "I was starting to feel..."
"Suffocated?" Merrick supplied with a knowing smile. "Large gatherings can be overwhelming. Especially when you're the center of attention."
"Was I?"
"Oh, absolutely." He started walking, still holding my hand, leading me through corridors I'd never have navigated on my own. "Every man in that hall was watching you. And every woman was either jealous of you or jealous of me."
"That's not…"
