Chapter 40 (Romeo Beside Me)

• I beamed at him as he held my hands while we walked toward the waterfall. As we passed those boys, my grip on his hand tightened instinctively.
• Noticing my fear, he wrapped his arms around my shoulders, pulling me close. I didn’t hear any teasing from the boys, unlike with others.
• In his embrace, I felt safe; he made me feel secure. My lips curved up as I wrapped my arms around his waist. He looked down at me with a smile, a smile that assured me he would always protect me.