Before Julian could have a chance to flare up in anger, Rayne walked over and smiled.
"Don't worry about me, ma'am. I have taken hand-to-hand combat, self-defense, and even marksmanship courses. I assure you I can hold my own."
The woman looked her over again and grunted, "Fine. If you insist, I won't say anything else. Just don't whine to me later," the woman replied.
Rayne walked over and stood beside the fuming Julian. Noticing his fierce expression, she smiled and reached out to hold his hand.
"It's okay, no need to get angry over something this small. Thank you, though," she whispered to him.
Julian felt her soft, dainty hand hold his and immediately felt better. He took advantage of the situation and quickly adjusted his hand so that they were now holding hands with their fingers interlocked.