"The first store is at the end of the central passage," the clerk said. "Keep the tokens visible. The shop alchemists will record each serving and direct you to the next stop."
Rias thanked her and immediately slipped her arm through Martin's. She leaned into his side and started toward the passage before he had decided how a fake boyfriend was supposed to stand.
He made it three steps with his arm held stiffly between them before Rias stopped and unhooked their elbows. She stepped close again, looked pointedly at his hand, and then glanced at the empty space around her waist.
"Put your arm around me. The clerk can still see us, and leaving that much space isn't helping the cover."
Martin glanced back toward the desk, then held one hand beside her waist without touching her. "Here?"
Rias caught his wrist and guided it a little higher before settling his palm against her fitted coat just above the curve of her hip. "There. If I want more space, I'll take it."
