Page 51 of Riot

So, are you being held hostage by him? Because if you are, then say no more. We’ll leave you to it.

You two are dramatic and I’m not looking to date.

Katie

Pity. That man is fiiiiine.

He is, but there’s so much more to Riot than his appearance. When we’re alone, in the quiet of the apartment, he shows me exactly who he is beneath the grins and the charming smiles.

Sometimes, the way he looks at me is so intense, I don’t know how to breathe. And sometimes, I wish he’d stop playing it safe and just kiss me.

But there’s also a lethal edge to him. A darkness that I see in Mace too. It’s a living, breathing thing, and it should scare me but it doesn’t.

I know he’d never hurt me, just as my sister knows Mace would never hurt her.

Dayna

If you’ve finished drooling, I’ve booked a table. You’re coming, Ivy. No excuses.

Katie

Don’t say no, Ivy. Please.

Fuck.I don’t know if I can do this. I stare at the phone, not wanting to let them down, but I don’t want to commit either.

Let me see how Seren is.

Dayna

Shit. I thought she was better. She is better, right? We can come to you if she’s still ill, or we can leave it until she’s better.

Guilt stirs in my gut. I didn’t mean to worry them, and Seren is fine. It’s me who’s the problem. I had no idea something as routine as an ear infection could hurt her so much or send me spiralling.

No. She’s fine. The antibiotics are doing their job. It’s me. I’m a ball of nerves since it happened.

Katie

Understandable. You had a hell of a shock.

I had no idea babies cried so dramatically when they’re in pain.

Dayna

I mean… I’m not a baby and I cry when I have a headache.

Katie

Anyways. No pressure. If you can come, that would be amazing, but if you don’t feel up to it, it’s fine.

The pressure in my chest is tight, my lungs locked, like I’ve forgotten how to breathe.

Should I take Seren?

Would it be safe without Riot?

Maybe he can come too.

No, Riot isn’t your bodyguard.

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