Chapter 47

Riley's POV

Cass remained standing, her mean eyes all over me."And what are you still doing here? Get out here desperate girl," she yelled. "I'm here to see Easton, not you."

I stepped back but I did not let her push past me easily. Lila ran towards me and held my hand tight.

Cass, what do you want?” I asked. Even though my heart was beating fast, my voice didn't waver. Cass laughed meanly, she looked me up and down like I was nothing.

“You think you can act like the owner of the house just because you sell yourself cheaply to a rich boy like Easton?” she spat. “You are just a poor girl trying to seduce him through his sister. Pathetic.”

I felt anger rise hot in my chest. I stood taller and looked straight at her. “I am not selling myself to anybody,” I said firmly. “Like I always say, I'm only here for my job, which is Lila. You are the one who keeps coming back even after Easton told you it is over.”

Cass stepped closer to me, her face turned red with anger. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides.

“You think you are better than me?” she snapped. “You are nothing but a chubby babysitter who dreams too big.”

I felt my hands shake but I did not step back. “At least I do not lie and play games like you,” I answered. My voice grew stronger. “Leave Easton alone and stop hurting other people.”

We were standing close now. Cass raised her hand like she wanted to slap me. I lifted my chin and waited. The air felt thick and ready to break.

Just then Easton stood between us. He grabbed Cass’s wrist before she could do anything.

“Enough of this nonsense, Cass. You are just making a fool of yourself right now,” he said sharply. His voice sounded tired but strong. “Leave Riley alone and go back home.”

Cass pulled her hand free and glared at both of us. “You will regret choosing her,” she said meanly. She turned and walked out of the house. The door slammed loud behind her.

I stood there breathing fast. My hands still shook a little. Easton looked at me but did not say anything at first.

He ran his hand through his hair and sighed. “You okay?” he asked quietly.

I nodded but my chest still felt tight. “Yes,” I said softly. “Thank you for stopping her.”

Easton nodded once and went upstairs without another word. I also went to my room and closed the door. I sat on the bed and called Amara. My fingers pressed the buttons quickly.

Amara answered after two rings. “Hey girl, what is going on?” she asked. Her voice sounded bright and worried at the same time.

“Cass came to the house, she just left a few minutes ago,” I said. My voice cracked a little. “She called me desperate and said I am selling myself to Easton. We almost fought but Easton stopped it.”

Amara listened quietly then sighed. “That girl is crazy,” she said. “But I'm glad you stood up to her. I am proud of you, Riley.”

I smiled a little even though I was tired. “I only tried,” I replied. “But everything feels so confusing. One minute Easton helps me and acts cold the next second. I do not know what he really feels.”

Amara stayed quiet for awhile before responding. “Maybe it's high time you ask yourself what you really feel,” she said gently. “Do you like him, Riley? Be honest with your heart.”

I bit my lip and thought about it. My cheeks felt warm. “I think I do,” I whispered. “But I am scared. He is my bully. How can I fall for him?”

Amara laughed softly. “Love is strange and unpredictable sometimes,” she said. “You are the one that needs to be careful and follow what feels right. You deserve someone who sees how amazing you are.”

We talked a little more before I hung up. I sat on my bed thinking about Easton. Did I really like him? The thought made my stomach feel funny. I couldn't answer for myself yet.

The house felt quiet now. I stood up and went to clean the sitting room to keep my hands busy.

I picked up pillows and arranged them on the couch. My mind was full of thoughts about Easton. I walked to the side table and opened the drawer to put some papers away. My fingers touched folded papers at the bottom and I pulled them out slowly. They were Easton's song lyrics I had seen before.

I read them once more. I could feel the words even more now.

“She makes the house feel warm and everything about her keeps drawing me close.”

I held the papers tight. My heart beat faster as I thought about Easton writing them. Did he really feel that way about me?

I was engrossed with the song lyrics until soft footsteps came behind me. I turned around quickly and I saw Easton standing in the doorway watching me.

His eyes moved from my face to the papers in my hands. He stepped inside slowly and closed the door with a soft click.

“Why are you reading my stuff again,” he questioned. His voice sounded low and rough. “Can’t you just leave my things alone, Riley?”