Recognized

Gia stared at the priceless necklace Sienna bought her for her birthday. It rested nicely on her chest. Now that she wasn’t at the Bentley household as often she felt safe to wear it. Natalie still had her Mother’s necklace from the night this entire fiasco began.

A part of her had forgotten it was snatched from her. Though, she still had to deal with Hanah who was capable of taking the necklace from her. She unclipped it and put it back in the jewellery box. Beside the box was Ezra’s business card.

Gia picked it up and brought it to her nose. She inhaled the enchanting and strong masculine scent.

Did he really think she would call? What would she work as if not his maid?

His assistant? He looked like a difficult man to work for. She set the card down. She never intended to use it. After this game with Natalie was over. She and her Mother would have to disappear.

Later she arrived at the University with her best friend in mind. She didn’t expect to run into Keegan. He caught her before she could think of fleeing.

“There you are. Hiding from me?” Keegan said, his voice smooth and luring.

Gia couldn’t stop the blush that crept across her cheeks.

“Why would I want to hide from you? Oh yeah, you try to run me over with your sports car sometimes.”

Keegan grinned. “I thought I made up for that. Apparently, I haven’t. How about I take you out for dinner?”

“D-Dinner?”

“Don’t you eat Gianna?” Keegan smirked.

Until Natalie got better she belonged to Hanah and Keegan couldn’t find out. He was kind and didn’t deserve to be lied to.

“Of course I do, but you won’t believe all the work I have to do. I have assignments and exams coming up. It’s… crazy.”

Keegan closed the gap and tilted her head. Out of the corner of her eye, Gia caught Sienna walking behind her and passed her with her mouth dragging across the floor.

“You’re not scared are you, Gia?”

“Why would I be scared to go out with you?”

“Because we come from different worlds.”

Gia brushed his hand away. “I’ve lived in the Bentley house all my life. That’s the last thing I’d be scared of.”

Keegan’s brows dipped. “What happened?”

Gia had gone too far. Her horrors in that house weren’t to be broadcasted. Besides who would believe her?

“I should find Sienna…” she mumbled but before she could move a familiar deep voice froze her.

“Keegan,” Ezra called.

“Crap,” Gia muttered.

“Since when do you go to school?” Ezra asked, swiping his black jacket to the side and stuffing his fist in his front pocket.

Gia felt him behind her before she saw him. How long would this agony last? Would the pain be greater when she left the town or would she find a sweet escape? He was casually dressed that afternoon. He ditched the buttoned shirts and ties and went with a plain white shirt and pants, but he couldn’t chase his identity as a billionaire.

“I came looking for Gia. I thought this would be a good place since it was where we met. I see you’re taking up teaching, cuz.”

Ezra’s gaze lingered on Gia a moment too long before realizing his cousin was in front of him too.

“I was talking to the Dean about a couple more lectures. He couldn’t be happier. What do you think Gianna? Do you think it’s a good idea?” Ezra held her attention. His eyes on her suspended all functioning in her body.

“You’re piling work on her. When do I get to take her on a date?” Keegan complained.

Gia blushed harder, longing for escape.

“Everyone loves the lectures. I’ve never seen the hall that full. You might want to up your security though,” Gia said, though her limbs still trembled from Ezra’s attention.

It wasn’t like this when she was playing Natalie. When she was truly herself her feelings grappled with her. She wanted Ezra to see her for who she was, but she feared he would only see her as a maid or the woman he had sex with on a balcony.

“Hmm, I know. Someone tried to break into my car. If it’s a date you want Keegan, then we can double date.”

Gia’s eyes nearly popped out of her head.

“Sounds awesome!” Keegan exclaimed.

“No, no, we can’t do that. We all know Natalie isn’t fond of me.”

“I’ll talk to her.” Ezra pulled out his phone.

Gia’s heart rate accelerated she thought she might faint. Hanah would destroy her and everything she loved if she learned of this mess. Gia jumped and grabbed Ezra’s wrist, stopping his next moves.

“Please don’t. That’s the last thing she would want. Trust me I’ve known her my whole life,” Gia panted.

Ezra glanced at his cousin and then at the young woman clutching his hands.

“I don’t think she’d mind if I asked her,” Ezra replied slowly.

“I’m not going out with Keegan anyway so there’s no need to annoy Natalie.”

Keegan scowled. “You’ve cost me a date now, Ezra.”

Gia released Ezra’s warm hands. A part of her thought she felt a spark.

“I have to go, goodbye.” Painfully peeling her eyes from Ezra she walked off in search of Sienna.

A part of her wanted to hide in the bathroom because Sienna wouldn’t let things go.

“I can’t believe you!” Sienna popped out of nowhere.

Gia jumped and clutched her chest. “What is wrong with you!”

“You’re the one who suddenly friends with wealthy and high class men. I want all the details.”

“No, you don’t. Keegan’s my friend and Ezra’s Natalie’s boss that’s all.”

“A friend who likes to hold you. Since when do best friends keep secrets?”

“We don’t… can we not talk about it? Please?”

Sienna eyed her suspiciously but dropped the topic to Gia’s relief.

“Want to go to the movies this week?”

Gia smiled. “I’d like that.”

Gia’s heart hurt. If she could divulge her secrets she would but even Sienna would see the errors of her ways. She sold her virginity and lied to Ezra all because Natalie wanted to. All this was senseless trouble and she was left trying to make sense of it all.