“That song is so sultry,” I protested, and Riff chuckled with a boyish grin. “I-I I,” I tried to explain, and he softened.
“Never been kissed?” Riff offered with a quirked brow. I wish I could say that.
“Not willingly,” I amended bitterly, and a grim scowl overtook his features.
“That bastard?” He asked in a tight voice, and I nodded while biting my lip. His body tensed, and a low, feral growl rumbled from his chest. When I tried to back away, our eyes met, and he softened while calming with a rueful smile. “Sorry, but from what you’ve said of that guy, I loathe him. He cost you so much and hurts you, and I dislike that. Plus, I see how weary of running you are. But I understand why you had to. If I get my way, you never must run again.” What? He cannot mean to do what I suspect he does!
“Riff, you cannot pick a fight with him,” I gasped, and he grinned wolfishly.
“Oh, I can. Especially since it won’t be just me,” Riff chuckled, although his eyes were cold with anger. “We like you, Angel, and he can’t have you. Not anymore.” No! You cannot put yourself in danger’s path for me. I’m not worthy. I’m not. I wish I were. I wish I mattered. But I don’t. If it wasn’t for Matty, I would have given in long ago. He is my strength, my reason to fight.
“Agreed,” echoed around me as every member of the show choir voiced their agreement. I stared at each one in shock, with gentle and friendly smiles greeting my eyes. Why would anyone want to fight for me? What did they see in me?
“Now that that’s settled,” Mr. Thatch chuckled, “Angel, it’s time I assign your homework for the foreseeable future.” When I glanced at him in surprise, our choir director smiled with amusement glittering in his eyes. “See, we don’t do choreography here. Instead, each pair improvises. Thus, you and Riff need to spend time together. This way, you are in synch, and your improvisation is flawless. Riff is in control of the choir since he sets up the scenes and dictates the costumes. Claire is his second, you could say. But, for our winter show to be successful, Riff is your homework.”
I knew it was coming from the way his lips twitched, and the trouble shining in his eyes. “So, since I’m your homework, when and where would you like to do me?” Riff chuckled with his lips brushing my ear for every word. I couldn’t keep my lips from curling into a smile, although I tried, and I rolled my eyes before playfully shoving his chest, and he burst out laughing. I didn’t understand what was happening between this boy and me, but I liked it. Albeit, I found his willingness to face my demons worrisome. He couldn’t put himself in harm’s way for me. I refused to allow it. But, for a moment, I wanted to indulge my desire to be close to him. He felt so safe and sincere. “Okay, okay, but, if it’s all right with you, I’ll hang out with you in the evenings.” I nodded, and he smiled. My heart fluttered, and I gulped. His eyes softening, Riff lowered his head to place a gentle kiss on my brow, and my breath caught in my throat.
Shaking his head, Riff looked at Claire, and she smiled before stepping closer so the two of them could rub their noses together. My eyes widened, and I glanced between them, my brow furrowing when Claire stepped away only to rub noses with the boy who I presumed was her show choir partner. Before my eyes, the entire choir repeated the action, and I stared at Riff, feeling lost.
“Kyler broke your nose, sweetheart, but rubbing noses is one of our favorite ways to show affection between us and a few others. Since you cannot take part without suffering pain, we’ll kiss your forehead instead,” Riff explained. Words of protest rose in my throat, but Claire kissed my brow before a single one escaped. Riff rubbed my back while the entire choir followed her lead. My heart was so warm. I’d never felt this accepted, other than when I was with Matty. And, since my back was so sensitive, Riff’s careful touch was fantastic. If I were a cat, I would have purred.
“How about you and Riff try the song he chose, and we’ll give you our honest opinion, Angel?” Mr. Thatch offered, and I gulped, albeit I nodded after a moment. I didn’t understand why he was so excited to sing with me, or for us to be paired up, other than he was lonely in the choir.
“We fit perfectly,” Riff murmured, and I jerked my gaze to his eyes in surprise. Smiling, he sang a familiar Disney song.
“’Riffraff,’ ‘Street rat’
I don’t buy that
If only they’d look closer
Would they see a poor boy?
No, siree
They’d find out
There’s so much more to me...”
My eyes opened once he finished. God, his voice was amazing. It wrapped around you like velvet in the sweetest, most heartbreaking way. I never wanted Riff to stop singing, so I understood why he got the solos because, god, he had a heavenly voice. After a moment, the song he chose sank in, and my cheeks heated. I supposed it was all over the school that Kyler
