Grinning, Mr. Thatch indicated the piano with his head, and a beaming Claire flounced to it. Once seated, she played Riff’s chosen song, and I gulped. However, my mouth opened at the proper time, and I sang. Even though I was nervous, Riff held me close, and I drew courage from his support. When his voice joined mine, goosebumps broke out across my skin, and I glanced down only to discover he had them on his arms. My eyes met Riff’s, and his twinkled with mischief, which helped me relax. I liked Riff, he was adorable and made me feel safe.
Only once our voices faded away did I risk a glance around the classroom. Dropped jaws are what I discovered, and then as one, our fellow students began cheering and clapping. There were a few wolf whistles, and my cheeks burned. “Goddamn are their voices perfect together. Holy shit,” one boy declared with a grin full of pride.
“And the chemistry sizzles between them,” his partner added with a broad grin. “I fear what will happen if they dance.” My cheeks grew hotter, and the class laughed, but I sensed no malice behind it.
“See?” Riff chuckled, his fingers caressing my cheek when I met his eyes with a shy smile. “I told you it would be a perfect song for us. I realized as soon as I heard your voice this morning that I found my match. And, if you ever want to date, I am so down for that. Otherwise, we’ll be best friends, and I’m content with that too. I insist on that best. Consider me a puppy nipping at your heels.” His cheerful declaration left me speechless, and he laughed under his breath before kissing my forehead. “I’m serious, Angel, everywhere you go, I’ll dog you. Unless you have plans. Then I’ll make plans, so you don’t worry that I’m off pouting somewhere.”
My brow furrowed while I pondered how he knew that was the exact worry that popped into my head. “Once, our town had someone like you living here, although he died before his time, and I recall how he acted. His thoughts and actions were similar to yours. So that’s why we are good at reading you. And why we understand. He was beloved, and we miss him so much. We became lost without him. Not that you’ve replaced him, so stop worrying about that. You’ve eased a painful ache while you carve your own place within our hearts.”
I swallowed while his words pained my heart. Riff seemed sure I wouldn’t have to leave, but that was a mere dream. I didn’t want to hurt them when I ran, but what choice did I have? And, I couldn’t help but wonder, was he talking about the same person Marcus mentioned last night? When I tried to withdraw, Riff didn’t press his arm against my back, but neither did he allow me to retreat. “If you end up having to leave, Angel, we’ll gladly take the pain of losing you. Let us enjoy soaking up your presence while we can. Please understand that we can’t get enough of your company. Perhaps, we’ll go with you when you run too. Did you ever think of that? I understand a larger group makes it harder to hide, but you’ll find we’re superb at surviving. Especially in the woods. Maybe we’ll build a village in the forest and go off-grid. Let’s see him find you then,” Riff murmured tenderly.
I blinked while processing his words, then tears filled my eyes only to roll down my cheeks while a soft sob tore from my throat. Wrapping my arms around him, my fingers fisted in his shirt, and I cried into Riff’s chest while he stroked my hair. Between him and Marcus, I felt like I was home.
A Growing World
They enveloped me in a group hug again, with each member of the choir kissing my forehead once more. Afterward, I sniffled, and they encouraged me to release as much of my pain as I could. Their gentle words rained on my lonely, starved soul, which soaked up their affection and attention like parched earth.
Mr. Thatch reminded me of my homework with a laugh moments before the bell rang. Surprisingly, Riff threw his arm over my shoulders and escorted me through the hall. Everyone, and I mean everyone, stopped to watch us with incredulous expressions. When we passed a trio of what I believed to be football players, Riff kissed my cheek while staring them down. He chuckled when my cheeks burned, and I risked meeting his gaze. Warm, beautiful sky-blue eyes met mine while a boyish grin curled his lips.
“My way of warning them to leave you alone. A declaration of war as it were,” Riff offered nonchalantly in answer to my unspoken question. He grinned when I blinked at him for a moment before lowering my eyes. “As long as they do not hurt you, I won’t retaliate. But, Angel, whatever they do to you, I will return tenfold. You do not deserve their abuse, and I refuse to stand aside and allow it. I know the thought of anyone harming another to protect you pains your soul, but even the idea of you hurting is agony to mine.”
My chest constricting, I returned my gaze to Riff’s eyes, and he gave me a gentle smile. “I mean it. It’s the same for all of us, Angel. Well, other than one stupid asshole. I’m sorry about Kyler. I can’t do much about him today. However, after school, that should change. Then we shall see if he dares mess with you while I’m around. If he torments you when I’m absent, well I shall take the fight to him,” Riff promised with his eyes darkening to a deep blue like the night sky.
Pain gripped my heart at the thought of Riff and Kyler at each other’s throats, and I gasped while struggling to breathe. My nose and mouth suddenly
