Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 10

Riley's POV

I waited for James up the road from my house like usual, leaning against a stop sign pole.

I self consciously pulled the collar up on my jacket even more as I waited. My neck was covered in little fingerprint bruises. Even thought I promised James I would tell him if anything happened with my dad, but I'm nt sure if I should.

Minutes later, James was by my side and we were on our way to dance.

"So, are you coming over tonight?" He asks. I harshly bit my lip thinking. I look up at James with a weak smile.

"Yeah, I am." I reply.

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James's POV

Our hands swayed as we walked into the studio together. At some point, our hands brushed, and I have this urge to just grab her hand and hold it. But I refrain from doing it. I got lucky enough for Riley to come over tonight. I better not push my luck.

I notice Michelle glare at me and Riley before turning back to the other girls.

"How come you never talk to the other girls in A Troupe?" I ask Riley as we put our stuff into the cubbies.

"I don't know. I guess because none if them like me." She says quietly.

"How do you know that they don't like you when you haven't even spoken to them?" I chuckle. She shrugs.

"I guess your right." She mumbles.

"Go ahead, talk to them. They won't bite." I persist. She gives a little nod before proceeding over to the girls.

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Riley's POV

What was I supposed to tell him? That my dad would skin me alive if I spoke to anyone else at the studio?

"Hey." I say quietly as I approach the girls.

"Hi." They all, except Michelle, say sweetly.

"Girls, can I talk to Riley alone for a minute?" She asks them. They leave, leaving me alone with Michelle.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

"I don't know what your little plan is, but back off of James!" She growls.

"I don't know what your talking about." I say slowly.

"Come on Riley! You play this shy, lonely little girl act for how long? And now your swooping in on him!" She says.

"He's the one who started talking to me first, and we're just friends." I tell her. She scoffs.

"Whatever you say. But just know that he's mine." She hisses before walking away again.