"No, it's not."
"It is!"
"Do not bring her or anyone else in front of me ever again, Riggs. I mean it. If you do—"
"You'll what, pet? What exactly are you threatening? And be very clear before you open that pretty little mouth of yours."
I swallow hard, my eyes locked on his, my pulse beating so hard, it feels like it's going to push through my neck.
He lowers his voice even further, stating, "If you can't see that I'm doing everything in my power to make sure you stay with me, then you're blind."
"By bringing her here tonight?" I seethe.
"Yes. Exactly that. And you admitted you learned a few things tonight, so get off your high horse. Now, go to sleep," he orders, rolls off me, and turns away.
His words do nothing to calm me. I'm more frustrated than before we began. The jealousy never dies, and I toss and turn all night, listening to Riggs breathe, unsure if he's asleep or awake.
When dusk hits, I get up and creep out of the room. I close the bedroom door, walk down the hall, and find my clothes. I put my shorts and sweater on.
"Oh, sorry to disturb you," Aria says quietly. She moves toward the door with a bag slung over her shoulder.
"Where are you going?" I blurt out, my heart racing faster from just looking at her.
She spins, and I suddenly feel bad for her. Black circles darken the skin under her eyes. They're swollen, and she looks super fragile.
Is this what being with Riggs does to you?
I push the thought away and close the space between us. "Aria?"
She keeps her voice low. "I need to go. Tell Riggs I'm fine."
"You don't look fine."
She closes her sad eyes briefly, then pins them on me. "He's right, you know."
My stomach flips. "About what?"
She asserts, "If you don't get your shit together, they'll enforce rule fourteen."
"Wouldn't you like that?" I snap.
Her eyes widen, then she scoffs. "You have it all wrong, Blakely."
Rage builds within me. I cross my arms. "Oh? And what do I have wrong?"
"He brought me here for your well-being and only yours. I'm not here for him."
"Bullshit."
She shakes her head. "The contract between Riggs and me is over."
"Then why are you here?"
"Like I said, because you need help."
"No, I don't," I claim.
We stare at each other, not saying anything until she breaks the silence. "It's not your business, but I'm in love with someone else. Not that you should fall in love with Riggs. He's not long-term. He's a contract."