Chapter 31

Sienna gently tucked a stray strand of Riley’s hair behind her ear, her fingers tracing the delicate features of her face. Riley was still fast asleep, her arms securely wrapped around Sienna’s waist, her face nuzzled into Sienna’s chest. The vulnerability Riley had shown when she opened up about her past weighed on Sienna's heart, making her hold Riley even closer.

Leaning down, Sienna pressed a soft kiss on the top of Riley's head. Riley responded with a quiet groan, snuggling deeper into Sienna’s embrace. Sienna chuckled softly, her hand moving in slow, soothing circles on Riley’s back as she began to hum, a quiet lullaby to ease Riley into deeper rest.

All Sienna wanted was to shield Riley from the pain that haunted her, to protect her from everything that might hurt her. Riley was such a good person—kind, loving, even playful when she wasn’t weighed down by her past. Sienna had known this side of Riley for so long, even when Riley loved to tease and annoy her.

"I love you," Sienna whispered softly, her words filled with affection.

"I love you more," Riley mumbled in return, her voice barely audible but enough to make Sienna’s heart swell.

Sienna knew this was just a moment of relapse for Riley, and she couldn’t blame her. After everything she had been through, it was only natural for her to struggle. As Riley’s girlfriend, Sienna understood her role now more than ever—to stand by her side, offering love and support. And she knew, without a doubt, that Riley would do the same for her, no matter what.

Sienna yawned as she checked her phone, the notification from Mia bringing her back to consciousness, she had not notice that she had fallen back to sleep. She rubbed her eyes, glancing beside her only to find Riley’s side of the bed empty. Curious, she got up and tied her hair into a messy bun before slowly making her way out of the bedroom.

The sound of something sizzling greeted her, and as she walked to the kitchen, she smiled to herself. Is Riley cooking? she thought. Leaning on the countertop, she rested her chin on her crossed arms, her eyes following Riley as she moved around the kitchen.

Riley, dressed in a sports bra and dry-fit shorts with an apron over it, glanced at Sienna and smiled. "You're awake," she said, stirring something in the pan. "This will be done in a minute."

Sienna continued watching her intently, a sense of relief washing over her. Riley seemed more like herself again—more relaxed, like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. It was good to see her in this state, after everything they'd shared.

Riley poked Sienna’s nose playfully after plating the food and walking over to her. "What are you thinking?" she asked, positioning herself in front of Sienna, who straightened up and wrapped her arms around Riley's neck.

"I'm just glad you're doing fine now," Sienna admitted, her smile soft.

Riley pulled her closer, her eyes warm. "Thank you for being here, for staying," she said, leaning in to kiss Sienna. But Sienna quickly covered her mouth with her hand.

Riley blinked, a little confused. "What’s wrong?" she asked.

"I haven’t brushed my teeth," Sienna replied, her hand still covering her mouth.

Riley laughed, gently removing her hand. "Riley, wai—" Sienna tried to protest, but Riley silenced her with a passionate kiss. Her lips were soft, warm, and full of affection.

"I love you," Riley whispered after breaking the kiss, pressing a gentle kiss to Sienna’s forehead.

Face flushed, Sienna grinned, her heart full. "I love you more."

Riley squinted at the guy sitting across the table, making a playful gun motion with her fingers. The guy, completely unaware of what Riley was doing, continued talking to Sienna, who was helping him with some classwork. Mia, watching the scene, scoffed and walked over to Riley, lightly smacking her head with the book she was holding.

"Ow," Riley hissed, rubbing the spot where Mia had hit her.

"What's wrong with you?" Mia asked, pulling out a chair and sitting next to Riley. "Jealous?" she teased.

Riley blew a strand of hair out of her face, leaning back in her chair with her arms crossed like a sulking kid. "That guy's being too touchy," she muttered, squinting suspiciously in the guy's direction.

They were sitting in the library, where Sienna had told Riley she needed to help a blockmate with an assignment. Riley didn’t want to interfere, so she had opted to sit a few tables behind them, quietly observing.

Mia chuckled and opened her book. "You're being super protective of Sienna. What’s the real deal between you two? Still just 'dating,' or..." she trailed off, a mischievous grin on her face.

"Sienna’s my girlfriend," Riley blurted out, cutting her off. Mia immediately snapped her book shut, turning her full attention to Riley with wide eyes.

"Wait—what? Why didn’t you tell me sooner? When did that happen?" Mia asked, leaning closer, clearly intrigued as if she’d just stumbled upon the juiciest gossip of the century.

Riley flicked Mia’s forehead, rolling her eyes. "You’re so nosy," she said playfully. "We’ve been official for a couple of weeks now."

Mia sat back, pretending to be hurt. "A couple of weeks? And you didn’t tell me? Wow, I see how it is," she said dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. "I thought we were friends!"

Riley scoffed, shaking her head. "Such a drama queen. I’ll treat you to something nice later, okay?"

Mia’s eyes lit up. "Really? Deal!" She hugged Riley’s arm playfully, her mood shifting instantly. "I knew you were a great friend, Rile!"

Riley laughed softly. "You’re impossible."

Mia beamed, still holding onto Riley’s arm. "But seriously, I’m happy for you two. Who would've thought? Last time I checked, you two were always at each other’s throats, and now look at you! Official and everything."

"Yeah, it’s been a wild ride," Riley admitted, glancing over at Sienna as she smiled.

Mia gave a thumbs-up, grinning. "I’m glad to know about your relationship, even if I have to be the third wheel. As long as you treat me, I’m cool with it!"

"Right," Riley said, remembering something. She reached into her bag and handed an invitation to Mia. "Anne’s getting married, and she wants us to come."

Mia paused, blinking in surprise. "Wait—Anne, your cousin? The assistant professor?"

Riley nodded, watching Mia’s reaction. "Yeah, she’s been in a relationship for seven years and now she’s engaged. Her fiancée is Tonnie Collins. You know her?" she said with a knowing smile.

Mia’s eyes widened as she looked at the invitation. "Wait—Tonnie Collins? The writer?"

Riley nodded again, trying to suppress her laughter. "Yep, that’s the one. The wedding’s next month. You can come with us, and you can bring someone if you want."

Mia squinted, shaking her head. "As if I have someone to bring, but I’ll definitely come with you guys. Also, can I get Tonnie’s autograph at the wedding?" she asked, laughing.

Riley chuckled, "I can just ask Tonnie to give you an autograph ahead of time. But yeah, you’ll get to meet her in person."

Mia grinned excitedly. "That’s it, I’m definitely coming. It’s not every day you attend a wedding and meet a famous writer!"