SMILE

Affection

"You two should bond. I'm going to go out." Eli smiled at them. "That would be lovely." Rose said, looking at Riley. Riley stayed quiet. What is there to say? It would be lovely to stay away from him. It gives me time to plan an escape. Eli looked at Riley. She wasn't frowning. She wasn't smiling. Is she worried that I'm going out without her? He bit his bottom lip. Does she think I'm going to abandoned her? Why is she saying anything?

He cleared his throat. "Riley, I'll be back as soon as possible." Riley tapped her fingers on her lap. He wants a response. He's so insecure that he desperately wants my attention. This psycho thinks attention is the same as affection. If I don't react, who knows what he'll do? "You promise, Eli." Riley said, pouting at him. Eli's eyes went wide. His heart was pounding. He was in a daze. D-did she just? She called me by my name. He wanted to giggle. That pout is so adorable. She likes me. N-no, that's not it. It's more. Love. Yeah, love. She loves me. He grinned. He nodded to himself. She fell for me. I knew she was the one for me. Riley saw him converse with himself. He looked like a maniac. The way he fidgeted in his seat. Those dark eyes and that sinister smile. He stared at Riley with an obsessive look. Riley tapped her foot. Why do I feel like I just confessed with those two words? I'm royalty fucked.

"I-I..." He stuttered, rubbing the back of his neck. Why do feel like I ran out of words to say? I can't ruin this. Eli panicked. He didn't want to disappoint Riley. "I promise. I'll be back before you know it. I'll bring back some treats." He broke eye contact with Riley. He was blushing. He played with his black knitted bracelet. Rose raised an eyebrow. I've never seen him this attached before. And I've seen him at his worst. He clings to her like she's oxygen. Like an attentive lover. She was horrified but felt relieved at the same time. If his attention is on her then I won't have to worry about him. He'll leave me alone.

He shakily got up from the chair. "You both know the rules. I won't repeat them. Perhaps, just for Riley." He said, winking at Riley. Riley covered her mouth pretending to be shy. Eli couldn't be more excited for their future. I kind of expected her to fight back. I can't complain. Even if, no, I don't want to question her affection. it better not be for her sake and mine. I'll show her how good it is to loved by me.