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Lucas went to class moments later, and I was left alone in the house, deep in thought. I remembered Kessler and how well our relationship was going. I smiled foolishly at the thought of him. I liked him, I admitted, I liked him a lot.

I was about to go up to my room when someone rang the doorbell. I went downstairs and put my hand on the doorknob. When I opened the door, I realized the grave mistake I had made, for there was Riley with her malicious smile.

"What the hell do you want, Riley?" I demanded, defiant.

"I haven't seen you much in class," she said in a mocking voice. "Are you avoiding me?"

I laughed, though inside I felt a mix of anger and caution. "Not in your dreams. You and I have unfinished business," I said, remembering everything Kessler had told me about Riley and her plan to harm me.

Riley stepped closer, her expression turning serious. "You don't know who you're dealing with, Eva. But you will soon find out."

"Oh yeah? And what do you plan to do?" I asked, maintainin