Hostage (a One Direction story)

Chapter Fourteen

Jae's P.O.V.

I lie in bed, staring at the ceiling, for hours. My mind is a tangle, a knot that I can't unravel. I sigh and roll over, trying for the gazillionth time to contort myself into a comfortable position.

No luck.

I groan and roll out of bed, still wearing the cut shirt and shorts that Harry gave me. Blearily, I stumble to the door and down the stairs hoping that fresh air will calm my roiling thoughts. I hardly look up until I reach the glass sliding door, wedging my fingers into the handle and hauling it open.

A blast of cold air rushes over me, raising goosebumps on my bare arms and legs. I shiver and wrap my arms around myself, stepping out onto the balcony. My bare feet flinch away instinctively from the freezing stone ground, but I ignored the pain. My breath shuddering, I pushed the door shut as quietly as I could, turning to walk to the railing. I lay my hands on the icy metal and suck in a breath at the chill. The wind whipping my hair around my face, I gaze out into the London nightlife. Only a few building's are lit - it's either really late or really early. I hadn't bothered to check the time when I left my bed.

My eyes roam idly across the streets directly underneath the balcony. I'm about to turn and leave when a flash of light catches my eye across the street from the hotel. A black shape darts across the street and I squint, trying to make out the reflective object in the person's hand. Suddenly, the man - for he walks like only a man would - stops in the middle of the street.

Dafuq? I lean over the railing in an attempt to see him clearer. I make out dark clothing, a solid stance, and a black beanie. The man turns his face up and looks me directly in the eye, and my heart stops, terror spiking my blood with bitter fear.

It's Nate.

I gasp and stagger backwards, seeing a smirk contort Nate's features as he stares up at me. As much as I want to run, I can't look away - his cruel eyes have trapped mine, like a rabbit caught in the eyes of a snarling wolf.

Slowly, without breaking eye contact Nate raises his two fingers to his eyes, then points at me. The universal symbol for three words that effect me more than any others.

I'm watching you.

I stumble back, away from the railing, pressing my back against the glass door behind me, watching Nate melt into the shadows. My breath is ragged and my heart is beating at a million miles per hour. A sound behind me makes me jump, but I don't have time to turn around before a pair of arms wrap tightly around my torso.

Hair tickles my cheek and lips brush aginst my ear. "Hush, love, it's me, Niall," he whispers, squeezing me tightly.

I struggle to control my shaking as I lean back against his chest, gasping . "S-s-sorry, Niall." I stammer, trying to turn around and face him. His arms tighten, not letting me.

"S'all right, love. What's the matter? You looked a tad frightened," he murmurs.

"Ah, I, ah, I...I saw something...somebody." I choke down the terror roiling in my belly. "It was...it was one of them. The ones that kidnapped me."

I can feel Niall freeze, his muscles tensing against my back. "Where?! Down there? Did he see you? Did he touch you?! I swear to God if he even touched you I will-"

"Calm down! He was down in the street, and he made eye contact and said...said he was watching me, but, but its okay, I'll go to the police or something, and you lads won't be in danger. I can stay at the station to make sure those crazies don't come after you and-"

"Shh, Jae, don't talk like that! Us boys know how to handle it ourselves, and we like having you here," he cut me off.

Niall Horan likes having me- my inner fangirl started to bounce up and down, making my heartbeat accelerate. Shut the hell up, I hissed at the shrill voice in the back of my head.

"Even if you do, I couldn't put you guys in danger, after all you've done for me!"

Niall grips my shoulders and spins me around, letting catch my first glimpse of him. His blonde hair is rumpled and half-spiked, a pair of black sweats slung low around his hips and a simple white t-shirt hung over his torso. He looked, to be quite honest, devastatingly hot.

"After all we've done for you?!" his tone is incredulous and I cringe back, wondering if I've done something wrong. He holds me fast though, his hands on my shoulders.

"Jae, you've done more for us, gone through more for us than anyone should ever have to suffer. The least we can do, the very least is to offer you a place to stay. Even if it means we're in the smallest bit of danger, you are worth it."

And then, something happend.

Something that melted away everything - the potent mix of frustration and fear collecting in my stomach, the chill of the night air on my skin, the sound of the city, everything.

Everything but me, Niall, and his lips, softly pressing against mine. His arms, wrapping around my waist and pulling me closer; mine flat against his chest as I leaned into him.

I don't know how long we kissed for until we both broke away, breathing heavily.

"Jae, I," Niall stammered, running a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry!" he blurted, before disappearing in a rush.

What.

The.

Actual.

Fuck?!