Dark and Dangerous

Chapter 39

I awoke cold and naked. There was nothing covering my exposed body. The smell of dirt and mustiness clouded my senses. I tried to move, but my hands and feet were tied to each corner of the bed.

"Help." I tried to say, but a dirty cloth was gaging me. I took in my surroundings. It seemed oddly familiar, like I'd been there before. Before I could see much, a door opened and out stepped Jason. My eyes went wide and he grinned.

"Hi there, baby." He said as he moved closer. I tried to move away, but the rope bonds dug into my skin. Another man joined him.

"So nice to see you again." Austin spoke as he moved a piece of hair from my face. I whipped my face away from him.

"I thought she'd never wake up." A third voice joined them. I recognized that voice, although the owner wasn't in my line of sight. I turned my head and looked up to see Niall leaning over me with a wicked gleam in his eyes. This wasn't the Niall I knew. I thrashed around again.

"Hey, baby, calm down, would ya?" Jason looked at me as he dove for my thrashing feet, pinning me down so I didn't hurt myself.

"Lets get started already. I'm hard just looking at her." Austin spoke. His eyes roamed my body and I instantly felt disgusting. Niall grinned and nodded, and Jason moved slowly up my body. The other two men started moving towards me...

I shot up in bed. It's just a dream, Jesse. I told myself. It seemed so real. I had broken out into a thin sweat, and I was breathing heavily. I glanced down at the man beside me. Niall laid peacefully with his arm still around my waist. I took a deep breath. Just a dream.

I climbed out of bed, careful not to disturb Niall, and slipped on sweats and a tank top before making my way out the back door. I just needed fresh air.

I stood beside the pool, staring into the bright water for what seemed like forever until I heard the door open and close.

"Jessica?" I heard Niall's voice ask, rough with sleep. His arms circled my waist and he pressed a kiss to my temple.

"You okay, dearie?" 

"Bad dream." I replied. I didn't want to get into it for fear I would break down into tears. I turned in his arms and buried my head in his chest. He held me tightly, drawing circles on my back to comfort me.

"It's okay now." He repeated. I glanced at the ring on my finger. It glimmered in the moonlight. This was the man I loved. He was holding me and comforting me, and I knew he'd never hurt me. 

"Niall." I said, my gaze not leaving the ring.

"Hmm?"

"I love you." With that I met his gaze. He leaned down and kissed me deeply before pulling me into him again.

"I love you too, dearie. I love you too."

--

I had class the next morning, so I figured I'd throw my hair up and go. I met Cass and Ana in front of the building. 

"Hey, stranger!" Cass called. Ana handed me a SStarbucks cup full of hot chocolate. I hated coffee.

"Yeah, come on, we've barely seen or heard from you in like, a week." Ana added, taking a sip of her cup.

"I'm so sorry. There's so much that's gone on." I replied. I hadn't told them about the engagement yet, but I wanted to tell them all together. 

"Do you think you two could talk Grace into joining us for a sleepover tonight? I've got news." 

Cass glanced at Ana before answering.

"Sure! See you then!" With that Cass and I waved at Ana as we made our way into class. I walked into Mr. Anderson's room and instantly felt the absence of Austin. Even though what he did was horrible, it felt wrong being in the class without him. He was such a big part of my life for so long.

I took my seat and settled, pulling out my laptop and opening Word. I figured I should probably listen this class period so I didn't fail the entire course. I only had a week left to go before Christmas break, then I'd be out of college. I'd taken the rest of my courses online and finished them all early. I was on my way to becoming a eighth grade English teacher, and I was excited.

Throughout class, I glanced around. Niall didn't show today, and I doubted he would the rest of the week. He had Austin business to take care of. Grace sat in the opposite corner with Liam. The two were good together. I was glad they had each other, although Liam and I still weren't talking much. Cass and Harry sat a few rows behind me, and I could hear Cass giggling. I decided not to turn back and look at them.

I sighed and played with the ring on my finger. I was starting to depend on Niall. He was a huge part of my life. I couldn't help but love him. It was like something was pulling us together, because every time we break up or have a fight or are just apart, it's like something's missing from my heart. I don't enjoy it all that much.

--

After class, Ana, Cass, Grace and I headed for my house. It was already late by the time we got there, since we stopped to get ice cream and powdered doughnuts. We all instantly sat in a circle and dug into the ice creams before us. 

"So," Ana said with a mouth full of creamy goodness. "What's the 'big news'?" She had to put down her ice cream to do the air quotes, but picked it up again.

I set mine down next to me and took a deep breath.

"Well..." I started. I could see I had gotten all of their attention. Even Ana was silent.

"I'm engaged." The room erupted into 'ohmygods' and screams.

"Let me see the ring!" Ana squealed. She grabbed my left hand and I was surprised it wasn't yanked out of my socket. Cass and Grace gathered around Ana's shoulders to see. They all gasped in unison.

"It's gorgeous." Grace said in awe.

"It was Niall's grandma's." Cass said. I could always count on her for everything and anything on One Direction. Ohmygosh. I was marrying Niall Horan, from One Direction. Cass must have seen the realization on my face.

"What?"

"I just realized. I'm engaged. I'm MARRYING Niall Horan. From One Direction." I took a breath.

The three girls cheered and screamed. Once they calmed down, I spoke again.

"I want you guys to be bridesmaids. You," I glanced at Cass, "you," my gaze shifted to Grace, "and Sky." Ana's face fell and I smiled slightly. She should know better than to think she wasn't in this.

"Ana..." I started. She glanced away, trying to hide the tears she was trying to hold back. "Will you be my Maid of Honor?" I asked. Her eyes went wide and darted back at me. 

"OHMYGOSH YES!" She yelled before squeezing me until I couldn't breath.

"Okay... Ribs... Cracking... Need... Air..." I stuttered. She let go and paced. 

"This wedding. Will. Be. PERFECT!" She yelled as she fell back onto my bed. I spent the rest of the night listening to the girls' ideas. 

At least I have them, I thought as I listened to Ana go on and on about white roses.

I was lucky to have such amazing friends.