Walk Away h.s punk/au

36.

this is the final chapter guys... I want to thank anyone who has read this book, commented, voted, or offered support. I'd also like to thank Harry Styles for everything he's done for me, Emma Watson for being beautiful, Vic Fuentes for keeping me here, Kellin Quinn for being hot, and Nina without whom this book wouldn't have been finished. there will be an epilogue and potentially a sequel. that's all up to you guys. thanks once again! I love you all. x

The warehouse was unbearably cold for two in the morning. I shouldn't have been here in the first place, but business called. Aaron stood beside me, running his hands over his gun slowly in a petting manner. His glances were far from the sweet ones I was accustomed to. The cigar hung from my lips, the smoke filling the empty space with its heat. This was all very well calculated. All very Hollywood.

Shadows danced across the walls while I checked my phone for Katherine's sweet replies: Leo's in bed. I'm going to crash. Be home soon. It's Christmas Eve.

Coughing into my hand, I glanced around. Numerous employees and cousins hung in the shadows ready to attack at my command. If I were a religious person, I'd already be burning in the flames of hell. I was cold and calculated. I was the devil. I was Katherine's. Maybe that had been there subconsciously my plan all along. Or maybe I just can't be happy for others. I didn't know. Nor did I care.

"Nick." Aaron nudged me with his arm directed towards the garage door entrance. I nodded, letting out a low whistle. The distinct sound of boots clicking echoed across the empty walls. I rested back against a crate, drawing my switchblade from my pocket, turning it over in my gloveless hands.

 A familiar shadow loomed in the lights of the concrete cage. The shadow coughed, fumbling over his sentences. "Um, hello?" I chuckled slightly, nodding once again at Aaron for us to move closer.

"Hello, Harry." I greeted condescendingly. His gasp and brief chance at darting were squished by one of my larger cousins gagging and restraining the young lad. Harry kicked and fought, and while he was the tallest one here, he stood no chance. His gurgles of protest were almost comical. The fear of me caused his eyes to widen in yet another Hollywood cliché. His struggle was brief, his head hung in shame.

Slowly, agonizingly, I crossed over to him. A sadistic smile was firmly stitched onto my face as I smelt the fear radiating off of him. I tsked at the younger boy, grabbing his chin gently. "So, Harry. You thought you were going to get someone to kill me did you? I run this boxing circuit, surely Liam told you that."

The smallest of whimpers left his bonded lips. I sighed while continuing my attack. "You thought paying off some guy here, would have me slaughtered god father style didn't you? And you'd have your precious Katherine back. Didn't you?"

 Harry continued to hang his head, a cold silence filling the empty space. "Answer me!" I screamed, flashing the switchblade to his neck.

"Yes! Yes, I did!" he muffled in a scream, tears starting to spill in his eyes.

"Good boy. " I cooed, reaching up to push his falling curls away. "And I must confess I'm feeling generous tonight." I slowly untied the gag, whimpers becoming more audible.

"Y-you are?" It was a small, weak reply. I smiled, humming a response. "So here's what we're going to do, okay? I'm going to rough you up a bit, then you're going to go say goodbye to Katherine, then Jaime's going to take you to New York. I've heard it's magical there this time of year. And that's we're you're going to stay. You work for me now, Harry. Jaime will explain everything and stay with you. You understand?"

"Are you part of the mob?" he said with a mix of excitement and fear.

I brought a hard slap across his pretty face in reply. "Don't. Ask. Questions." I growled, teasing the blade against his redden cheek. "Got it?"