Secrets

twenty two

"Bella get your ass down here and greet Taylor!" I groaned, wincing as I got up and gingerly walking down the stairs. Let's pray I don't get into anymore trouble tonight.

Harry was waiting for me, holding hands with the Taylor Swift. I smiled timidly and gave a small wave.

"Hey, I'm Isabella, but you can just call me Bella," I greeted her nicely. I decided to give her the benefit of the doubt. I mean, what's to lose?

"Hi! I've heard so much about you!" She smiled brightly at me, and I was a bit taken a back. I mean, the last girlfriend of Harry's cut herself with a kitchen knife to get me in trouble, so what was I supposed to expect?!

"You wanna have dinner now or later?" Harry asked, heading to the kitchen. I was starving.

"Now!" Taylor and I both shouted at the same time. She looked at me for a moment before bursting out into laughter.

"Sorry, long day at the studio," she added sheepishly. I nodded. "Long day at... school," I lied, following Harry.

"Is Chipotle good with you guys?" he asked, holding the phone in one hand and the chipotle menu in the other. I nodded, not caring as long as I got food. Taylor gave a hum of agreement and Harry smiled, pressing the call button.

I don't really know what I expected with Taylor. A bitch? Slut? Whore? I had prepare myself for the worse; I was used to the worst. I never thought that she could actually be nice.

I checked my phone while we were waiting for the food to come, and my breath hitched as I saw the latest text.

From: Zach

Come here.

I wanted to not respond, to just carry on with my life and pretend he never happened. My body was begging me to leave; to just forget him all together. But I couldn't. I brought this upon myself, and if I didn't listen, Harry would pay.

"Haz, I'm going to a friends house to study for a test we have tomorrow. I'll be back before ten," I said, grabbing my jacket and walking towards the door.

"Ok, but what about dinner?" I paused. The chances of Zach offering me food were slim, but his mother is probably home, and she makes the most amazing pasta.

"They offered to give me dinner. Bye!" I quickly slammed the door and sighed. Keeping this from Harry would be harder than I thought.

I briskly walked the short distance to his door and rang the doorbell, my hands shaking.

The door creaked open immediately, and Zach opened the door, a wave of relief sweeping his face.

"Oh, thank god you came. Come in." he ushered me inside, closing the door behind him.

I cautiously stood off to the side, angling my body away from him. I wasn't taking any chances.

"What do you want?" I snapped. I didn't mean for it to come out so rudely, and fear overcame my face.

He winced a bit seeing my reaction, and took a step towards me.

"I wanted to apologize," he said, looking down at his hands. "I don't know what came over me. Jealousy? Rage? All I know is that the moment I came back and saw you were gone, I regretted it. You mean so much to me, Bella, even though I've been doing a pretty horrible job showing it." He looked up, his eyes hopeful, but I wasn't convinced.

He... he raped me less than 2 hours ago, and now he wants to come and say he's sorry?! He should be glad I'm not going to the police!

I rolled my eyes and muttered under my breath. Turning away, I walked back towards the door, not buying his little facade.

"Hey!" Zach grabbed my arm and forced me to face him. I winced at the sudden contact, but stayed quiet.

"H— how's your.. um... how's your pain?" I was shocked for a second. Did he just ask me if I was okay?

"Why? Why would you do something like what you did and then ask if I'm okay? Does it look like I'm okay?!" I yanked my arm away, tears streaming down my face. Zach held a somber expression and looked at his feet.

"I'm sorry, Bells-"

"Don't. Call me that. Only my friends call me Bells," I shot. He doesn't deserve to call me that. He doesn't deserve anything.

"Look, I've tried to be nice," he growled at me. "But it seems that isn't going to work. And in case you've forgotten our little conversation earlier, let this be a reminder. If you don't do what I want, your little friend will pay. And I'll make sure everyone knows it's your fault."

I stood there for a minute, shocked by his words. I mean, realistically, I shouldn't have been. I should have known something was up when he tried to be nice; I should have seen beyond his facade.

"I should have never come here. Have a good fucking night; I'm done." I started to make my way to the door, but his next words had me frozen in my tracks.

"We aren't done here until I say we are. If you ever try to run, if you ever try to tell anyone what happens, I promise that all Harry Styles will be to the world is a memory." I choked back a sob and slowly turned around.

"You will never be able to touch him. He is famous, with bodyguards at his disposal. Getting to him is like getting through an army. I'll never let anything happen to him." I glared at him, fire igniting my senses.

He smirked at me and just shook his head.

"Oh, untouchable? Then what's this?" He pulled a small remote from his jacket pocket and held it up. It only had one button.

"What is that?"

"Oh this little thing?" Zach tossed it up. "Only Harry's lifeline. One push of this button, and it detonates a small part of his brain to mutate, killing the rest of his brain cells slowly and painfully. He'll die not knowing who any of you are. Such a shame, seeing how cozy you two have been," Zach cooed. I glared at him and made a grab for the device.

He quickly jumped out of the way and yanked my hair, causing me to crumple to the floor.

"Nice try, slut. Don't you know it's naughty to steal things?" He smiled evilly. "And naughty girls get punished."