piper [n.h.] -Discontinued.

Chapter Nineteen

I stare at the phone for a moment. What did he mean by that? I try to reach him again, but after three attempts, I slide the phone back into my pocket.

"Who was that? Piper?" Genesis says behind me. I hear her getting up from the bed, but I stand frozen. Her arms wrap around my waist and to my surprise I don't shoo her away.

"It was Derrick." I finally get out.

"What did he want?" She asks, nibbling on my ear.

"He said I fucked up. I don't know what he means by that... but I'm worried."

"Are you sure you don't know what he means? He's probably talking about her. What if she found out you were here? Aha, that would be a good one. Oh, what I wouldn't give to see her reaction! That dumb look on her face, priceless."

"Shut the fuck up, Gen." I whirl around to face her. She has a cocky grin on her face that I want to slap off. I need to get out of here before we get into another big fight.

"Why don't you make me? What's so special about her anyway? She's fucked up, Niall. Unlovable, that's why her man had to beat the shit out of her. She's not worth your time, trust me." She's testing my patience, and now that's out the window.

"Talk about her again like that and I'll fucking kill you, got it? She's not unlovable. At least she's not an irritating whore like you." I'm up in her face now, but she's not backing down. If it's a fight she wants, it's a fight she'll get.

"I hope she's back with that dude. And I hope he's beating her stupid little brains out." She spits. The look in her eyes says she wants a reaction from me. I bite my tongue, and mentally count to ten so I don't punch her.

"You... you're a real bitch, you know that? I don't have time for you. I have to go find Piper." I start for the door when her voice brings me back.

"Can I come with you? You know, to see how much she hates you now with my own eyes."

I grab her by her wrists, using all my strength to keep her still.

"You're lucky I don't smack the shit out of you."

"L--let go. You're hurting me!" She squeals, jerking back. I release my grip and she steps away from me.

"I'm sorry, okay? Can I just come with you?" She looks like she's about to cry as she rubs the red spot on her wrist.

"Why the fuck would I let you come? You hate Piper, and she probably hates you."

"I don't hate her. I... I'm just jealous of her. Damn, Niall. She's beautiful. And she has you. Well, you care about her more than you care about me--"

"I don't care about you at all." I point out, interrupting her.

"Don't you think I know that? She's lucky to have you, that's all. I don't want her to get hurt, I was just trying to piss you off. Just let me come with. I can help you fix things. Maybe she'll even like me once I start talking to her."

"Fine." I sigh, rubbing the back of my neck. "Get dressed and meet me outside. If you say one rude thing to her, I will drive us both off a cliff."

"I won't. I promise." She smiles, running to her closet.

I think I've just made a terrible mistake.