a stirring invitation: (dear Harry Styles)

the game.

I could feel my face drop.

"You heard me right, I can tell you where she is," he looked at his perfectly shaped nails.

"How do you know about Cassidy?" I asked, even though the world knew who she was.

"Let's just say, this little game went a bit too far."

"Game?" I said, annoyance clear in my voice.

"Yes, I've realized that you really have moved on from me," he glowered as he sat on my couch, I stayed put by the door. "I pulled some strings to get Liam out of the way; I hoped Niall wouldn't try anything; well, Louis - Louis was in England so I wasn't worried until I saw the pictures of you two in Miami."

My voice and body let me down as I stood frozen in place, unable to respond.

"Damn, girl, you've moved fast since you left me. I mean, you were so tight and insecure when I met you - it's a shame you've been with so many guys since then."

"So many guys?" I huff. "So many guys? You don't know me anymore, Kyle. I recommend you leave now. And if I find out you had anything more..."

"You think Cassidy could've met Harry or his mates without some cash first? It just happened to be perfect timing."

I refused to let Kyle know how shocked I really was - I had to keep him talking.

"So basically, you were out to get me this entire time?" I asked trying to fit the pieces together.

"In a different way than you think," he answered smugly. "Mona, I loved you. Hell, I still do. I hated when you left me. You and I are meant to be together."

The half cough, half laugh that escaped from my mouth practically choked me. He was as delusional as ever. Completely unaware of the shit he had put me through and continued to put me through.

"Kyle, I want you to leave," my voice steady and calm. "If you don't leave, I will call the cops."

A horrendous laugh broke through the tiny apartment.

"Oh, Mona, don't you know I always win?" Kyle asked shaking his head. "This isn't over. I'm coming back for you."

Once he left, I gathered my most important belongings and left the apartment. I drove to the police station and explained the situation to one of the officers.

"Miss Dawson, we will look into this immediately," he assured me.

"Can I call Harry and tell him what I know?" I asked quietly.

"Yes," the lead detective answered quickly. "We will need his full cooperation."

"Then I will call now," I stood and walked away to use my phone.

Harry didn't answer his phone. So, I called Luke.

"Mona?" Luke answered on the second ring. "Didn't think I'd hear from you again..."

"Listen, I have some information and I need to speak with Harry."

"What type of information?"

"I know who was behind this whole ordeal," I sighed. "And the police need Harry's cooperation here in Atlanta."

"Ok, I will have him call you soon," he said and hung up.

____

Three hours later, Harry was on his way to Atlanta and I was working with detectives on how to set up a meeting with Kyle.

"We don't want him to be suspicious," Detective Mason told me. "We don't want your safety compromised."

"I don't think he thinks I would turn him in," I lowered my eyes. How the fuck did this happen? Kyle's family can't bail him out if I get the right information.

The detectives left me alone in the small office while they made phone calls and other arrangements with the detectives Harry had first gone to when he'd escaped.

_______

"I'm coming there now," Louis' concern was obvious. "I can't believe that fucker was behind this."

"I know, he's a psycho," I picked at the small rip in my jeans. "At least Niall is being super supportive. This hotel suite is amazing."

"My flight leaves tomorrow," Louis told me. "When will you see Kyle?"

"I tried calling him this morning, but he didn't answer," my eyes focused on the window. "I think you should just wait to come here."

"No, no way," Louis scoffed.

"Louis, I will be fine. I just want this to be over," I bit my bottom lip.

I heard him sigh through the phone, but knew he was coming anyway.

My phone beeped, so I glanced at the screen. My heartbeat sped up when I saw Kyle's name across the screen.

"Lou-Louis, I have to go - I will call you later," I answered the incoming call.

"Mona, I didn't think I'd hear from you so soon. I'm so glad you came to your senses," his tone made my skin crawl.

"When can I see you?" I asked in the most seductive way possible.

"Well, I'm free this evening for dinner and a stroll through the park," he replied.

"Dinner would be awesome," I tried not to clench my teeth. "And a walk sounds good too."

"Meet me at Main Street Cafe at 7?"

"See you then," I almost threw my phone across the room when we hung up.

______

At 6:45, I drove down the road from my apartment to the small restaurant. Before entering, I quickly glanced around and saw the undercover detectives at their posts. I adjusted my dress again, very aware of the small microphone near my chest.

"Mona, you look beautiful," Kyle leaned down to kiss my cheek, then whispered in my ear. "Can't wait to rip that dress off of you later."

My hand covered my mouth to hide my smile - I'm sure the detectives got a laugh from that. Kyle grabbed my free hand to lead us to a small table near the back.

"This is nice," I said quietly.

"I've been here quite a few times," he smirked.

I tried not to cringe thinking of the times he'd been here as it was so close to my apartment and on my jogging route.

"What would you two like this evening?" Our server asked putting our waters on the table.

"I will have the chicken parm with a spinach salad," Kyle replied. "And she will have a cup of soup and a house salad with oil and vinegar."

I glared at him for ordering for me.