Niall Horan: My Bad Romance

Chapter 18: His promise

I felt a weight shift and a sudden chill swept across my body. I shivered and pulled the duvet tight up around my body, burying my head in the warmth. A strong firm body slipped in gently and a scorching heat immediately replaced the coldness. Arms wrapped around my waist and shuffled me backwards delicately.

'Only me flower,' Niall murmured into my ear, placing a kiss on my temple. I sighed and nodded, my hazy mind switching back into a peaceful slumber. 'I just had a call from the boys, they have a sighting and three recorded eye witnesses.'

His index finger mindlessly drew shapes along my arm and I nodded again my brain unable to process what he was telling me.

'Austin has sent some lads over to help me keep guard, that'll protect us even further. In case anything happens,' he continued, seemingly oblivious to the fact that I wasn't paying proper attention.

'Naturally, Robbie knows you live here so I'm sure he'll grace us with his presence at some stage,' the hairs on the back of my neck pricked and goose bumps formed along my arms. My eyes shot open at the sound of his name.

'Don't worry, Mum is safely out, with Roger I assume so she will be in no danger tonight,' he traced a line down between my shoulder blades, pausing at the bottom of my spine before working his way up again. At this, I sat up abruptly. I yanked the covers up to cover my chest and neck and my back slammed against the metal headboard. Niall's eyes widened in surprise and he to rose and settled himself onto his knees.

I blinked furiously, begging my eyes to adjust properly to the darkness. 

'Promise me she's safe,' I whimpered, watching as an outline of Niall moved over to flick on my bedside lamp. Light radiated from the tiny bulb and illuminated my room. Niall was wearing slacks and a baggy vest top, his hair was rumpled. A small knowing smile was on his lips. 

He moved over and spread my legs open, resting himself between them. At first he did nothing and I remained motionless, trying to calm the stampede of nerves that racked through my body at how close he was. He brought his hands forward placing one on each of my hips and his eyes bore into mine. His touch felt almost like a tickle to my skin.

'She's safe and you're safe,' he stated his tone authoritative yet gentle. I gulped and rested my head against the wall. I cast my eyes down to stare at my duvet, refusing to meet his gaze. 'Flower.'

I didn't respond. He lifted his hand and using one finger he coaxed my face up to meet his. I met his eyes unwillingly and watched as he deciphered the sorrow and uncertainty in my own. 

'Believe me, sweetheart, please never doubt how much I will do to ensure you can sleep safely in my arms every night,' the sweet words swirled around in my mind and I closed my eyes. Tears prodding against my eyelids and I squeezed them shut tighter, refusing their demands. Not in front of Niall.

His hand cupped my cheek and he lightly stroked his thumb across my eyelid, my eyes fluttered open and a single tear streaked down my cheek. He moved forward and kissed it away. As he pulled back I suddenly giggled. He had extended his hand so that his pinky finger was thrust out into my face.

'This is a promise for eternity,' I warned my voice hoarse from my lack of speech.

'I know,' he replied, beaming. Shakily I reached out and locked our fingers together. The contact made my heart flip and I was certain he felt it too.

'What time is it?' I asked removing my hand from the lock and rubbing my eyes.

'5am,' he chuckled and lifted himself off the bed as the doorbell rang. 'That'll be the guys, I'll let them in, and you wait here.'