Salvation

Chapter 3

          Niall raised his hand in goodbye as he watched Louis’ limo drive away. He had had an enjoyable few days with Louis. It had been nice to get away from his house and truly enjoy the last few days of his summer holiday. They’d gone to Louis’ summerhouse in Spain and spent the days lounging on the beach and the nights partying with locals.  He had a hangover and was struggling to remember some of his stay but it had all been worth it. He had been away from his pain in the ass dad and Lionel the loyal and that was more than he could ask for.

            Niall smirked to himself as he turned around to face his house, memories from the week flashing through his mind. Plump lips wrapped around him as he pulled at blonde hair, grinding against a girl in a vibrant green dress while alcohol flowed through his bloodstream, screams of his name while he’d fucked some girl he barely knew into oblivion. Of course he remembered the sights too, but they were cathedrals and old statues. Not nearly as interesting as a girl willing to do whatever he wanted.

            Walking up the steps of his large mansion Niall sighed as he knocked, knowing he’d probably be yelled at as soon as he stepped inside. Soon enough, Lionel pulled open the door and stared disdainfully at him.

            “Back so soon Master Horan?” The old man wore thinly veiled disgust as even his lip began to curl. Niall rolled his eyes and stepped past the decrepit butler.

            “Don’t sound so sad Ly. I know you missed me but there’s no need to get so weepy.” Niall began the walk to his room dragging his bag behind him and walking past the large statues in the main hall.

            “Master Horan,” Lionel’s voice echoed after him. Niall groaned and halted in his tracks turning to face the butler. “Your father wishes to see you.”

            Niall laughed. “Of course he does Lionel. Give me a minute and I’ll-HEY!” Niall was surprised as Hugo and Alfie picked him up by his arms and began carrying him away from his room and towards his father’s office.

            “Boys, boys, I’m a big boy. I can walk myself to Daddy’s office.” Hugo and Alfie remained silent, moving through the hall quickly.

            “I apologise Master Horan but it really is a rather urgent matter.” Something told Niall that if he was looking at the butler’s face, he would see the smug smile that Lionel always wore whenever Niall was about to have it. Niall sighed and let the giant men carry him to his father’s office.

            They arrived and thrust Niall in the doorway before shutting the door behind them, even Lionel leaving the room. Niall tripped over his own feet and caught himself on the expensive Persian carpet laid out on the hardwood floor. He hated this room with its Persian carpets and its wide-open windows and the supposedly cheery fireplace, with its mahogany desk and shelves of books. All he could ever think of when he came in here was his father telling him about his mother’s cancer, how she was doomed to death in a few months, and the way he’d cried pathetically in front of his father, like his dad hadn’t been counting down the days.

            Niall slowly pushed himself up and stood to stare at his father. The faintest hint of a smile ghosted the older man’s lips, probably laughing at his son’s fall. No matter how much he resented it Niall could see the similarities in his face and his fathers as the sun lit the back his head and highlighted the streaks of brown that still lingered in his salt a pepper mix.

            “Have fun on your holiday son?” he asked conversationally. Niall snorted.

            “I think you know I did.”  Niall stared his father down and watched as the man’s mouth tilted down at the corners.