FOREVER [Niall Horan] ✔

Chapter 17.

"New love may soar and plummet as it ebbs and flows, but what remains are the things we've discovered about each other. I'd do it all again because it led us to this love we share today." -Robin Raven

Ana's POV

His lips on mine and I forgot everything that was happening. In that moment, there was nothing else I wanted, just his arms around me and his lips intertwined with mine.

I am happy that I, finally, gathered all my courage to kiss him. I didn't want to lose him to someone else and I knew that if I don't confess my feelings for him, I would lose him to someone better. Call me selfish, but I need Niall, even though I know that there are better girls out there for him, with less problems, more confidence and more beautiful.

I am still sitting on his laps, while my head rests in the crook of his neck. He has his arms around me as I feel his breath against my cheek, which sends shivers down my whole body.

He pecks me on the cheeks and I smile shyly. I push my face deeper in his neck and he chuckles at my shy response. He slightly shifts on the sofa and I feel his hard on my thighs. I sit upright and raise my eyebrows at him, with a hint of embarrassment.

"What? You did it." He accuses. "You take care of it." I widen my eyes at his response and shake my head in horror. He smiles, getting the expected reaction out of me and I get off of his lap.

"You need to take care of it." I gulp.

"You suggest I jerk off?" He raises his eyebrows.

"I-I don't know!" I look down, since he's still sitting on the couch, and laugh embarrassingly.

"I'll be fine. I was just kidding."

I turn around and my eyes meet the bouquet that lay on the table. My mind, which was clear, is now clouded by the various bad memories, once again.

Tyler. He's here, in London. He knows where I live. He can do anything. I don't know how he knows where I live. How could he? I feel myself getting more anxious as I stare at the bouquet. I don't wanna go back to him, I cannot.

I feel a hand on my wrist and I turn around to see Niall with his eyebrows furrowed and a look of worry in his eyes. But I cannot do anything to assure him or myself that it'll be fine because I know it won't be.

Niall pulls me to sit next to him. I rest my elbows on my knees and my head hangs low. Niall hugs me and wraps his arms around me. It's been like the nth time that we are in the same position, ever since I came to London.

"Why are you so afraid?" He softly asks. "Why are you afraid of him, Ana? Did he do something? Did he force you into something you didn't want to do? Has he ever laid a hand on you?" I look over to him as he completes the question.

"You don't get to do that!" I scream. "I'm tired of all the games you play with me. You were with Nina, while I was waiting here for you and then you come to your house all drunk at 4 in the fucking evening! What do you want me to do? What do you expect from me, just to follow you and do what you want me to, like a dog? I'm not your fucking pet. You need to see how I feel!"

"I'm sorry." Tyler slurs as he takes a step towards me. He reaches for my hand, which I dodge, harshly. I walk past him towards the door until I feel his hands around my wrist. I try to wiggle, but he only tightens his hold. "What are you doing?" He growls.

"I'm going home!" I reply equally harsh.

I am tired of all the things he does. I thought he loved me, but he clearly doesn't. He never has. He always finds a way to make up for all his mistakes, but I'm tired now. I have had enough of him. I cannot be with him anymore.

"I cannot do this anymore. I'm leaving. Goodbye." I mean it this time.

His nose flares as I the words leave my mouth. His hold on my wrist tightens and he pushes me against the wall, forcefully. His face is only inches from me and he reeks of whiskey. I turn my face away from his to avoid the smell as much as I can.

He pushes my hands above my head and holds them with one of his hands. He uses the other one to hold my face. He forcefully makes me look at him and his hands start to hurt my cheeks. Tears are dripping down my cheeks, even though I want to hold back, I cannot let go of the pain I physically and emotionally feel.

"You're hurting!" I manage to say and try to wiggle out of his grip.

"You're not leaving!" He snarls. He entwines his fist with my hair, before he tugs harshly at it. Next, I feel his palm connect with my face.

"Ouch!" I wince in pain and tears flow down my cheeks mercilessly.

"Shut up!" He barks menacingly. "Not another word! You are not leaving! You'll stay with me for as long as I fucking want. You get that?" His drunk breath fans across my face and I gag. "You'll do as I say, bitch! And nobody will know about it because you wouldn't want me to hurt you more, now, do you?" I shake my head.

I subtly nod my head, avoiding his eye contact. I hear his heavy intake of breath, but he doesn't say anything. I look over to see him deep in thought. I know what exactly he must be thinking of.

"Niall, you don't have to stay if you don't want to," I say in between hiccups. He looks towards me with confused eyes. "You can still cancel the date. I know you see me as a w-weak, coward and-and pathetic woman who couldn't save herself from her abusive b-boyfriend or someone who looks around for pity. You don't have to stay any longer than you already have. You-you-"

"Shh.." He cups my cheeks and looks into my eyes. "You're not weak, if anything, you're strong, the strongest woman I've ever met. You are strong enough to handle your own problems. You were strong enough to leave everything that you had for a fresh start. You are strong enough to do everything on your own. You are strong enough to carry yourself together, even after all you've been through. And you're not coward, you were brave to face that devil of a man on your own. You are brave to face your problems and to move on from them. And-And you're not pathetic, you are not, you're so wonderful, baby, don't ever doubt that. What happened with you wasn't your fault, don't think it was. You did the best you could to face it and I'm so proud of you. This ordeal only made you stronger." He did not once looked away from me, I know he's telling the truth. "I won't judge you and this won't change anything. I always wanted to take you out and I do now, too." He finishes and pecks my lips.

I nod my head. His eyes hold so much sincerity, adoration and truth and I find myself so lucky that I have him by my side in times like these.

He lifts his hand and wipes the tears that are still running down my cheeks. He cups my cheeks and kisses my forehead.

"I won't let him hurt you again!" He promises.

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