《Treat You Better-S.M.

<<a chance

Cassie's P.O.V.
Tears, although I don't notice, fly down my face. We pull in to what I assume is Shawn's driveway, and halt.
There haven't been many words exchanged during this trip. His sizeable hand had been resting on my knee, thumbs rubbing small circles. I'm not sure why, but his presence alone comforted me.
He jogged around his Tesla, opening the door for me. He grabbed my hand gently. helping me out as I trembled. We proceeded to walk in to his large house, silently. He gestured for me to take my shoes off, so I did.

Shawn examined my face, seeing what I assume is a black eye and a swollen lip.

"Come upstairs with me." He says, wiping my tears. "You can pick out a hoodie of mine to sleep in, okay?" He asked, clearly concerned.

"O-okay." I managed to get out 

He ever so gently grabbed my hand, leading me into his bedroom, in which there was a sizeable walk in closet. There was a large section of hoodies to choose from on the far side. I chose a grey Harvard hoodie.

"Tea?" He asks

"Sure." I respond

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"Cassie, I know it's hard to talk about, but do you know who that man in the alley was?" He asked, pouring two mugs of tea

"Y-yes. It was my boyfriend, Ryan Venlock." I gulped, sipping the tea he slid over the counter

"Oh my." He looks at me, bewildered "You're Cassie Stockholm, the model."

"I-I mean yes but-" I got cut off

"And Ryan Venlock, the movie star is your.. boyfriend?"

"Yes. My abusive  boyfriend whom I desperately want to leave. And you're Shawn Mendes, the friendly neighborhood Canadian singer." I spat, my voice laced with sarcasm. "I-I'm sorry. I've had a terrible day and I'm not quite sure what to do anymore." I finish, tears threatening to spill.

Shawn notices, and sits on the barstool next to mine, placing his hand on my knee soothingly.

"Cassie, what all did he do to you?" He asked

I hesitated, before finally giving in. "He verbally abused me, heavily. He also punched me, kicked me, and pushed me. He did everything in his power to make sure I knew I was never getting out." I briefly paused, letting a few tears fall. "H-he let a man rape me, on 3 different occasions." I struggled, finally letting everything from the past year out. I finally broke, letting every emotion I had built up out. I'm not sure what it was about Shawn, but I felt safe. Safer than I ever had.

"Hey, shhh. It will all be okay. I'm here for you, Cass. I'm never leaving. Ever." Shawn said, pulling me into his arms as I sat on the floor.

Cass, I thought. I like that

Shawn pulled me closer, not saying a word, and began to alternate between stroking my lengthy hair and rubbing up and down my back. Soon enough, I'd calmed down.

"S-Shawn?" I stuttered out

"Yeah?" He responded

"Why did you risk your safety to come save me?" I said hesitantly

"Honestly Cass? You were a chance. A chance for me to do good. A chance for me to feel good about my actions, for once. Lately, I've felt as if I've lost myself. And you my dear, were a chance to be me again. In a way, everything seemed to click the moment I saw you, up close. I could never thank you enough for bringing me back down to earth, even if it's only been a few mere hours. I have this sudden urge to protect you, and make sure nothing else ever happens to you. And that's what I'll do, I'll protect you from anyone and anything until the day I die, even if it sounds a little creepy now." He finished, shooting a playful smile my way at the last part.

"You're quite the charmer, Mendes." I said, returning his smile. 

Somehow, after all I'd been through, I was happy.