This is the sequel (continuation) of After. Hardin and Tessa's relationship will be tested in ways she never expected, but he knew of all along.

Art is a form of communication. Whether it is through music, through writing or through painting, every note you play, every word you write and every drop of paint you put on the canvas displays an emotion. For many, it is also a form of relief, a way to say everything you wish you'd say and a way to escape everything. Some paint on a daily basis, other paint on impulse. Annabelle Snow paints on impulse. To her, it is the way to paint. It shows what you truly feel, although sometimes it may reveal things you would rather forget. This is the story of a girl passionate about art, who had her fair share of misery and was left bitter by it.

It's been 14 years since I last spoke a single word. 14 years of silence. The doctors told me I would never speak again. But even if I could speak Harry Styles would have rendered me speechless.

"You meet a lot of temporary people in this lifetime, I don't want you to be one of them."

"There's no such thing as soul mates. I mean just because someone is perfect for you doesn't mean you're meant to be with them. The thing about love is that it's unexpected - the best kind anyway."

Trying to overcome the heart-breaking death of Janelle, Harry moves to New York City seeking a new start. There, he meets Alex and her five year old daughter, Lee.

DISCLAIMER: This story was written in late 2012. I wrote Strings Attached as an adolescent with no idea how a healthy, adult relationship should function. This story is dark and twisted in a way that my teen mind couldn't comprehend at the time. There are more than a few scenes in this book with sensitive content. I--in no way--support rape culture and I do not condone my character's actions. However, as I said, this story was written in an ignorant state of mind. I will not remove this story from Wattpad. It is part of my past and though I am disappointed with the content, it shows how far I've come not just as an author but as a free-thinking adult. Thank you for reading. **Excerpt** "Say... it," She gasped, throwing her head back, cupping my face in her hands so that I was forced to meet her gaze. "You're mine." She held my gaze for a second more, before crushing her lips against my own, arms wrapping tight around my neck, pulling me down to her level. Arms sliding easily around her, she wrapped her legs around me as I lifted her up, lips traveling over her chest and collarbone. She moaned as my hands dug into her tender flesh, pulling on it, their violence a stark contrast to the gentle kisses teasing their way up her neck. Bright lines marked the paths that my nails had etched into her skin, marking her, beautiful red tattoos, spreading out over her entire body. Her small hands knotted in my hair, pulling harder and harder as she fought the urge to cry out...

secrets are harmless, aren't they? [ highest ranking #90 in fanfiction - 2015.06.25 ]