Her hands shook as she reached for her little pouch of money from the back of the closet. Her siblings stood closely together in the middle of the watching her, waiting for orders on what to do next. Cassidy took in a deep breath and turned to them with a fake smile. She couldn’t show fear, she needed to be strong for both of them. Colin’s face was stone hard, and Cassidy worried he would start something else as they tried to live.

“Let’s go,” she told them. Colin picked up Maggie and held onto Ben’s hand hard.

“Colin, just keep moving, I don’t care what happens,” Cassidy whispered, warning him. She had that pit in her stomach, like the battle was just beginning. Her mom had been drinking for some time now, and was known to be a very angry drunk. They quickly hurried out of the room and down the hallway. Cassidy looked out the side of her eyes to see her mom and four other guys sitting in the living room where their eyes on her.

“And where the fuck do you think you are going,” her mom yelled at her, jumping up from the couch.

“Go Colin! Go,” she yelled to him, practically pushing his body out of the doorway. The concerned look on his face was the last Cassidy saw as she closed the door and turned around. Her mom was right behind her, stared her down with disgust. Normally, Cassidy would cave to her, letting her berate her, call her names, anything to make Linda happy. Those moments were over though. Enough of being nice and caving. Her mother was a witch and it was time to step up to her.

“We are leaving mother, I’m not letting stay here with these people,” she shouted back, fighting hard to not let her voice quiver.

“What gives you that right,” Linda yelled.

“You! You give me that right! You are horrible mom who lets these people feel up your daughter. You are scum, deep rooted scum that doesn’t deserve her children.” Cassidy stood tall, letting her back rest against the door. It was somewhat of a safety device. She could block anyone from hunting down and chasing her siblings and also kept her feeling fearless. She was the strong one, no one could break her to get what they want anymore.

“How dare you talk to me that way! I am your mother!” A laugh escaped Cassidy’s mouth. It came out evil and sarcastic making Linda even madder. The group behind them continued to stare as they passed their bottle of liquor between the three of them. It made Cassidy want to vomit. They were waiting for a chick fight, something to get them off and feel better about themselves.

“You aren’t a mother, you are just a sad woman who loves to get drunk. What do you think about that mother? Do you like being a complete slut?” She didn’t even see Linda’s hand before the pain came. Her whole right side of her cheek throbbed in pain. Her mother had slapped her, hard. Cassidy fought back the tears and didn’t let her hands touch her face while she stared down at her mother. She could see the fear in Linda’s eyes. Any other day Cassidy would have caved, ran away or even cried. She would of let her win. Linda took a step back as Cassidy continued to stare her down.

“Touch me again and I will press charges.” Cassidy’s voice came out and hard. It was almost spooky to herself, she never had that happen.

“Get out,” Linda shouted at her, pushing Cassidy in the shoulders. She stumbled, taking a few steps but quickly recovered. She tightened the backpack on her back and left. Linda slammed the door shut behind her, but Cassidy was already long gone. Her legs raced down the stairs, almost not letting her body catch up. The rest of them were waiting in the lobby, a smile broke across Ben’s face as she came into view.

“Cassie,” he yelled hugging her legs.

“Hey big man, I’m here. You ready to go,” she asked, turning the hurt side of her face out of view. None of them needed to see it, heck she didn’t even want to see it at this point. More than likely a very nice and purple mark would be covering her cheek tomorrow.

“This your friend,” Colin asked. Cassidy broke away from Ben and looked out the window. Niall’s SUV sat idling on the side of the road with the lights off. Thank God, he came. He really did come.

“That’s mine. Now listen guys, get in and keep quiet okay? He is seriously doing me a huge favor,” Cassidy ordered. They quickly left the building and walked out. Niall must have spotted her and jumped out from the driver’s side. She keep her eyes and face away from him as she helped get everyone in the car.

“Jesus,” he whispered finally seeing her face in the street light. Niall’s hands gently grabbed her head and turned her beaten cheek towards him.

“Cass, what happened,” he asked quietly. His eyes were full of concern at they stared at her. It took all her might not to just break down and cry right now. Everything happened so fun. How could a person go from having the time of their lives to being scared behind belief in just a short hour? It was all overwhelming and just too much.

“I’m fine, let’s go okay,” Cassidy begged to him. He didn’t believe it though. Something was wrong with her, bigger then he imagined. Niall watched her walk with her family. He could see she took charge and control of them, but really her face screamed fear. He needed answers now. She needed to tell him.

“Please Niall. I’m begging you, just get us out of here. There’s a hotel about a mile away, you can take us there.” The tears were on the verge of starting and she really didn’t want to cry in front of him.

“A hotel, really?”

“Yes it works and I have money. I just need to get us out of here, please!” He could her the urgency and pain in her voice. Niall sighed and dropped his arms from her face before heading to the driver’s side. Cassidy quickly jumped in and locked the doors before buckling up.

“Wait, the hotel is the other way,” she protested.

“I know.” There was no way they were spending the night in a hotel, especially in this neighborhood. Even with the situation, he wasn’t going to let her go.

“I’m taking you to house,” he said quietly not wanting to disturb them in the back. Should he? No. He barely even knew Cassidy but there was something that drew him to her. The fear in her eyes, the way her hair looked a wreck but still beyond perfect as she stood there in the light. She needed safety and he wanted to keep her safe.

“No, no it’s fine Niall. We don’t need to go to your house,” she responded back. Niall reached over and gave her hand a squeeze. Cassidy looked at him with her sad filled eyes.

“You don’t have to do this,” she whispered in a plea.

“It’s fine. I have two extra bedrooms. You’re coming.” Cassidy sighed and stared out the window. She really didn’t want to get him involved in her problems. Even though there was definitely something between them, he didn’t need to be a part of her family drama. If he knew, it would only be a matter of time before Gray found it. That is the last thing Cassidy wanted. She just prayed she could get through this night with some dignity and a miracle.

----

“There are two bedrooms done there,” Niall pointed. They walked into the flat and Cassidy could barely believe her eyes. His apartment was smaller than Gray and Liam’s house but twice as nice. She couldn’t even imagine living in a place like this.

“Thanks,” she breathed out. Cassidy pulled Ben down the hall as the little boy swayed in slumber. Colin followed behind, carrying the sleeping frame of Maggie in his arms. Both fell asleep on the long car ride over while Colin kept quiet. Cassidy was worried about him. More than likely anger was running through every part of his teenage body and she knew sooner or later he would blow.

“We can put them in here, you take the other one,” she politely ordered to him. Colin gave her a look.

“Where are you going to sleep,” he asked.

“I’ll find a couch. It’s fine, you deserve a night where you aren’t getting kicked in the ribs.” She laughed, hoping he would find it funny also but Colin just stayed rock solid next to her. He walked past and placed Maggie in the fluffy bed, gave Ben a kiss and headed into the neighboring bedroom without saying anything else.

“Come on big man, into bed,” she sighed. Ben crawled in next to his sleeping sister and yawned.

“Will we be okay Cassie?” His big brown eyes stared up at her.

“Of course Benny Boy, we are fine. Go to sleep, I’ll see you in the morning.” She gave the little boy a kiss before heading back into the living room. Niall was sitting on the couch staring hard back at her. His hand patted the spot next to her, almost as in invitation. Cassidy slowly walked over and sat down, leaving a good gap between them.

“Do you want to talk about it,” he asked, breaking the silence. Cassidy shook her head and looked away as the tears started spilling out of her eyes. She could feel Niall’s body harden next to her.

“My mom.. she’s not a very good person. She likes to drink, a lot. Things got a bit out of control tonight,” she told him. It was all an understatement; she wished she could just let it all come out. He could be her therapy listening to her while she went on and on about her mother’s horrible antics. She couldn’t though, it just wasn’t possible. Cassidy kept her head low, staring at her hands as she felt the cushion below her move. Niall’s arm came around her shoulders and pulled her body into his. She should protest, tell him she is fine and okay, but Cassidy just couldn’t. Her body was tired and her mind was weak. It was just too hard to fight anymore and push the negative thoughts aside. She couldn’t be Super girl this time. She just needed to be Cassie. Her arm wrapped around his waist, pulling her closer as she cried into his sweatshirt.

“Is she the one that hit you,” he asked quietly. Cassidy shook her head, unable to let the truth leave her lips.

“And the marks on your arm?” She shook her head again. A sob escaped her lips into his body. His arms held her tighter as she cried heavily into him. They stayed in silence together, in almost completely in the dark while every emotion poured out of her eyes. She really did need this. Someone safe, who seemed to care and would let her cry without making fun of her. Cassidy had held on for too long without a release, it felt good to let it all go.

“Jesus, I’m sorry Niall,” she finally spoke as she pulled away from him. The tears had stopped leaving her face in a destruction of red and puffiness. Her fingers quickly wiped the rest of the tears off her face as she tried to pull herself together.

“You are fine Cassidy.” It was taking all his might not to making a move right now. Sure, she had just split a mixture of emotions on top of his sweatshirt but she looked breathtaking. More than breathtaking. Every part of his body wanted to touch her, hold her and let her know it was okay. Cassidy was magical, unlike any other girl he had met in his entire life. He wanted to feel her lips, taste her and make her forget about the pain.

“Shoot, it’s late you probably need to go to bed. I’m just going to change, I’ll see you in the morning.” She jumped off from the couch leaving a cold spot missing next to him. Cassidy grabbed her bag and headed to the bathroom without looking back.

She looked in the mirror and wanted to vomit. Her face was all splotchy and pink while her eyes were completely bloodshot. Not the look Cassidy was going for in impressing Niall. This day couldn’t get any more embarrassing right now. She prayed they could sneak out early tomorrow, hoping Linda wasn’t home. Cassidy quickly changed into a loose fitting tank top and sweat capris before quietly heading back out into the living room. She expected it to be empty, but there he was. Niall was lying down at one end with a pillow and blanket.

“Got you a spot,” he told her, pointing to the blanket and pillow. She smiled and quickly laid down. They were head to head with the body sprawled out on each end covering the couch. Cassidy could feel him, and smell him. Her brain was running on overdrive right now. Niall stretched his arms out making his fingers brush the side of her face before putting them back down. Was he honestly doing this on purpose?

“Niall,” she whispered.

“Cassie.”

“Can you not tell Gray and Liam about this? If that’s possible.” Her voice came out quiet feeling extremely embarrassed that she just poured her eyes out on him not long ago. Niall flipped over and stared at her.

“I’d never share what you have told me with them. Ever.” She looked up at him knowing he was speaking the truth. Niall seemed to be a very loyal person.

“Thank you,” she spoke honestly back to him. He gave her a smile and cuddled back into his spot on the couch. Cassidy sighed and stared up at the darken ceiling. It felt like this was all going to work out, her body believed it but her mind wouldn’t agree. She had to shut the thoughts off though, right now sleep was all that mattered.

----

Niall startled and woke up. This wasn’t his bedroom. Why was he in the living room? He shot up from his spot on the couch and looked around. Cassidy. The memories came flooding back to him. Her in his arms bawling her eyes out while her siblings slept in the rooms just down the hall. She looked so peaceful and happy sleeping above him. Her hair had fallen out of her ponytail and was sprawled out all over her pillow. He carefully reached over and gathered the locks in his hand. So soft, just like he thought it would be. Cassidy was absolutely beautiful.

As much as he wanted to stay and lay with her here, the couch wasn’t big enough. His body begged to be in his bed, all stretched out. Niall quietly stood and stretched before staring down at her again. The blanket she had was practically on the floor and her tank top had risen up on her side. Her skin was right there, staring up at him. He walked closer, just wanting to touch it. Just one time. As he got closer, his eyes couldn’t focus in the darkness, but there was something there. Almost like a scar on her side. Cassidy was still sleeping as he gently lifted up her top to see. A gasp escaped Niall’s mouth. It took all his might not to shout and swear right there. Her side was covered in scars, practically from her ribcage to just above her pant line. Who could do this to her? How? Cassidy stirred in her sleep, barely opening her eyes. She shot up straight seeing him staring down at her naked skin.

“What are you doing!” Her hands pulled the shirt down and gathered the missing blanket on top of her. He found it; he found the secret she desperately wanted to hide the most. It was hers, her memories to try and forgot, not his.

“Cass, what the hell is that,” he shouted. Anger raged through his body seeing those scars on her skin. He tried to keep it together and cool for her, but there was no possibility.

“None of your business Niall. Jesus, do you always lift the shirts of girls who sleepover?” It was a low blow filled with sarcasm but he deserved it. Cassidy had to wake up to him staring down at her, every memory from earlier that night had filled her brain wondering if he was going to be just like that man. It was scaring her, more then she liked.

“Damnit Cass, tell me what is going on? What aren’t you telling me,” he shouted. She pulled the blanket more as her body shivered. He was above her, staring down with his eyes on fire. He was scaring her completely. Niall tensed, realizing what he was doing. He quickly sat down next to on the couch and grabbed her hand.

“Cassie, can you please tell me what’s going on?” His voice came out soother, as he could see that she was upset. He held her hand, stroking the outside with his thumb as she tried to get her thoughts together.

“It was about six months ago, I was the only one home at the time, they were as school and my mother was gone one of her drug filled trips again,” Cassidy started. She kept her eyes glued the hardwood floor, refusing to look at him. One look and it would be all over, tears and sob galore. Cassidy had to be strong and get this out, no one knew what she went through not even Colin.

“I decided to take a shower since I was alone. You never get those with kids around so it was a nice treat. I was only in there for about five minutes before she came busting in. Of course our doors don’t have locks, the one time I needed them. At the time I was beyond scared, almost to the point of passing out. There was no way to run in there, our little bathroom and I was standing their stark naked. My mom threw open the curtain and grabbed me by my hair. I barely had a chance to react. She threw me out into the hallway and sat on top of me. It probably looked really stupid, me naked and my unkempt mother on top of me.” She stopped and took a breath. Niall stayed quiet and stoic next to her and continued to hold her hand with everything he had.

“She held my arms underneath one of her arms and sat on my hips. She isn’t a big woman, but has more strength then me. It was an awkward position and I was wet so I couldn’t get my footing down. At the time, I wasn’t sure what was going on, other than being extremely scared. Part of me wished she would just do it then, honestly kill me. Once I saw her light her cigarette I knew. I knew what she was going to do and there was nothing I could do. I squirmed underneath her but it did no good, just made it hurt more. I can still feel them every time I think about it. She would push down so hard letting the ashes and ambers burn into me. I screamed out in pain every time she did it. Over and over again. I remember feeling the tears scream down my fast, but after the third one I pretty much blacked out. She stopped after five, then went to the lighter.” Cassidy’s chest shook in sobs remembering the pain and the feeling. No one knew how that felt unless it happened to you.

It was killing Niall to have to sit there and listen to her explain her scars. He never would have guessed that her own mother did this, not a chance. He figured it was an ex boyfriend, some ritual at a party or anything else then a family member. His heart was breaking inside, and so were his fists. He wanted to hit things, or chase after the woman who did this.

“She left me there, burned and practically beaten. The blisters happened almost immediately, and the blood. I couldn’t even move my arm due to the pain. I’m not sure how long I laid there either, at some point I blacked out. I got up though, just because I didn’t want Colin to find me. He tries so hard to not act out and yet still try to protect me all the time. I spent three weeks hiding it, and the pain from all of them.” She finished speaking and stared back at Niall with tears in her eyes. There it was, the full truth out sparing out the gruesome details on how her flesh looked for weeks, but Niall didn’t need to hear it. He knew, he felt the pain she must have gone through.

“This isn’t the first time, is it,” he asked. Cassidy shook her head no, unable to tear her eyes away from him.

“My mum is a bad person. She drinks and shoots up more than any person I know. She doesn’t take care of them. I pay almost all the bills. I feed them, bathe them, get them to school with Colin’s help of course. We all sleep in the same room with two beds because I’m too scared she will try something. She brings home losers who like to corner me in the hallway and intimidate me. I support this family, not her.” Niall’s flinched under her words, especially about the strangers.

“Can.. can we not talk about this anymore. Pa-please?” She sobbed to him, fresh tears running down her face once more. Niall quickly snatched her body into his and pulled her in close. The momentum of his move knocked them both off their balance causing them to fall back on the couch; Niall on the top with Cassidy’s shaking body on top. He didn’t mind though, this is what he wanted. To feel her close in his arms and not just in his brain. Cassidy’s face buried deep into his neck while tears ran down making his shirt wet again. Niall ran his fingers up and down her back trying to soothe her tears. He had so many questions to ask and try to get answers but it just wasn’t the time. Right now she needed someone to be the light in the darkness of Hell Cassidy was facing.

“Cass,” he whispered after her body stopped shaking. Niall bent awkwardly and looked down to see her asleep on her chest. He smiled, twice in one day he got the chance to sleep with her. He grabbed the blanket that was now on the floor and covered them both up. After a night of heartbreak, he cuddled into and enjoyed the time they had together.


----

Cassidy sniffed the air with her eyes closed. She knew that smell. Bacon. Pure and glorious bacon. She opened her eyes to see the back of Ben’s blonde hair sitting in front of her.

“Ben?” The little boy turned around greeting her with a smile.

“Hi Cassie!” She sat up and checked around her surroundings. Her dreams were true, they were still at Niall’s house. Ben was sitting in front of her and Colin was across the room in the chair reading his book. He looked up and greeted her with a small wave.

“We are watching The Jetsons. We need to get this at home,” Ben said to her with wide eyes. She looked up at the big television screen to see George Jetson staring back.

“We will see what we can do Benny. Where is your sister?” Cassidy got up and stretched her aching body.

“Kitchen with Niall,” Colin announced, not looking up from his book. She ruffled Ben’s hair before heading down the hallway and into the large kitchen.

“She is awake,” Niall announced throwing flour into the air. Maggie screamed from where she was sitting on the counter. Both of them were covered in the white mixture plus the entire kitchen. Cassidy couldn’t believe her eyes. This was too messy, too much to clean.

“What time is it? And what are you doing,” she barked at them. Flour becomes a sticky nightmare when it’s wet. It wasn’t something she wanted to clean.

“Around 11:30, and we.. well are having fun,” Niall smiled at her.

“Jesus Niall! 11:30! Why did you let me sleep so late!” They needed to get going, the train back from here would take at least an hour to manage, possibly longer for it being Saturday.

“Because you obviously needed it. Mags, why don’t you go wash your hands and see what Ben is up to,” Niall offered as he helped her back down to the floor. The little girl took off down the hallway creating a white dust in her wake. Cassidy sighed, trying to keep her cool. Niall listened to her last night bare her soul out and she needed to be nice. He didn’t have to let them stay here but he did. You cannot get mad at someone who offers their complete house to them. Cassidy ignored his glances and headed to the sink for the dish rag.

“Let me help you clean this up and we will get on our way,” she said, her back facing him.

“Don’t worry about it,” Niall started.

“No, no. It’s fine, it’s late anyway. The train will take forever.” She started scrubbing the counters trying to remove the sticky paste and not look at him at the same time.

“You know you can stay here, I don’t mind.” She could hear his footsteps getting closer to her.

“No no, we need to go. You need your time alone, we are just in your way.” She scrubbed harder on the counters even though they were already spotless. Her breath continued to get stuck in her lungs as he came closer. She could feel the body heat beating into back. He was behind her, too closely behind her.

“I like you being in my way.” His voice made her shudder. She spun around to see him standing just millimeters from her body.

“Well.. that’s nice.” Cassidy couldn’t form a sentence with him standing so close. She stared at his full lips wondering what they would feel like against hers. Niall rested her hands on her hips and tugged her closer.

“I think you should stay here until Sunday night, and then I will take you all home. Colin can do his teenager thing. Me and the little ones can get outside and give you some peace, and we can have dinner.”

“Uh huh.” As soon as she stared into his eyes, she was hooked. It was almost like they put a trance on her. A mischievous smile came over his face.

“Good. Say you will stay here until tomorrow,” he ordered.

“Find, we will stay,” she huffed. Damn those men and their abilities to control girls. Niall pulled at her hips more and placed his mouth just inches from her. This was it, the moment she wanted. He was finally going to kiss her. Her eyes closed automatically with anticipation of his lips.

“Bacon?” His husky voice asked. She opened her eyes to see him holding a single strip in front of her. Cassidy’s mouth fell open as he walked away laughing. She had been duped. Precious Niall had her set up all ready and waiting and he laughed away. Cassidy groaned as she bit into her bacon. Two could play that game.

----

The five of them spend the weekend doing whatever they pleased. Niall’s house was like a make shift party. No one had to tip toe around worrying about the repercussions or upset when random people showed up. Colin spent most of the time working on school work or searching the internet while the rest played. Considering he was a big child himself, Niall was great with Ben and Maggie. They spent most of Saturday building a fort in his patio area out of blankets and lawn chairs while Cassidy looked on. He was one in a million, no other man would take him a random set of misfits like family and actually enjoy it. He could get Celebrity of the Year for this if he wanted, but that wasn’t Niall. He didn’t think about what it cost him, only about how it changed the lives of the people around him.

The flirtation between them didn’t stop either. Anytime he was close, Cassidy would bump her hip into him, let her fingers linger near his back, wink at him. She wanted Niall to crack and just kiss her. Her lips were practically begging for it, along with her brain. Niall knew was he was doing, he was just as guilty. He snuck up on her when she was along in the living room and picked her up in his arms. Cassidy fought him on it, laughing their entire time. Their faces were so close and she could smell the minty scent of toothpaste on his breath but he wouldn’t go in for the kill. Niall dropped her body and walked off whistling. It went on and on, all day until it was time to go.

“Alright guys come on,” Cassidy shouted down the hall trying to round them all up. Their bags were ready by the doorway, all she needed was the people they belonged to.

“Seriously, come on!” She charged down the hallway, ready to capture and get them out the door. She made it past the first bedroom with no luck, and the second. Where were they? The only room left was Niall’s, which she had yet to step into yet. Cassidy took a deep breath and opened the door.

“Are you guys in…” Her voice trailed off as she stared at the half naked man in front of her. Niall had his back to her with just a simple white towel tied around his waist. She could still see the beads of water rolling down his back. Niall turned around with a flirtatious grin on his face.

“No kids in here Cass, only me.” Her breath came out labored as she continued to stare at his bare chest.

“I should go,” she told him, but couldn’t get her feet to move. It felt like her shoes were made of concrete.

“Should you?” Niall challenged as he stepped closer to him. Oh no, this was bad. He already played enough with her emotions with clothes on, without them she would surely melt into the floor.

“Uh huh.” Cassidy’s brain screamed her to move, run do anything to get her eyes off his waist, but nothing worked. She was fixated on him, waiting him with a deep desire she never felt anymore.

“Oh Cass, if there weren’t kids in the house right now I’d show you how I really feel.” His tone had changed, darker then she was used to. Niall stopped in front of her, running his fingers up and down her arm.

“Oh,” she squeaked out. Her eyes watched his fingers as they trailed around her skin leaving a line of tiny bumps.

“You would be saying oh, and a lot more.” His face nuzzled her hair while his fingers didn’t stop.

“Oh,” she spoke again, not able to form anything else. He was toying her behind belief. Niall laughed and pulled away. She stared up into his eyes just waiting for orders.

“One day. Kids are outside, you get them and I’ll be right there.” Cassidy nodded her head and forced her body to turn on her heels. As soon as she was out of his room, her body snapped out of the trance and hurried to get the kids. Thank God they were leaving today; her body couldn’t handle any more of this sexual frustration.

Niall did as he said he would do and joined them at his SUV. Cassidy refused to look at him more then she had to at this point. She needed to save some point of sanity and dignity she had left in herself. They spent the car ride listening to Ben and Maggie go on and on about how the Jetsons were their new favorite show. Cassidy didn’t want to burst their bubble by telling them it was older then everyone in the car. Niall’s arm took over the entire arm rest, practically begging her to move in. It was driving her crazy. She wondered if she was just another quest for him or something real. Insecurities came easily to her, Cassidy always felt lower then what she should. Right now though, she needed to get home and try to piece everything back together.

“Text me when you get up there,” Niall whispered quietly to her as he pulled up in front of her building. Colin and the rest were jumping out, giving them a small piece of quiet.

“I will, I’m sure it will be fine.” Inside though, she didn’t quite believe it. There was a 50/50 chance that her mom was still up there, just waiting to pounce.

“I’m not leaving here until you do.” Cassidy gave him a small smile as she grabbed her purse and jumped out.

“Thank you again, for everything,” she told him honestly. She didn’t think he would ever realize on how grateful she really was.

“Anytime. I mean that Cass, you call me anytime you need.” His eyes dug into her, making sure she realized it.

“I know, bye Niall.” Cassidy closed the door and headed inside without looking back. They had a terrific weekend, it was a break away from real life and she felt happy to feel normal. Why did she feel such a pain in her heart though as she walked inside, that’s what she questioned the most. Colin and the kids were waiting in the foyer as she came in.

“I’m going first.” They headed up the three story staircase and stopped at their apartment. There was no music, or any other noise coming out of the flat, hopefully that was a good sign. Cassidy took a deep breath and opened the door. The whole living room area was spotless, no beer bottles or any other residue around, plus Linda didn’t seem to be anywhere. Colin brushed past her and headed for their mom’s room, checking for any sign of life.

“She’s not here, even her clothes are gone,” he announced from the back. The breath Cassidy had been holding finally released from her body. Thank God. Maggie and Ben ran out from behind her and flipped on the TV. They were okay, everyone was going to be okay. Cassidy quickly pulled out her phone.

Me: We are good, nothing to worry about.

Niall texted back immediately.

Niall: Good. See you tomorrow Cass. :- )

Cassidy’s heart immediately fluttered, she was back to work tomorrow. She immediately rushed to their room and tore through her clothes trying to find something cute to wear.

----

Monday came, but unfortunately when Cassidy arrived to work Niall was nowhere to be found. It was probably a good thing since Gray was working from home today, but a part of her was still sad. She wanted to see his smile, hear that stupid laugh and most of all, just look at him. Her thoughts never seem to be pure with him, but that’s what she got for being so involved. They had a connection now, there was no going back.

Cassidy fell into work, trying to escape her thoughts of them. After playing with Spencer, and feeding her plus cleaning up the kitchen and starting the laundry, it somewhat worked. She could at least pretend to not care. That was easy enough.

“Cass, where the heck are you,” Gray shouted up the stairs.

“Coming!” She had just laid Spencer down for her afternoon nap.

“Thank god, you have sneakers on. Come on.” Gray grabbed her hand when she came down and pulled her to the backyard. All of the guys, plus Niall were standing out there, looking mischievous.

“Got her!” Gray cheered as they got closer.

“What are we doing,” Cassidy asked cautiously. She could see they had some sort of plans up their sleeve.

“No no, if she plays, new bet,” Niall forcefully told the group. He crossed his arms over her chest and stared her down making Cassidy feel comfortable.

“What bet? What are we doing here,” she asked them again hoping for some answers.

“Soccer match. Team who loses has to jump in the undies on the tramp,” Gray explained. A look of fear came over Cassidy’s face. No, not an option. No wonder Niall watched to switch.

“It’s FOOTBALL! Money bet, fifty bucks a person,” Niall shouted back. Everyone shook their heads in agreement except Cassidy. She was just grateful the clothes plan was out of the books.

“It’s settled then. I call Cass and Liam then,” Louis announced.

“Fuck no, I don’t want Harry, he is a wanker,” Niall shouted back. Both of them continued to go back and forth until Gray finally shouted at them to be quiet.

“Louis, me and Cass against you idiots. First to five wins. Now let’s get moving, I have work to do,” she dictated. The boys followed suit and grouped their teams together. Cassidy was up for the challenge, little did they all know she played football back in the day.

“Gray, you just tackle Liam or seduce him, whatever comes easiest. Cass, you get to block Harry, shouldn’t be hard. I’ll take on Niall and win. Ready break!” Louis took the lead in front of the ball while Gray and Cassidy hung back behind him. She smiled and winked across at Niall. These boys had nothing on her right now. Louis kicked the ball to her and she took off. She breezed past Harry easily as he just stood there and continued down the lawn towards Niall who was blocking the goal. Gray and Louis were shouting behind her to keep going as they tried to block everyone. She effortlessly kicked the ball towards the goal, having it skate past Niall and swoosh in the net.

“Fuck yes Cass!” Louis cheered. Both teams regrouped and started again.

“New plan, you get the ball and we block,” he told her excitedly. The game went back in forth, getting tougher and tougher. Gray was using everything she had to keep Liam busy, even kissing him dramatically in the middle of the grass to help the team, but it didn’t work. Niall had come to block her even more. His hands touched Cassidy’s body at any free moment making her brain turn into mush. He did it for times to steal the body away and score, now both teams were tied.

“Last point guys, we have to win this,” Gray screamed in their huddle. The excitement was hitting all of them, even Cassidy. She never considered herself a competitive person, but she really wanted to run.

“We need a plan, a smart plan,” Louis said. They all pondered for a moment.

“Give it to Gray,” Cassidy suggested. It would be the only thing they wouldn’t think of.

“Okay, give it to Gray it is. Break!” They all took their places and got ready. Louis tapped the ball before sending it over to Gray. She screamed in the air and took off, watching her feet below focusing on the ball. Cassidy took the chance to push her body into Niall hoping for a distraction. She could hear him laugh in her ear as he placed his hand on her hip and lightly pushed her back. Even through her mind was swirling, their plan worked. Gray made it to goal and kicked it past Harry with ease.

“YES!” Louis screamed in the middle of the lawn as Gray and Cassidy joined him in a victory hug. She jumped with them, enjoying the moment.

“You all can pay inside. Let’s eat,” Gray announced. The group started to follow, leaving Niall and Cassidy in the back. They both walked in silence with a large gap between them.

“Stay back,” he whispered to her. Niall nodded to her, as a sign to follow. They quietly left the group, and made it to the side of the shed in the back.

“What are you doing,” she whispered. He turned around, smiling.

“I needed you.” Niall’s hands forcefully grabbed her hips and pushed back into the shed wall. Her eyes went wide staring up at him. This was close, and pretty much in a public area. He licked his hips and stared down at her. Cassidy opened her mouth to respond to him but there was no time. His soft, velvety lips landed down on hers, practically making her toes curl. This was is, they were kissing. Cassidy felt into his body, wanting to feel every bit of him. Niall smiled against her lips, moving his hands under her shirt and deepening the kiss. She pulled at his neck, bringing him down closer, just trying to memorize every part of his skin. Niall broke away breathlessly after a while and smiled down at her.

“Been wanting to do that since you walked in on me,” he whispered. Cassidy felt the pinkness rise to her cheek.

“Sorry about that,” she muttered. Niall threw his head back and laughed while pulling her body closer to him.

“I’m not.” Niall bit his lip causing her stomach to tumble. He just looked so hot. Cassidy felt a bolt of braveness shoot through her body as she pulled his head down again. The kiss was more passionate then the first time. His hands roamed her back making everything feel alive. She never wanted it to stop.

“We best go in,” he said, breaking away again. Both of them were breathing heavily, their chests moving up and down in sync.

“Okay,” she pouted. This was their little secret, that that she didn’t want to stop. Niall stroked her cheek with his thumb and kissed her forehead.

“I’ll be back here tomorrow, we can start where we left off.” He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze and pulled her back out into the yard. The distance went between them again, both of them acting like nothing happened. Cassidy bit her lip, trying to make herself not smile. She kissed Niall, and couldn’t wait to do it again.

Notes

Up better then late then never, and this is unedited, but just go with it.

I haven't been using songs for this story due to the fact that all of my inspiration comes from One Republic. Seriously, every song. So turn them on your Pandora, and enjoy. Next chapter will be up by next Friday.