**REMEMBER: If you haven't read the revised version of Chapter 6, please note that Harry and Riley have not said "I love you" yet. I changed the story and they're taking it slow! :)

Harry’s POV:

Why is there nothing good on tv right now? Is it too hard to ask for a little distraction from my thoughts?

I was moping, erm lounging in my living room the morning after the disastrous event of Riley walking out on me. I just couldn’t understand why she actually wanted to go home to that thing I could barely consider a man. Just thinking about it got my blood boiling. And when I thought deeper, it brought up all those feelings about my mom that I tried so hard to stay hidden.

*Flashback*

“Sweetie, your father just had a bad day at work. That’s all.” She smiled down at me through a swollen eye. I was so confused, I didn’t know why daddy had to wrestle so roughly with mommy.

“Mommy? Why did daddy break my train set?”

“It was an accident, Harry. I’ll get you a new one, a better one!” She winked at me with her good eye and I placed my hand over the weird purple mark on her cheek.

“JANE!?” I jumped and wrapped my arms around her. She kissed my forehead and set me down in my room before closing my door rapidly. I waited anxiously for her to come back, but all I heard was loud noises.

I shrieked when I heard glass breaking and I backed up into the corner of my room, covering my ears with my hands. I cried as I could still hear mommy’s voice yelling through my covered ears.

I just wanted this to go away.

*End Flashback*

I shook my head and stared back at the television, not wanting to start tearing up. My attention was brought to the front door as I heard someone knocking. I turned the tv off, went to open the door and my heart almost exploded when I saw who was standing in front of me.

Riley, looking absolutely stunning, was panting in front of me. It was unbelievable how the girl could wear the most casual clothes and still manage to turn me on. I tried my best to get a sentence out.

“Riley, what are y-” I had no time to finish before her lips were on mine. Because it took me a few seconds to grasp what was happening, Riley pulled back to look at my face. Once I got my bearings, I picked her up and wrapped her legs around my torso. My heart was pounding against my chest as I placed a kiss on her beautiful mouth.

My morning had just taken a turn for the better.

///

As we lay together, breathing heavily from our recent act of love, I pull the covers over us and hold Riley close to my chest. I can’t even believe this moment is real. But as I lay there, I begin to question the 180 Riley had just made.

"Don't be offended, but what happened in less than 24 hours that made you come back?"

"I...I don't know. I think I got overwhelmed. I was looking at myself in the mirror and seeing how bad my relationship had actually become that.." I could tell she was having difficulty finishing when I felt her shoulders start to shake from crying. I pushed her away from my body and wiped the tears that had fallen from her eyes.

“Shh..it’s okay.” I could barely stand to watch her cry, so I had to pull her back into my chest.

"I'm just so m-mad at myself. It's been like this for m-months. And I let it happen. I d-didn't even try to stop it. B-because I thought I l-loved him." I could kill him. I could fucking kill him right now.

"I know..I know. It's okay." I let her cry while I try to calm my anger. The room falls almost silent as Riley’s breathing starts to regulate.

"Harry..I'm not normally like this. I mean, I don't go running around and sleeping in guys beds who I just met. I just...I don't know what has gotten into me. I mean, I barely know you and we just..well, you know. I just don't want you to get the wrong impression of me." I laugh and look at her.

She didn’t even have to say anything for me to know that our morning of passion was probably the first time she’s done something like this before. But I find it extremely attractive how reserved she is.

"Riley, I would never think of you like that. And please, don't even think of yourself in that way. I agree that maybe we could've waited to take whatever this relationship is to the next level. But I also think this has brought us closer together." She nods.

"But I also think maybe we should take things slow after this. You're still living with Heath, as much as I despise that idea. And I don't want anything bad to happen to you. I really like you and I will do whatever it takes to try and make this work. So, let's just say we're starting from the beginning...not forgetting this moment, of course, but just building off of it. What do you think?"

"I would really like that."She smiles and lets a beautifully melodic laugh escape her lips as I reach my hand out to shake hers.

"Hi there, I'm Harry Styles. Pleasure to meet you." She places her small hand in mine and I shake it.

"Hello, Harry. I'm Riley Gray, and the pleasure is all mine." I pull her in close to me again and we’re silent, just enjoying the feeling of our bodies close to each other. I don’t think I’ve been this happy since Louis and I opened the shop.

In just the few short weeks that Riley had been in my life, I already felt like a different person. I hadn’t looked at another woman since the day we met. It felt…wrong. Even though she was technically still in a relationship, I considered her my own. I wanted to do this right. It was finally time to get back into the dating game.

I thought back to the last time I actually had someone to call a girlfriend and my heart sank. Eva ruined me and I couldn’t appreciate another woman until now. I knew in my heart that if Riley and I ever got to the point where there would be I-love-you’s thrown into the mix, she wouldn’t hurt me.

///

*Monday morning*

“We need to talk.” I look up from my desk at a concerned Louis standing in the doorway of my office. I motion him to come in and he perches on one of my chairs.

“What’s up, Lou?”

“What’s going on with you and Riley?” His question takes me by surprise and I can feel my cheeks start to burn.

“What do you mean?”

“C’mon, Haz, I’ve known you’ve had some sort of feelings for her since that night you sucker punched that asshole at her work. And then you can’t keep your eyes off of her the entire time we were there this past Saturday? What happened after she ran out on Friday? And don’t you dare say ‘nothing happened’ because I’m not stupid. Now spill.”

God, I hated how Louis knew everything. I sighed and ran my fingers through my hair. I really didn’t want to tell anyone about what had happened yet. Not even to Lou. Riley was still in a relationship and I didn’t want to look like some home wrecker.

“Well, uh, she came over on Saturday morning. And we, uh..well, we..” I looked up at Louis and I could tell he got the gist of my explanation.

“Haz…mate. You can’t do that. She’s in a relationship.” My fists unintentionally clenched.

“Yeah, with an abusive twat! And besides, we talked afterwards. This isn’t just sex. I really like this girl. And she likes me too. She’s just afraid to leave that asshole.” I sigh and put my head in my hands.

“You haven’t said things like that since….Eva.” I cringe at her name and raise my head to look at Louis; his brow is furrowed with concern.

“I know. But, she’s just doing something to me, Lou. I can’t explain it. I can’t get her out of my mind. She’s so perfect. And I know, I really truly know she would never hurt me. But, I promise you, I’m not going to rush anything. This is a totally different situation. She’s not Eva.” I tried to sound as honest as possible because I knew Louis wouldn’t approve if he had any doubts.

He sighed and slid down into the chair. “Okay. I believe you. If she’s as good as you think she is, I’ll give her a chance. I just…I don’t want to see you get hurt again. You remember how long it took you last time to get back to normal, yeah?” I nodded slowly as a pang of sadness flowed over me.

“I know. I’ll be careful.” Louis smiled and reached over my desk to pat my arm.

“Good. El actually told me that she wants Riley to hang out with her and Perrie some time. Zayn told me Perrie’s been asking about her nonstop this weekend. I think everyone is just excited that you may have found someone.” My smile fades and I stare at Louis.

“Wait…everyone knows?! How?” Louis throws his head back and laughs.

“Oh c’mon, Haz! You wear your heart on your sleeve! Everyone knew the moment she walked into your flat on Friday night. You just looked at her like she was some golden statue or something. It’s okay! Everyone approves! I just wanted to double check before I gave my stamp of approval.”

I let my forehead rest on my desk. So much for keeping this a secret.

“I do have one question though. Riley is still living with Heath, yeah? When is she going to tell him?”

“I have no idea. We haven’t talked about it yet. I wanted to ask her to move in because I don’t trust that guy, but I don’t want to scare her away. I think it might be too soon for us to live together.” I look up at Louis to see what he’s thinking.

“Yeah. I bet she could stay with Niall or Liam? They both have spare bedrooms? I agree that it might not be the best idea to move in together right now.” I know I shouldn’t, but I start to feel myself get jealous when I think of Riley living in another man’s flat. Even if I do trust Niall and Liam and they’re both my close friends, I want to be the only guy she shares a flat with.

“No. I don’t want her staying with them.” Louis’ eyes get big as he chuckles.

“Easy, mate, you know they wouldn’t try anything. And besides, she needs some good guys in her life beside you.” He was right. I knew both of them wouldn’t step over boundaries and I could sleep well at night knowing she’d be safe.

“Alright. I’ll talk to her when she comes in today. See what she thinks.” Our conversation was interrupted by an extremely concerned Liam running into my office.

“You guys need to get out here right now.” He hissed and began walking down the hallway. We both got up and followed him to where Zayn and Niall were standing with some mystery person. I couldn’t see who it was because they were covering her identity with their backs.
As soon as they heard us coming, they jumped aside and I got a good look at the person they were with. My mouth dropped and my knees almost gave out on me.

Riley was standing there with her arms crossed over her chest. She looked up at me and I had to hold back at gasp as I saw her face. It was swollen and covered with deep purple bruises. I slowly walked up to her and had to hold back tears as my eyes dropped to see the angry red hand marks covering her neck.

I could tell she had been crying because her eyes were red and puffy. As soon as she saw my expression, she started to cry again and I wrapped her up in a tight embrace. She started to violently sob into my chest.

“Riley….what..what happened?” She sniffled and pulled away from me, attempting to form a sentence.

“H-Heath c-came home last n-night drunk and he was y-yelling and he got into the b-bed and he held me d-down…and he…he…” I didn’t let her finish her sentence before my arms wound tightly around her.

I. Was. Livid.

I jerked my head at Zayn and barked out orders.

“Z, go get the pickup truck out back. Niall, Louis, go back to the inventory closet and try to find as many empty boxes as you can.” They all nod and run off without a word. I turn to Liam.

“Liam, I know it’s last minute, but I really need you to let Riley stay in your spare room until we can figure something out.” His face is hardened and he nods.

“Of course. Like hell I’m going to let her stay at that asshole’s flat anymore.” I was surprised by Liam’s remark because he is the most calm out of all of us. But I guess they can all tell how much Riley means to me.

As Liam runs back to help Louis and Niall, I direct my attention back to the blonde crushed against my chest. I softly whisper to her.

“Riley, love, the boys and I are getting you out of that flat today. I’m sorry but I can’t allow you to stay with that man anymore. Not when he leaves you looking like this. You’re going to stay in Liam’s spare bedroom for a while. Do you understand?” I feel her still and then nod silently against my chest.

I begin to walk her to my car parked out front and open the passenger door for her to get in. Zayn and the guys are all in the big truck with the boxes in the back and I walk over to them.

“She lives about fifteen minutes south of here. I just need you guys to get everything out of there as fast as you can. Judging by how she described it, this asshole might still be there sleeping off a hangover. If he is, just be prepared.” They all shake their heads at me and I jog over to my car.

I jump in and fire up the engine. I’m still so fumed that I grab the wheel so tightly, my knuckles turn white. I hope this dick is still there so I can give him a taste of his own medicine. I’m glaring out the window and don’t notice that Riley has scooted over the couch-like seat to snuggle right next to me.

I instantly relax and my arm reaches around to grasp her by her waist. She puts her head on my shoulder and I kiss her blonde hair.

“Thank you, Harry.” She says softly and my heart melts in my chest. God, it killed me that she had to be part of something like this. Seeing her face all black and blue made me ache. I despised Heath just as much as I hated my own father.

I had made a vow to myself when I was a little boy that I would never let someone hurt the ones I care for. And if they did, there would be hell to pay.

We finally pull up to the complex and I jump out and walk over to grab a few boxes out of the truck. We all walk inside and follow Riley to the lifts. We get out on her floor and she walks over to the front door of Heath’s flat.

“I don’t know if he’s still here or not, can you give me a second?” As much as I am completely against the idea of her being alone in a room with Heath, I nod my head slowly and watch as she disappears behind the door. I start to breathe really loud and the boys take notice.

“Easy, Haz. Everything will be fine. She’s getting out of here just like you wanted.” Louis calmly keeps talking to me, and it makes me even out again. I jump as Riley swings open the door and gestures us to come in.

“He’s not here. Must’ve left earlier.” She gives us directions on where all her stuff is and we begin to pile it into boxes. We take the first load down and come back up to start on her closet. Once the guys all leave again to take the full boxes back down to the truck, I walk over to Riley who is standing in the living room, chewing on her lip. I wrap my arms around her waist and plant a small kiss on her cheek.

“We’re almost done. Don’t worry, we’ll be out of here before he gets back.” She looks up at me with worried eyes and her forehead scrunches slightly.

“I know, I’m just scared he’s going to come home. I don’t even know what he would do.” I begin to place delicate kisses beginning at her hairline all the way down to her jaw. I lower my head and start to nibble on her skin. She sighs and her hands slide up my torso, ending in my curls.

“Stop worrying, love. Let me ease your mind.” I lift my head and our lips meet in a passionate kiss. She pulls on my curls and I groan into her mouth. I know I said we’d take it slow, but damn it, this woman does crazy things to me. Our deep kiss is interrupted by a huge booming voice coming from the front door.

“What the fuck is this?!” We both look over at a fuming Heath staring at us. I pull Riley behind my body and turn towards his.

“This is me taking your girlfriend away from your disgusting hands.” Heath begins to walk up to me and stops a few feet away. I notice that I’m about an inch taller than him but he’s much more muscular than I am. But I also have four other people with me, so he doesn’t scare me at all.

“What the fuck? Riley, are you serious? Have you been cheating on me with this low life?” Just as he questions her and my fists clench, the guys walk back into the apartment. He turns around to look at them in shock.

“You’ve got to be kidding me. What..are you fucking all five of them? Riley, how could you do this to me?” I laugh coldy at him.

“How could she do this to you? Have you seen her face, you fucking cunt?” I stand aside as I let her take a good look at what he’s done. I laugh as he begins to put on a show.

“Oh, baby, you know I was just drunk last night. I didn’t mean anything by it. I love you, baby. You’re just delirious right now. Bring your stuff back up and we’ll-” he didn’t finish before Riley starts to yell at him, to my surprise.

“Are you fucking kidding me, Heath?! How DARE you try to make me feel guilty for this! You were the one who made me do it! You cheated on me, remember?! And then you used me as a fucking punching bag! For MONTHS! I’m so done with you. You should be happy I’m not filing assault or rape charges against you from last night.” Heath’s mouth drops open and I laugh as I pull Riley close to my side.

“I see how it is. So you think you’re going to leave me and do any better with this loser?” My jaw clenches as he jabs his thumb at me.

“Watch it, asshole.” I glare at him and he looks at me and scoffs.

“You know what, Riley? Go. Leave. Take your things. I don’t care. Because I know one day, you’ll realize how much of a mistake you’re making and you’ll come crawling back to me.” My grip around Riley’s waist tightens as Heath starts to walk towards her. He stops a foot in front of her face and whispers.

“You know no one can make you feel good like I do, baby.” Before I even have time to react, Riley’s small fist connects with Heath’s nose. She yells out in pain as he falls backwards.

“You fucking bitch! You broke my nose, you filthy whore! I outta..” He starts to charge her and I push her out of the way before I wind up and punch him right in the jaw. He falls hard to the ground and doesn’t move. Damn, I think I was a boxer in another life or something.

“Shit…” I turn to see all the guys standing there, completely stunned.

“You two are the perfect couple, that’s for damn sure. Both have excellent right hooks.” Niall says and Riley and I both look at each other and grin. I go over to check her knuckles and make sure she hasn’t broken anything as we hear Heath mumble something from the floor.

“Wha..what the..” I march over to him and make sure he stays on the ground. But I turn back and shout at the guys to go finish getting all of her stuff.

“Shit! I almost forgot! Liam, can you come help me with something upstairs?” Riley exclaims before she bounds up the steps. I see them come out a few minutes later with armfuls of painted canvases. I forgot she told me that she hid her paintings upstairs so Heath wouldn’t find them. She hands the ones she’s carrying to Zayn and walks over to me and Heath. She bends down and picks his head up off the ground before hissing in his face.

“How does it feel to get knocked out? Not so good, huh? Have a nice life, Heath. Oh, and by the way, your dick is microscopic compared to Harry’s.” After she finishes, she drops his head back onto the marble floor and starts to walk towards the front door, leaving me frozen in my shoes, grinning like an idiot. She whips around and looks back at me, extending her hand.

“Coming, Styles?” I am absolutely stunned but I manage to jog over to the beautiful blonde and grab her hand before walking out of the door.

She’s finally mine. And I couldn’t be happier.

Notes

YAYYY!!! HEATH FINALLY GETS WHAT HE DESERVES!! Yeah, buddy.

I liked this update. I think we're starting to see the beginning of something great between Riley and Harry. But what about Heath? Do you think he's gone for good?

I just want to thank you all again for your wonderful comments and support! I would love to see this story reach more viewers, so send the word out! Also, comment below and give me some ideas of things you want to see happen between Riley and Harry. Maybe a date? Or a gift? Or if you want to see more of a certain character? Something like that!

Hopefully i'll have another update done on Sunday or Monday, so watch out for it!
Rate, comment and subscribe lovelies!! :)
Kisses and hugs,
-Natalie Xx