The Silence That Surrounds

Sophia’s POV:

A gentle wrap on my already open door a small time later was the first thing that caught my attention since seeing Louis storm from the room and out of sight.

At first I didn’t look up but the person didn’t wait for my confirmation to enter before I saw the familiar brown boots in my line of proverbial-vision. It was only then did I glance up.

Harry stood there with a small frown before kneeling to my level, like I was a child who was being difficult to the point he had to catch my attention with his close proximity if had had wished to be acknowledged at all.

“Louis told me you were hurt?” He phrased it like a question, the concern lacing through the silk strands of his voice, vibrating around the room like a burst of light. For once, his tone wasn’t bitter but that didn’t mean my mood wasn’t. He left me to that monster, Harry didn’t come as quickly…he didn’t care.

A small sigh escapes my lips and I don’t answer him. I shift my gaze back down to his tan brown boots, my finger going to trace over their souls absently for a distraction.

“Come on, nightshade, show me – I need to see.” He presses when the silence was all that met the air. I felt weak in his presence but despite showing Louis, Harry was another story –I trusted him much less than Louis and even less so than Zayn. They saw every perfect and imperfect part of me. With Harry – all I saw was his cold eyes and all I felt was his touch. He raped me in every way possible – something I am trying hard to push from my mind. Does that make me weak or just stupid?

“What does it matter to you if he hurt me? You didn’t come when I panicked, you didn’t even give a bloody fuck either way, why start now?” I rasped, almost as if I hadn’t used my voice in years but it was the mental strength I was pulling from my limited energy to stop myself from crying. I couldn’t break now.

His face twisted into a scowl and his green eyes became vibrant with annoyance.

“I needed to be certain we weren’t walking into a trap! Don’t you dare start that bullshit! I care for my own members, to go in here halfcocked and blindsided is suicide! Now SHOW ME!” His calm demeanor diminishing in a second’s time.

Self-consciously I wrapped my arm around my chest a little tighter, using my knees as a force to shield them from Harry. I wasn’t giving him the satisfaction.

“You broke your promise, Harry. You say you protect your own but you can’t even stand up to your own father. He hurt me, you –you hurt me even more. I don’t take promises lightly because all my life, people have always broken them and you couldn’t even stop Damien. You followed his orders because you feared him. I respect and understand that but don’t ever make me another promise, not unless you truly plan to keep it.” I murmur, my eyes dropping to the carpet when he didn’t break his stare.

“Show.me.” He spaced out like he was speaking to a defiant toddler, all emotion and trace of care gone.

I felt a tear slip down my face against my will and it was only then did I pick my eyes back up to look at him. Somehow, the room seemed colder, not as stuffy and closed in as before.

“Why? What does it matter? I’m weak, I’m fucking pathetic and I couldn’t have stopped him. I should be used to it by now though, right?” I continued but Harry ignored me and reached over to my arms, tugging them down from my chest and grabbed the hem of the collar, it was at that moment that I put my hand desperately over his. “No, please – please don’t do this to me, Harry. Not again, never again.”

Something in his eyes changed and his fingers slowly fell away.

“I would like to see, Sophia. I’m not trying to get off on seeing you naked. You should know by now that was never any of our intentions. I just want to see what he’s done to you. I want what I do to him fit the same punishment as the crime. Please?” Harry added with a defeated sigh, pulling his hand back to him.

I stared at the green eyed leader a little longer, reading between the lines. His reasoning behind what he felt he owed my father as retribution for his deception wasn’t just because of the things he had done to me, it was everything that led up to it to begin with.

“I thought that’s what I wanted too, Harry. I thought I wanted revenge, that if I got it – I’d feel better but it’s not as satisfying as I hoped it would be. It endangered everyone, myself included because anything I had left to say to my father was responded back to in a truth that I wish I never would have known. He’s not the man that I grew up with – not the one that I remember. You can hurt, torture and kill him but it won’t change what he is, won’t alter the facts at what he’s done and the lives he’s destroyed. I should be angry at him. I should want to see him dead and I do – but you took the most important thing that he values the most. His money and his power. I’ve never meant anything to him and that hurts to know but I have one thing I have that he doesn’t.” I paused, my fingers shaking slightly as I pulled down the front of my dress.

“What’s that, luv?” Harry questioned in curiosity, his fingers sliding over mine and helping me the rest of the way, his green orbs staring intently at the bruised mound of my breast when I finally brought the lightweight fabric down.

“I have a soul and capacity to understand love. I know what is right and what is wrong; I see the good in people that might not even be there but it all feels so numb to me now, Harry. Everything was taken from me and I had no power to stop it. Just like you had little choice but to obey what was asked of you. We are not as different as we both believe. Our fathers are just monsters; each worse in their own way. Why should we follow in their examples? My desire for vengeance was misplaced, I brought in my brother – an innocent. I should be bearing this alone, he did nothing wrong.” I sighed, watching Harry’s eyes take in the dark fingerprints but he did nothing more other than look. Though when the warmth of his fingers disappeared from my own and he got up from the ground, I was left wondering if I had said something wrong.

“Daniel is tied down securely in the cellar. When you are ready, find Louis. He will hand you his phone to make the call to your father’s lawyer and from there we will finalize what we came here to do. If I am able, if I can – I will see what I can do to help transition Dylan permanently to our cabin but I won’t promise you anything unless I can make it happen. I know you’re concerned over his survival and time with Damien.”

“Thank you Harry, it’s more than I can ask.” I managed a smile but it never reached my eyes.

“When you’re ready nightshade, Louis is outside having a smoke and I’ve got first shift watching Daniel. We need to take care of this quickly so please try not to be too long.” Harry nodded, turning to leave.

“Nightshade? Why that name? Why flower, even?” I questioned, curiosity getting the better of me now.

He simply eyed me, scoffed a little with a smirk and disappeared from sight..

“Not weird at all.” I huffed, pulling my neckline up and standing from the ground. I walked a few steps before lowering myself to the bed, the mattress dipping under my weight.

It was probably about twenty minutes later when Louis reentered, his phone in hand. He looked a little bit annoyed but tossed it beside me where I sat, taking up a seat at the corner edge, and facing away from my direction.

“Call the lawyer, Harry said to give you some space but I’d rather we get this over with as quickly as possible. The more time we spend here, the higher the risk of getting caught.”

I nodded, knowing he was right.

“Alright, Lou. I’ll call him now.” I frowned, picking up the phone and dialing Scar’s number. When it began to ring I put it on speaker for Louis to listen. Calling the number felt familiar and it added to the already tight weight already in my chest. He was the only one aside from Dylan who could cheer me up when I was younger. In fact, his name wasn’t Mr. Scar – it was Dale Holmes.

“Holmes residence, Dale speaking.” He answered on the second ring, his cheerful voice ringing clearly through the speaker.

“Uncle Scar, it’s me –“I began but he interrupted.

“Nala! My beautiful little cub! How’ve you been? I haven’t seen or heard from you in months! I was beginning to worry you were abducted by aliens or something until your daddy told me you were on a four month cruise, how was it?” He exclaimed in a cheerful tone. I looked at Louis, he was now looking back at me perplexed.

“The Lion King? Seriously, flower?” He chuckled.

“It was rough sailing, bit of seasickness – you know how it goes with unforeseen weather.” I glowered, directing my words toward Louis. His smiled never faltered.

“I bet! So, what did you need pumpkin? Is daddy being a git again?” He asked, not mocking but he seems to forget that I’m not five.

“Sort of, Uncle Scar. I actually need you to bring over your laptop and the company documents – my father’s will as well. It’s an emergency, we need them altered and signed under witness. There have been some difficult circumstances and alterations need to be revised. Is there any way you can make it to father’s lodge tonight by any chance? We’re staying here until tomorrow morning, we’re running tight on schedule.” I explained, watching Louis nod in approval.

“I’m sorry honeybun, not tonight. I have a big case tomorrow in the morning and it’s not going to let out until after six PM. Is there any chance I can stop by after? You think he can push back work until then?” Uncle Scar cooed silkily, humming a few notes to the song be prepared at the end, making me smile and Louis ball his hand into a fist, huff and nodded. I could tell he was pissed.

“Of course, Uncle Scar. I look forward to seeing you, it’s been far too long. I’ll have your favorite butterscotch rum shots at the ready and some cakes. Thanks for your help.” I chuckled.

“Anything for you, kitten. How’s Simba? Still getting himself into trouble?” He changed subject and Louis held his hand out for his phone back but I couldn’t be rude to Dale – especially if I hung up abruptly. I mockingly high fived Louis with a small laugh and scooted away to the head of the mattress, away from the now severely agitated brunette. “He’s as fine as to be expected, busy as ever but thankfully not too much in the way of trouble – but then again, we’re twenty-two and twenty-one, uncle, or have you forgotten?” I asked, seeing Louis shift, closing in on the space between us, a dangerous gleam in his eye. I suddenly didn’t feel like testing his patience.

“How time flies – why just yesterday you were on the floor drool –“

I cut him off.

“I know, time flies. Listen, uncle, dad just came in and he’s been hitting the bottle hard by the looks – gonna make sure he gets supper and into bed safely. Love you! See you tomorrow!” I exclaimed, holding my hand out and placing it on Louis’s chest to hold him off.

“Okay love, just be careful – you know how he gets.” Dale warned, concern lacing through his tone.

“I will, by Uncle!”

With that I hung up and placed the phone back into Louis’s palm none-too-gently.

“Thank you. Now if you’ll excuse me – I’ve got to go play the town crier and tell everyone that Paul Revere won’t be getting his ass in from land or by sea until tomorrow evening.” Louis huffed sarcastically, getting up from the bed and going to leave the room.

“Paul Revere was American, warning that the British were com –oh, I get it.” I stopped myself, chuckling a little.

“Well, the asshole is British, isn’t he?” Louis huffed.

“So are we and that still makes no sense.” I concluded.

“Neither does your relationship with a lawyer that has a Lion King pet name fetish, so there you go.” He growled, marching off.

I rolled my eyes and decided to get a few hours of uninterrupted sleep. Apparently I was more tired than expected because I fell into a dark abyss – actually, I think I may have drowned in it.

**

Zayn’s POV:

I watched Louis come back downstairs, flopping next to me on the couch oak leather couch. In hindsight of the risk to sound sarcastic, it’s apparent the brunette looks troubled.

“Who killed your grandmother?” I quipped lightly to him when he didn’t speak.

“Uncle Scar won’t be here until tomorrow night after six. Being a big lawyer has hinders to family matters, evidently. I don’t want to wait that long, honestly.” Louis grumbled, throwing his arms over his chest.

“Uncle Scar? What?” I shake my head, smirking a little.

“Sophia’s uncle – I think. Bit of a creepy fella if you ask me. His obsession with the Lion King – actually, you know what? Never mind. I’m not even.” Louis decides to stop explaining before getting too far in but continued on with his original direction. “Anyhow, Scar is going to be here after six, which leaves us plenty of time to think how this is all going to work out. You know what we got to do once the documents are settled – right?”

I sigh, nodding my head in confirmation.

“I do and Sophia is going to be pissed.” I responded, not at all looking forward to that.

“She has to have some idea. I mean, she can’t be daft enough to think we would just let him go, right?” He pauses, thinking it over.

“Who?” Harry asked, joining us over by the couch.

“Scar, Sophia’s uncle, he can’t be here until tomorrow after six. We were just talking about –after.” I reply cautiously.

“Is Sophia attached to said uncle?” Harry questioned, crossing his leg over the other and putting his hands in his lap.

“Well, she told him she’d have his favorite rum at the ready – my guess is, yes?” Louis raised an eyebrow and huffing a small snort.

Harry hummed in consideration, turning his head up toward the stairs before looking back.

“That’s going to suck for her,” Harry finally replied, the devil on his shoulder winning the battle he seemed to be having with himself. “I would let him live if I knew he would process the documents without question and hand over the papers I need to sign for the company and file them so they’re official and legal but since I can’t, he has to go.”

“Unless we send someone from another branch?” I suggested but Harry shook his head.

“Too risky. I don’t trust many people and we still need his will rewritten to match the documents and in order to get said cooperation, well – I need Daniel Stone to know that we’re not playing.”

Louis smirked and I only shook my head. They always had to go the complicated route; but then again, I doubt asking Stone with a pretty please and a cherry on top would work for the corporate mongrel.

“What do you have planned? Shouldn’t we wait for the bastard to wake up first?” I questioned, running a hand through my hair.

“I was at my father’s cabin one time and there was a waiter there, I guess Damien was bored because he had this guy tied completely hand to foot on the floor and a curling iron shoved up his rear - plugged in, turned on and heating up inside him. The dude was screaming high hell even before it got hot. Bloke ended up biting his own tongue out as it reached full heat before Damien grabbed something to gag him with. I was there for about twenty minutes and by the time I left it smelled –“

Louis interrupted him, clenching his arse for demonstration that he did not want to know anymore.

“Okay, mate, you made your point. You get credit for the extra imagery.”

Harry chucked, standing up.

“Wonder if Sophia has a curling iron I can borrow. I’m going to go ask.”

My mouth dropped open in protest but Louis quickly put his finger to my lips.

“Mate? Don’t even bother. I don’t want to know, you don’t want to know – and both of our assholes certainly don’t need to get anymore of the memo. Let it go, whatever Harry does to Daniel Stone is more than he deserves with a side of extra. The bloke made his bed now let him shit in it.” He finished with a growl, standing up to head outside again, leaving me alone on the couch.

“Why does this all sound so nonproductive?” I murmured, standing up at the same time Harry came back downstairs.

“She’s asleep, I’ll ask her when she wakes up.” Harry decided, walking past me casually and back toward the cellar.

“Sounds like a plan, Stan – though, not too sure she’ll want it back once she finds out what you plan to do with it. Meanwhile out of pervertsville, Zayn Malik is gonna go have a bloody smoke. Preferably finding something stronger than a cigarette after this bullocks.” I decided, commentating sarcastically while walking toward the door.

*

Louis POV:

Hours passed slowly and Sophia could be heard stirring. At first it was subtle footsteps but then she came into view. Her face tired but her posture slightly more relaxed.

“Sleep well, princess?” I questioned, standing up from the couch and walking in front to meet her stare. She paused at the bottom before simply nodding.

“Are you guy’s hungry? I’m going to warm up the food from earlier.” She questioned, making me roll my eyes.

“Whatever. Sure.” I shrugged, turning from her and back down on the couch before I’m reminded of Harry’s request. He sure is persistent on that curling iron. “Soph, Harry needs to borrow a curling iron – well, more on the lines of keep as…never mind, do you have one he can have?” I asked, watching her turn around.

“Yeah! I’ll go and get it – are you sure he wants to keep it? Doesn’t he have –“

I decide to cut her off.

“Flower? He’ll buy you a new one. With what he wants it for you aren’t gonna want it back. Take my word for it, now enough jabber; go get it.” I nodded to the steps and watched her more than confused form disappear up it once again.

It was another few minutes but she came back down with a professional iron – a nice, red, shiny one. About as red as Daniel’s ass is going to be.

“Tell Harry to be extra careful, it heats up to about 650 degrees and can fry his hair if he’s not watching.” Sophia warned and I merely chuckled and took it from her.

“Somehow, darling, I don’t think Harry has much to worry about in that department.”

She gave me an inquisitive look but choose to simply go into the kitchen to heat up the left over stew. I didn’t mind, we hadn’t eaten since the fish cart with booker.

I walked out to the cellar, hearing nothing but silence to follow. Daniel must still be out.

“Harry? You awake, mate?” I called, seeing him laid up in a fold out chair, his knee folded into his chest and his one arm resting against it.

“Sleep? What the bloody fuck’s that?” He glowered, his green eyes darkening.

“Hold the devil personality in mate until I leave. Just thought I should let you know I scored you the curling iron. Sophia told me that it reaches up to 650 degrees, so, watch your hair.” I repeat in a mocking tone.

Harry raised his eyebrows.

“You do know I’m –“He began but I shushed hm. My ass cheeks were already clenched. I did not need a detailed play by play.

“Tut, tut. I don’t wanna know. I’m simply repeating Sophia’s message – oh and you owe her a new curling iron when this is all over mate. Though, most curious – how are going to keep him quiet enough to…to…well – you know what? I don’t want to know after all. Ignorance is bliss and I’m a very bloody happy and blissful person without knowing. Excuse me, I’m going to skip off now and sing somewhere over the rainbow.” I respond sarcastically turn to leave but he clears his throat and I know that isn’t him clearing it out for the hell of it – I know it was a specific order. I turn back around with a roll of my eyes. “Yes, Master Harry? How may I serve you this evening?”

“Cut out the sarcasm, Louis,” Harry growled darkly, grabbing the iron. “I need your help getting Stone’s pants off.”

“Yeah? No. I’d rather gouge my own eyes out than see anything that sick pedophile has.” I reply calmly, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Tough shit. It’s not a request, mate.” Harry responds, heading back over to the tied up Stone – his belt already undone. Apparently that was Harry’s attempt at removing his trousers but hey, what the fuck do I know?

“You loosened his belt, awesome. What are you gonna do? Give the bloke head? For God sakes, Harry – think clearly about this! If Sophia sees or hears –“I start but then I hear another person clear their throat – this one is quite timid and unless Zayn tapped into his feminine side…

I turn around just because I have anything lack thereof to do evidently and see that it is Sophia Stone and she looks lost.

“Harry? Louis? What’s going on?” She asks between us. It takes her a moment but she sees the scene fully in front of her and has pieced it together in her mind because a second later her beautiful blue eyes were popping out of her pretty little head.

“Took you long enough.” I roll my eyes but she ignored me.

Her father, buckle loosened, Harry, curling iron and both of us arguing about pulling his trousers down – did I miss anything?

“Harry?” She swallows, her eyes going back and forth like a wall clock.

“Go inside, Sophia. Now.” Harry orders her calmly.

“No! You can’t do that!” She pleads but he ignores her and finds an outlet to plug the curler in, turning it on a moment later.

“Harry? Please! This isn’t right! There’s another way!” She pleads with him but I saw no wavering emotion in Harry’s eyes and knew he had made his mind up.

“Louis? Escort Ms. Stone back into the lodge, it’s getting quite chilly out here and I don’t want her getting sick.” Harry eyed me with a nod of finality. Meaning I was to come right back.

“NO!” Sophia yelled but when I walked to her and picked her up bridal styles, and headed back into the house, she didn’t resist but she did cry.

“Daniel is an asshole and a monster but he is still human. You have to get Harry to give us this idea, Louis, please!” Sophia begged.

I looked down at her with defeat but looked up again when I saw Zayn coming through the doo- no, stumbling. My mistake.

Instead of verbalizing words I walked Sophia over to Zayn and he held his hands out to take her as I placed her into them.

“We’re taking care of Daniel – keep Sophia here, she’s a bit misguided tonight and forgets that the man she calls a father grabbed her breast and bruised her. He hurt her and now, Harry simply wants to make it right. I mean it, keep her here.” I pointed at Zayn – holy shit, he looked plastered.

“No problem, mate.” Zayn nodded while I turned away and back to the cellar, Sophia’s pleas following my ears as I went.

Notes