***Trigger warning towards the end of the chapter. Not recommended for young readers or anyone who is triggered by violent situations. I'm not a big fan of giving away spoilers in my stories, but I think this is an important advisement. The original version of this chapter included very little detail. It's a really sensitive topic and I emotionally struggled writing it. After a year's worth of personal growth and reflection, I emerged with renewed confidence. All of the important details that I was terrified to put into words have finally came out and I'm ready to share with you. I hope you enjoy the rebooted version of this chapter, it's extremely imperative to the story line.***

The room is illuminated by the Los Angeles sunrise; it's a heavenly way to wake up. The layered oranges and yellows birthed from the sun is stunning. There's no need for a mirror to tell me there's a goofy grin on my face, I'm sublimely happy.

My gaze shifts from enjoying what's beyond the large windows, to memorizing Harry's perfect body, it's unbelievable how beautiful he is. I spoon him and gently strum my fingers over his inked and tanned skin, subtly trying to wake him up. He stretches his body then rolls over to face me.

"Good morning Darling, why are you awake so early?"

"No particular reason, other than enjoying the view." I say with a coy smile.

He slowly blinks, proudly grinning at me. I'm not sure if his pride is stemmed from owning this picturesque view, or the fact I'm awake so early. Maybe a little of both, he knows I'm not an early riser.

"The sunrise is beautiful, isn't it?"

"Yeah it is, but I was admiring more than just the sunrise."

I smile as I graze my thumb across his blushing cheek.

"I could get used to this morning routine. Waking up next to my stunning girlfriend, listening to her tender voice." He chuckles as he traces the outline of my neck and collarbone. "What should we do today? Hm?"

"I'd love to stay in bed all day, but I need to stop by my place and pick up some things. That's assuming you still want me to stay until Friday."

I give him a cheeky smile as I erupt in laughter. His slender fingers are tickling my sides. Burying his face in the crook of my neck, he's nibbling on my skin and giggling right along with me. I love his playful nature, even this early in the day, only Harry can turn me into a morning person.

"You're crazy woman, of course I want you to stay."

Running his fingers through my hair and pulling me closer, his sweet lips massage mine creating sparks of pleasure all over my body.

"I love you Beautiful."

"I love you too Handsome."

I brush away the hair that's fallen into his eyes to get a clear view of his face.

"Let's get ready, we can figure out what we wanna do later."

Chivalrously kissing me on the back of my hand, he leads me from the bed. Once standing, he wraps his arms around my waist.

"Yes ma'am you're the boss."

"Maybe for now, but I'm sure you'll change your mind later in the day."

He gives me one more sensual kiss then playfully spanks me.

"See, I told you."

He runs to his closet flashing his celebratory dimpled grin. After rummaging around, he emerges with two of his t-shirts, tossing one of them my way.

"Here, take this. I want you to wear something of mine."

"You better watch what you wish for, before you know it, I'll hijack all your hoodies."

"Not the hoodies." He playfully begs.

"Yes, the hoodies."

"Fine, we can share them."

I'm more than pleased with this deal. His alluring scent lingers on his clothes, it'll comfort me like a warm blanket even when he's not around.

"I wanna try one now."

With a quirky smile he grabs one from the closet, then rushes back to me.

"Arms up Babe."

Pulling it over my head, he seals his work with a quick kiss.

"Is that better?"

"It's perfect."

***

When we walk into my house, it's empty and eerily quiet. Sam is at work and not due home for another hour or two, depending on the ridiculous LA traffic. And of course, the girls aren't home either. There's something making me feel shifty and uncomfortable, but I'm sure I'm just imagining this heavy energy, so I shake it off and lead Harry by the hand to my room.

He sits on my bed giggling at my flustered expression. I run my fingers along the hangers several times as if that'll help me decide what to pack. I'm not making much headway.

"It's a little difficult to pack clothes when I have no idea we'll be doing. I seriously don't have a clue."

Harry's sitting on the edge of my bed with a devilish grin and a cheeky glint in his eyes.

"I have a solution to your problem. You don't need to wear clothes. I have no problem with you running around the house naked. I've planned several activities for us, none of which require clothing."

He playfully wiggles his eyebrows at me.

I cross the room shaking my head. My index finger traces him from the nape of his neck then over his jawline. Straddling his lap and passionately kissing, I'm in charge. Making him moan into my mouth. Raising his hips to grind his center up on me. His brow begins to sweat as he tries desperately to remove my shirt and take control.

Removing my lips, I put my hands on his chest to playfully push him away. Holding his hands down he huffs in playful protest.

"I bet you thought you'd convinced me to go sans clothes. You cannot seduce me that easily young man." I wag my finger at him. "No sir, we're going out today, and clothes are required."

He groans as I climb off his lap.

"Woman you're a tease."

He chuckles with hurried breaths.

"I keep things interesting though, don't I?"

"You make a valid point." He grins because he knows it's worth the wait. "I tell you what, just bring casual clothes, one dress to go out to dinner some night, no panties and no night clothes."

Harry eagerly awaits my response.

"You're impossible, you know that?" I roll my eyes. "Alright Mr. Styles I'll make you a deal, no night clothes, but I'm bringing underwear for when we're out of the house."

I wink at him flirtatiously.

"Ok, I can live with that. My favorite thing is lying naked in bed with you."

He snickers celebrating his victory.

"I'm quite fond of that myself. I feel safe in your arms, you couldn't pay me enough money to stay away."

He smiles at me endearingly, while sitting patiently on the end of my bed. There's a genuine desire within him to make the people around him feel safe. It's one of his specialties, there's no denying he's a pillar of protection against the bullshit from my past. He'd never allow any harm to come to me, or the girls.

I believe that wholeheartedly, unfortunately I still feel on edge today. After years of walking on eggshells I've developed a sick sense when something terrible is going to happen. I'm rarely wrong, but I remind myself that I have no reason to worry. I swallow the jagged pill of fear, ignoring the warning signs going off in my brain.

"You want something to eat? We didn't have breakfast and I'm starving."

"Yeah, I'm pretty hungry too. I don't think we have much in the kitchen though. With the girls being gone for the week, Sam and I didn't see the point in doing a bunch of shopping. We could go out for lunch when we leave."

"I'll go and grab us some lunch while you finish packing? We could have a picnic in the backyard, it'll be fun. What are you hungry for?"

"I don't know, surprise me."

"You got it Babe; I'll be back soon. I love you."

He leans down and kisses me on my forehead before heading out the door.

"I love you too."

***

Harry's been gone for almost an hour and I'm still trying to find the perfect outfits. I have no idea why I'm so concerned about it; he really seems to enjoy just casually hanging out with me. I think spending time without designer clothes gives him a sense of normalcy, and I'm more than happy to offer him that feeling.

After a few moments of contemplation, a new wave of unease comes crashing over me. I don't know what it is, but there's no escaping this feeling, something is terribly wrong.

"Hello Willow...I see you're packing a bag to go stay with your boy toy. You should be ashamed of yourself, you're a fucking slut."

My heart stops, I turn to the sound of James' angry and condescending tone. The hair on my arm prickles from the terror that's spread through my body.

"James, what are you doing here? Where are the girls?" I stammer. "And I don't recall ever giving you permission to walk into my house uninvited either."

"I don't need your fucking permission for anything."

He seems more agitated than usual and it's making me panic. The only exit from my room is blocked and my phone is sitting on my dresser which is near the door. I have no way out without walking past him, and something's telling me he's spiraling out of control real fast. I don't feel safe alone with him, yet I'm feeling bolder than normal. Harry is helping me learn to be assertive and stand up for myself. That's why I attempt to put James in his place.

"Actually, you do need permission and I asked you where the girls are."

"Shut the fuck up Willow!" He screams. "Don't worry about them, they're at your neighbor's playing."

He crosses the room getting less than an inch from my face.

"You need to listen to me you little bitch..."

"You're fucking drunk, I can smell liquor on your breath. Did you seriously get yourself inebriated and drive the car with my children in it?"

He smacks me across the face making my cheek throb.

"Fuck off Willow. I have something to say to you."

"Just go back to your hotel and sleep this off. Leave the girls here for tonight."

"I'm not going anywhere. I hope you know I don't approve of your reckless behavior. You're screwing this son of a bitch who's much younger than you and it's everywhere on social media. Considering you don't know how to keep your legs closed, Lark and Lily are gonna live with me. It's obvious you don't know how to be a responsible mother."

My usual instinct in situations like this is to cower and cry, but I don't want to be that scared woman anymore. I'm not her, she's dead and gone, I've fucking buried her. It's time that he understands he can't bully me anymore. 

"What the fuck are you talking about James? Who cares if he's younger than me? We're both consenting adults and it's none of your damn business."

I huff out a deep breath and I can see a fire brewing within him, but I refuse to back down.

"You know damn well Lark and Lily aren't living with you and your best friend Jack Daniels. Your sobriety has flown out the window, it's time you learn to handle your emotions like an adult. Stop throwing a tantrum and get the fuck out of here until you sober up and calm down."

I spit my anger fueled words at him, but it doesn't take long to figure out that I should've just kept my mouth shut. His general pattern is to throw things and get rough during sex leaving me to be a tearful mess and completely unsatisfied. However, this time he's ready to prove a point, which means his violence is escalating quickly.

You can't reason with this level of crazy. I should know better, it's not unlike him to get physical with me, especially when he's drunk. James hitting me is the only thing I've ever been dishonest with Harry about; he asked me if he ever laid a hand on me and I lied.

I don't even know why, maybe I just wanted to forget about it. Or possibly, deep down I knew Harry would destroy him and I'm still blindly accepting the blame for being abused, which is pathetic. Either way, I'm getting ready to relive moments from my past that I thought I'd never have to experience again.

He wraps his fingers around my neck, using his grip to repeatedly bang my head against the wall. I scream, begging him to stop, I even apologize hoping that'll get him away from me. My apology is the furthest thing from sincere, but I don't know what else to do.

The more I physically struggle the tighter he squeezes; doing his best to restrict my airway. He's trying to scare me and prove his dominance. I've lost this battle because I'm utterly terrified. I feel myself slipping back into the victim role, blaming myself for his behavior.

During our marriage it was typical of me to believe I deserved this, as if the universe was punishing me for something I'd done terribly wrong. I could never figure out what I was being punished for, but that didn't matter, I never stopped looking. His drunken and abusive dialogue was always the same and I can hear it ringing in my ears once again.

I wouldn't act this way if you'd learn to fucking listen and do what you're told.

The rational part of my brain is screaming at me to push those thoughts away. I can imagine the words Harry would say to me, I use them to continue fighting.

You deserve to be treated like a queen my love. I'll never treat you otherwise.  

The hand that's not around my throat punches me in the face. I can taste iron from the blood mixed with the salt from my tears. Stomach acid is rising and I'm on the verge of throwing up.

"Shut up and stop fucking moving."

"James, please stop."

My plea does nothing but further constrict my breathing. My tears and words agitate him further. The lack of oxygen and blows to my head are making the room hazy. Again, I hear Harry's voice in my mind, I suppose it's a means of self-preservation.

I've got you Angel, keep fighting for me. I need you to stay awake.

"You think you can do whatever you want, but you're wrong. Don't forget you were mine first, I own you bitch!"

I've yet to stop fighting, but I don't have much left to give. Not only am I horrified for my safety, but for Lark and Lily as well. He's obviously capable of extreme violence without justifiable provocation. If he leaves me unconscious, he could take them and disappear forever.

His hand still around my throat, he lifts me from the ground. I'm kicking my legs and clawing my fingernails into his flesh. Praying somehow this will loosen his grip, but he just squeezes tighter.

Even with my vision becoming blurred I can clearly see his dilated pupils fueled with rage, and the demonic smile resting on his lips. All I can muster is the word please, my voice is barely a whisper and completely unrecognizable. My thoughts are racing, and I'm scared the girls will come home. They'd never be able to unsee this, it would scar them for life.

"You're gonna stop seeing Harry, do you understand me?"

I'm moments away from blacking out but I refuse to give up. I blink my eyes trying to stay conscious. I don't answer him because I can't speak, there's no air.

"Fucking answer me damnit."

He slams my head against the wall again. Glass shatters to the floor, he smashed my head into the corner of a picture frame. My tears become heavier, and if it wasn't for my daughters and Harry I'd wish for my death, all I want is for this torture to end.

Stay strong Angel...

Somehow, I'm able to conjure up the feeling of Harry squeezing my hand; one, two, three. It provides me the comfort I need to survive. His presence feels like it's always with me, so I shut the tears off and challenge James with a death stare and a twisted smirk.

"You think this is funny you little bitch?"

He tosses my body to the floor like a rag doll. I swear if this had happened a couple weeks ago, I would've never made it this far, I would've given up. But Harry won't let me, he makes me feel brave...or maybe I'm just stupid and I should stop provoking him.

This isn't your fault Baby. Please stay strong for me...for the girls.

He climbs over me straddling my lap. One hand snatching me by my hair slamming my head onto the floor while the other gropes my body. I'm absolutely disgusted with his hands touching me, and the tears start flowing again.

"If you wanna play these games, maybe I should take back what's mine. You want to be a little slut? I guess I'll have my way with you then. Hm?"

"Please James, stop."

He bangs my head on the floor again then slaps me. The pain is pulsating, and I can feel the imprint of his hand on my cheek. It's like hot coals scorching my skin. His whiskey tainted breath is so close to my face I can almost taste it. He's trying to rip my clothes from me while I struggle beneath him. I figure if I fight long enough Harry will come and stop him.

"Stop fucking moving, I'm not going to tell you again."

He works on unbuckling his belt, then unbuttons his jeans. I hear the zipper being pulled down making me scream for some sort of mercy. At this point I'm pleading for my life and dignity, while slowly losing consciousness. Honestly, the only thing keeping me coherent right now is my will to stop him from completely violating me. I'm able to still mutter a few more words.

"Please don't do this James."

"You know what happens when you fight me. I take what I want, because little whores like you don't get the option of saying no."

"You can't have me."

"Yes, actually I can. And I hope that little boyfriend of yours walks in and sees how pathetic you are. I'm pretty sure he won't have anything to do with you when I'm through. You're trash Willow, you always have been. You're lucky I'll even touch you; you disgust me. The only reason I've considered putting my cock in you is to teach you a lesson. And besides, I'm just doing him a favor by showing him that he's mindlessly fucking a filthy whore."

"Please no..." I scream through strangled tears.

I'm not sure if I'm imagining things, but I'm relieved when I see the silhouette of Harry's lengthy figure running through the doorway. Everything in his hands has dropped to the floor. He looks terrified, and I can sense a fierce rage in him that I never thought possible, especially coming from such a gentle man. Never has any moment felt like it was happening so dangerously slow, while my thoughts raced entirely too quick.

"What the fuck are you doing?"

James is surprised by the demanding tenor in Harry's voice. He's distracted long enough for his calloused hands to release me. Harry grabs him by the throat, throwing his body across the room, then quickly pinning him to the floor. I can tell it's taking every ounce of his resolve to not kill him.

My body slumps lifelessly on the floor as I watch them struggle. Harry's fist collides with his face when James tries to slip away.

"I'm gonna fucking kill you."

"I'd like to see you try...Mate"

James says mockingly, making sure to over enunciate the T. He hasn't realized quite yet that antagonizing Harry isn't a good idea. The only thing he's accomplishing with his words and sick twisted smile, is taking one step closer to a death sentence, with Harry being the executioner. It's revolting that he appears to be enjoying all of this.

"I'm not your mate. And you will never touch her again, she's not a piece of property. Do you understand me?"

"Fuck off. I own her, I always have. She's pathetic, look at her."

Harry throws another punch with James still pinned to the ground.

"Shut your fucking mouth. You could have killed her you son of a bitch!"

"I wish I would've, you prick. It's a little ironic that you're so hell bent on fighting me while she could be bleeding to death on the floor."

He punches him again, and through my tears I can see blood coming from his lip and nose, which gives me a bit of morbid satisfaction.

"Your mind games won't work on me James. You're not leaving this place unless it's in handcuffs or a body bag. If I let you go, you'll take off with Lark and Lily and she'll never see them again. It's not happening."

"You're crazy, you British fuck!"

He hits him again; James has become his human punching bag. And I don't think there's any intention for that to end until he shuts up.

"Trying to rape and kill your ex-wife is crazy. It's not crazy to protect the woman you're in love with."

"Ha, love...that little tramp is impossible to love. She doesn't deserve it."

He hits him again while trying to dig his phone from his pocket.

"You just don't know when to quit, do you James?"

Harry's eyes are seething with anger and emotional pain as he draws his attention back to me.

"Angel, it's gonna be ok, I'm not going to let him hurt you anymore. I'm so sorry Baby."

His eyes are filled with tears, doing everything he can to compose himself. My ears are ringing, and Harry's words barely register anymore. I faintly hear footsteps running down the hallway.

"Oh my god, what the fuck is going on?"

Sam glances over at Harry holding James to the ground.

"Thank god you're here Sam. Please go check on Willow, take my phone and call the police."

Harry is sobbing through his words but determined to keep him pinned until the police show up.

Sam kneels by my side after grabbing a towel. She puts pressure on the back of my head to stop the bleeding. I know it's severe, there's a puddle on the floor by my face. My tears continue; I think I'm in shock because the physical pain has subsided. The only thing I'm left with is emotional agony.

"I'm so scared."

"Willow, sweetheart it's gonna be ok. Harry isn't letting him go and I'm not leaving you. I promise."

She quickly dials 911, tears are streaming down everyone's face except for James.

"Harry, do you know where the girls are?" Sam asks in desperation.

He looks down at James, his eyes threatening that he better speak up.

"They're next door. And fuck you both, they're my daughters."

Sam keeps the paramedics on the line with Harry's phone and uses her own to call Amber, our neighbor. She lays the phone on the floor. It's on speaker and I can vaguely hear both sides of the conversation. She's sobbing, trying to explain the watered-down version of what's happening.

"I'll get the kids in the car and take them to the park or something before rescue arrives. Don't worry Sam, I'll handle this. Just get him out of there and keep me updated."

"Thanks Amber, we owe you one."

"You don't owe me anything. I'm glad that someone was there to stop him."

"Me too, I'll call in a couple hours after we get her to the hospital."

Sam runs to the bathroom to get more towels. I'm alone on the floor and terrified. I attempt to crawl a bit closer to Harry, but James tries to grab me. All it takes is that one move, and the tender man I love, uses his elbow to violently collide with the bridge of his nose, knocking him out cold.

The moment Harry is assured James is no longer conscious, he scrambles towards me. He wraps his arms around my limp body with my head resting on his lap. Taking my hand squeezing gently; one, two, three. The feeling of his hand in mine makes me feel like I'm safe again. I know he'll never stop protecting me.

"Willow, I need you to stay awake for me, okay? Can you do that Baby Girl? Help will be here soon; they'll get him out of here and take care of you. I love you so much."

With tears falling he squeezes my hand again; one, two, three. I lift my head and with my impaired vision I look into his beautiful eyes.

"I love you too Harry."

As the words finish leaving my mouth, my head collapses and everything goes black.