Saving Riley

9

Riley's POV

Did I just spill that all out, am I really about to finally walk away from him for good.. 
Of course James would be my saving grace
He is always there when I need him, no matter what we've done, no matter how much time has passed. It's him.. It's always been him
"You okay?" He asked. We stopped talking about it an hour ago and just stayed outside, mainly so I could calm down. I looked up at him and nodded before we both decided to head inside
"I'm gonna kill him" Luke said rising to his feet as we walked in
"Luke" James warned making him sit back down
"Riley, we had no idea" Theo said sweetly
I'm assuming Michelle filled them in
"It's okay, who was to know when I cut everyone off" I replied making the boys sigh
"Who cares, she is back where she belongs now!" Michelle said coming over to hug me, I smiled hugging her back
It's going to be along road but I'm sure with the help of everyone I can get through this
"What did he say when he was with you" I asked
"He said that he would be in town until he's spoken to you" James said as we sat on the sofa
"Then maybe it's worth me going to speak to him so he leaves?" I asked making James shake his head
"he ain't going anywhere near you" He said
"I wouldn't be alone obviously, I'd bring you with me and we could do it in a public place" I suggested, James looked at the boys before looking at me
"The boys are coming too" He said and I nodded. The more the merrier at this point. They know the damage anyway

--

I replied to Lucas' text and told him to meet us at the café down the road from the Studio. No point trying to hide that place since he has already been there 
"You okay Riley?" John asked noticing me fidgeting
"I'm great" I lied. James placed his arm around me looking down at me
"you aren't alone Ri, we are all here" he whispered
Michelle wanted to come and I love her for it but this man is a toxic one and I don't want him anywhere near her 
I hear the Café's bell ring once more meaning the door had opened and my breath hitched at the sight of him
He looked exactly the same, this month hadn't changed a thing
"I see you came home early" He sniggered, I could feel the boys shooting him glares and I can't blame them
"What are you doing here Lucas?" I asked and he looked at me sitting down at the table. I hate that he was walking around like he owned the place
"Well you see I thought about this little break up of yours and It's not happening" He chuckled, I looked at him trying to find something in me that could still fight, I looked over at James and I realised that was all I needed. I can fight especially with him by my side 
"The break up wasn't an optional thing. We're done" I replied and Lucas looked at me with his dark eyes. The dark eyes I used to be so scared of 
"You're always twisting things Riley. Go on tell me what I did" He laughed, the look on his face meant he wasn't going to down without a fight
"You know what you did and I don't need to repeat myself" I replied and he rolled my eyes
"If I was so terrible why did you agree to marry me" He asked
"Because I was trapped. I spent every day making excuses for you, thinking you loved me but in fact you just wanted to make sure I stayed" I said and he laughed
"I refuse to be your victim anymore" I replied standing up. As I did so did Lucas which in turn caused the boys to rise to their feet
"got yourself a little army is it Riley?" He asked, I looked back at the boys who had now formed a sort of wall around me
"Guess what" He whispered coming close to me, as soon as he was too close James stepped closer
"They can't protect you forever" Lucas said before turning on his heels and walking out the door 

I thought after the talk with him it would all be over, I thought he would go back to New York but I can't help but think this is the only start of the fight. He's not going anywhere anytime soon
"He's not going to do anything Riley. I won't let him" James said as we sat on the sofa in my flat
I looked at him and I really wanted to believe him but how could I? 
Lucas was out there and he was right. The boys couldn't be around to protect me 24/7 and I would never expect them to
One of these days I am going to have to face him alone and when that day comes, I don't know if I'll be strong enough to handle him

"You're welcome to stay if you'd like?" I said to James while we sat around eating food. Knowing James how I know him, the answer was obvious
"If you sure you are okay with that" He answered and I nodded
In all honesty, I would feel a lot safer knowing he is here
We continued to watch TV until my phone started to vibrate and that is when I see James' tagged me in a photo on Instagram.. Oh god that photo

James_95: I've never been more proud of this girl. Through all the years she's battled through a lot but this takes the win. @Riley_Ray You've got this, I promise x

I smiled over at James before giving him a gentle kick
"You couldn't have chosen a better picture?" I asked making him burst out laughing
"Yeah you are welcome Riley" he chuckled
"Plus I like that photo. It was the day you got to meet your favourite band" He teased
"You mean the day I completely embarrassed myself in front of them" I replied
"Hey you got to be the main focus of the video didn't you?" He asked and I shook my head
"WE were the main focus" I replied making him smile once again