Saving Riley

44

James' POV

It's been several hours since we all left the Victory Party. The guys got rid of George although we all know he'll be back soon. The rest of us headed to Riley's. I knew for a fact she wouldn't want to be alone but I also know for a fact that they wouldn't take no for an answer
"Is she okay?" Theo asked as I walked back into the living room after helping Riley into bed
I looked at the gang in front of me. Being Okay was not on Riley's agenda and I couldn't blame her
"Of course she isn't" Luke said hitting his arm gently
"We all know Riley, she's a tough cookie" Eldon said offering me a smile
"Exactly, give her some time and she'll be back kicking us all down a few pegs" West said
These guys were our family, if you had told me at the age of 15 I would have met these guys and they would have had this much of an effect on my life. I would have laughed in your face
I glanced over at Michelle who was giving me a worried smile and I can't blame her
"She's okay Michelle" I said causing everyone to shift their gaze to her

After speaking to Miss Kate about the plans for the studio over A-Troupe's break she informed me Riley had some spare Holiday time if she wanted a break as well. So that is exactly what we are doing. Riley is just unaware
Miss Kate told me she would handle all the phone calls with the One to Ones. Now it's just me and Ri
She was not okay though, she was struggling a lot
"Riley" I asked coming into her bedroom again, she laid in the exact place I had left her. She hadn't moved even in the slightest
"Babe" I asked moving the hair away from her face
"I'm so sorry" She cried, I looked at her confused but rather then asking anything else, I scooped her into my arms holding her close
"You have nothing to be sorry for Ri" I whispered placing kisses on her cheek
"I'm sorry" She continued to cry, no matter how many time I tell her. She won't listen and I can't blame her
"Why don't we have a nice night in? Just the two of us, I can run you a bath. Cook us some food then we can hop into bed watching a film?" I offered, Riley shrugged nuzzling into my chest more
I hated seeing here this way, I hate how he made her feel, I hate that I ever let him lay a hand on her
"I love you" She whispered
"I love you too Ri" I replied before leaning down to press our lips together which made her smile
I'll do anything I can right now to make her feel safe, secure and happy 

Riley's POV

I want to kill him, I was to physically wrap my hands around his neck and watch the life drain from him. I can't do this. I shouldn't be thinking like this about anyone 
"Ri, I've put some clothes outside the door for you" James called knocking on the bathroom door
I smiled to myself hearing his voice
James, once again, was there when I needed him the most. I don't know what I ever did to deserve him
I thought I had lost him after the Alfie debacle. I hurt James in ways I didn't ever want to. I made him feel like a second choice, like there was someone better for me but I was so wrong. I can blame it on clouded judgment but that isn't the case at all
I was a bitch to him
I don't deserve him at all
But it makes me appreciate him even more

I got out of the bath picking up the clothes that James had left me. Holding them up I smiled. It was his old shirt and a pair of his old joggers. One's he used to wear to dance all the damn time. Bet your ass as soon as he grew out of them I swiped them up before he even had a chance to throw them out
"They've always looked better on you" I hear James say as I walked out of the bedroom and into the living room
There James stood over the stove cooking, this boy may have almost failed maths back in school but his cooking skills are unbeatable
I smiled walking over to him, I place my arms around his torso while place my cheek flat on his back
"You feeling any better" He asked placing one hand on top of mine as we stayed in this position
"Thanks to you" I replied quietly. It's true, I don't know what I would be feeling right now if it wasn't for this boy
James turned around taking my arms off of his torso. He looked down at me and smiled before picking me up and placing me on the side so our faces were the same height 
"I love you" He replied while placing his arms around my waist, I leant forward pressing our foreheads together
"I love you too" I replied before looking him in the eyes
"Forever James" I whispered making him smile before pressing our lips together again
"You're my forever" I replied making him kiss me again
"You're my forever too Ri, It's always been you" He muttered against my lips