Trigger warning: This chapter addresses issues of sexual assault and may be upsetting for some readers.

Dear Jen,

                 What did I do wrong? I haven't seen Harry in two days and today—according to your instructions—we're headed to Berlin. Our flight leaves in five hours and the cab taking us to the airport is due in just two.

Where the fuck is he?

"Drink?"

An attractive man with an Italian accent leans on the bar and smirks.

"Umm—"

"I couldn't possibly let a woman as beautiful as you drink alone."

Holy shit—he's flirting with me, Jen!

"Thanks."

I let him order me a red wine, figuring he knows more about Italian beverages than me. I carefully watch him as the bartender hands him my glass, not trusting him to not spike my drink. He may be attractive, but that doesn't mean he's not sketchy AF!

"What is your name?" he asks.

"Anna. You?"

He smiles. "Lorenzo."

I accept my drink and sip on the fruity concoction. "Thanks."

Jen—seriously—he's HOT!!!!

"Just arrived?" asks Lorenzo, gesturing towards my suitcase.

"Leaving, actually," I reply.

His dark brown hair blows in the early afternoon breeze, ruining the neat style he had going on in the most delightful way possible. I suddenly have the urge to run my fingers though each knot in an attempt to make it even messier.

"That's a shame." His emerald green eyes narrow as he frowns. "I suppose we'll just have to make do with the time we've got."

"Two hours," I inform. "I'm leaving for the airport in two hours."

He taps his chin, contemplating possible steps.

Is this the distraction I need, Jen? Will Lorenzo help me forget about Harry?

"Come!" he says, beautiful smile in tow. "You have not experienced Rome without trying Mama's famous gelato."

I have no idea what prompts me to follow him, Jen but one minute I'm sat nursing a delicious wine at the hotel bar, and the next, I'm licking chocolate ice cream from my fingers.

"You like?" he asks.

"Very much so," I reply, smiling.

I check my watch and notice an hour has gone by.

"I better be getting back," I say, wiggling my suitcase to emphasise my point. "Don't want to miss my flight."

"Or, we could go back to mine?"

Oh no...

"I'll pass, thanks."

"Oh come on," he responds. "I'll take you to the airport afterwards."

Charming!

"No, thanks."

"It'll be fun," he says.

"I said no!"

I turn in the direction we came from and find my path is blocked by his towering frame. "I bought you ice cream."

"And that means I owe you, does it?" I snap, attempting to push past.

He grabs my arm and twists on it forcefully.

Shit—Jen—help me!

"You do owe me!" he snarls, all concern for spacial awareness gone.

His breath spreads against my cheek, making my stomach churn. His hand—the one not currently being used to restrain me—travels up my leg, towards my thigh.

"Stop it!" I warn, frantically thinking through my options.

The area we're in is pretty secluded and I'm only now just realising how stupid I am for following him here.

"Quiet!" he demands, advancing further up my leg.

I continue my struggle, unprepared to go down without a fight. Yes—I followed him here and yes—that was my choice, but that does not mean I fucking asked for this.

Not again, Jen. I can't let this happen again.

"HELP!"

His gaze locks with mine, furious. "I told you to be quie—"

Lorenzo is knocked to the ground, unconscious. Harry towers over him, breathless from his encounter with my attacker.

"Are you okay?" he asks, taking one look at my horrified expression and capturing my face. "Did he hurt you?"

I shake my head.

"Did he touch you?"

I nod."

"Motherfucker!" Harry turns towards his slumped body and drags him up by his collar. "You worthless piece of shit!" he snarls.

I desperately pull on his arm, sure I can see bad intent behind his eyes.

I've never seen him like this before, Jen.

"Harry, don't!"

"You think you can sexually assault women and get away with it?" he questions.

Sirens blare in the distance and I've never felt so relieved.

"Give me one reason why I shouldn't kill you."

Oh my God!

"Harry, PLEASE!"

"JUST ONE!" he yells, murderous.

Lorenzo isn't even responding. He's still unconscious from the first punch.

"Harry," I plead, tears soaking my cheeks. "Please, I need you!"

In an instant, Lorenzo is dropped to the floor and Harry takes me into his arms. His warmth immediately engulfs me, making me feel safe. Protected.

Is this how you felt, Jen?

He holds me tighter when the police arrive, shielding me from having to look Lorenzo in the eye again. His delicate fingers trace my spine in circular motions, no doubt in an attempt to comfort me.

"You're okay," he soothes, whispering in my ear. "You're safe now."

I burry my face further into his chest and cling to his shoulders, never wanting to let go. I hate to admit it, but this is the safest I've felt in a very long time. Perhaps ever?

"Mr. Hudson?" A man I recognise as the person who served me my drink back at the hotel approaches. "The police have asked to speak with Anna?"

Harry's grip on me tightens.

"They'll need a statement."

"Okay," he replies, pulling back just enough so that he can look at me as he speaks, but still hold onto me.

"H—how did you know where to find me?" I ask, dizzy from all the crying.

"Someone at the bar recognised Lorenzo. He's a knows sex offender," he explains. "Currently serving parole."

I scoff.

"Carlo—the bartender—overheard him saying he was taking you to Mama's Galeto. He called the police and got me straight away. He knows we're travelling together.

Oh.

"My guess is they'll need you to testify in order to put him back in jail."

"No, I can't!" I protest, freaking out. "They wont believe me!"

They didn't the first time, Jen.

"Please!"

"It's okay. I'll be with you," he assures, hugging me again. "I'll be there the entire time."

"B-but the flight."

"We'll catch the next one," he says, wiping the hair out of my eyes. "It's important you tell them what happened. What he did—" He pauses. "Wasn't your fault, but you can make sure it doesn't happen again."

I sob.

"I'm sorry to put that amount of pressure on you," he says, resting his forehead against mine. "But I know you can do it. You're the bravest person I know, Anna."

I take a moment to bask in his declaration. His honesty. No one has every called me brave.

Except for you, Jen.

Is that how he really sees me, or is he just saying that to make me feel better? Either way, he's right. If me providing a statement is what it'll take to get Lorenzo off of the streets, then so be it.

This time, I wont be so scared.

This time, I wont be silenced.

Lots of love,

Anna xx