The Only Exception (H. Styles/ Bwwm)

Chapter Twenty Three

He seemed a bit upset but, he didn't move. His hands stayed on my thigh but, his grip tightened.

"So let me get this straight, you said it because it's true but not in love?" He asked and before I spoke he spoke up again cutting me off. "When you said it, what did you think would happen? We would go back to the way things were?" "Honestly, I wasn't sure Harry" I whispered watching him waiting for something.

No, I wasn't saying I didn't want him, I just wanted things to go slowly. No pressure, no expectations just yet.

"I want to know" was all he said waiting as I sat there a bit uneasy and slightly nervous. This is what I ran from. But, I couldn't run anymore, not again. I just had to be open and honest with Harry. He deserved that.

I looked down at his hand taking a deep breath "You know I do have feelings for you but, I don't know how to do this" he chuckled making me look up to him seeing him smiling. That was a bit of relief.

"So you can be intimate but, romantic or anything close to that is bad, pure evil?" He joked and I rolled my eyes pulling away but he quickly pulled me back and now onto his lap. I didn't even try to fight it, just tried to keep a straight face. I knew he was just kidding but, did he understand it. He always played it off like it was no big deal but, would hide his true feelings.

He kissed my cheek as I looked down at his chain playing at it.

"You act like I know about relationships and stuff. You know I don't do this" "Because of your parents and Mason" he whispered out making me freeze. I didn't respond feeling a ping in my heart. He knew it was something I didn't want to talk about ever yet, here he was bringing it up.

"You saw what could happen in a relationship and backed away from the entire thing. You know it doesn't have to always be that way right? You're dad messed up but, your mother forgave him Renny. Mason was just an asshole too" he whispered out but, I still couldn't make the eye contact.

"Still hurts her..." I whispered.

Mason was a different story.

Fell in love and he shattered me. It's like a child touching a stove and it burns them bad. They won't ever touch it again and that was that. It's something I don't want to have to endure again and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Heartbreak can destroy you or change you.

Gave him my virginity and the next day he broke up with me and was onto the next girl.

It didn't fully change me but it did change my thoughts on love. Love existed but, just didn't work for me. I could show Harry how much he meant to me without hesitation but he wanted more. More than I was ready to give.

This wasn't the same as four years ago though, that's what mattered right?

He seemed a bit hurt and nervous watching me quietly as he touched my hands gently. He was serious now "You think I would ever hurt you?" he whispered out demanding and I shook my head "No but, things change in relationship-" "That depends on the person, it doesn't have to change. Exclusive with the person you love, don't cheat, make each other a priority. What is really going to change?" He asked and I couldn't respond. It depended on the person but, nothing is permanent, I didn't know the future. Neither did he.

I looked over to Gabby happily coloring and he turned my head back to look into his soft green eyes. I didn't want to tell him no, because I didn't want to but, I wasn't sure if I was ready for that step. I knew he understood that but, he was going to push for it.

"I think we should give it a try. You want me, and you know I want you... Always have" he whispered in the softest voice ever. I knew this was a lot to him. He did it before and was denied and here he was doing it again but, he was determined even more.