Harry stood behind me in the mirror. I watched as his hands went behind his neck, fingers releasing the clasp of the silver chain. He had worn the necklace a number of times; I assumed the object held some significance to him. My voice remained quiet. I found my eyes fluttering closed as Harry dipped his head, his mouth nipping at my skin. I offered him more access, tilting my head away slightly. He took advantage of the opportunity, teeth lightly nibbling before swiping his tongue across my neck.
My eyes darted open when I felt the cool sliver touch my chest. Harry carefully attached the necklace round me before letting the paper plane pendant rest on my chest. He intently observed my actions in the reflection, trying to determine my reaction. My fingers went up to fiddle with the new addition round my neck.
"I-I..." My mouth unable to form words.
"I want you to have it." Harry whispered.
His curls tickled against my skin as he kissed my cheek.
"Harry." I spoke quietly.
"So that people know you're mine."
My body spun round in his hold.
"I-Is that the only reason you're taking me tonight, t-to show me off."
I pressed my hands to his chest, increasing the distance between us. He frowned at me, shaking his curls. A huff fell from my lips as I brushed past him towards my bedroom. I gasped when Harry slammed the door closed before I could exit; my body was forced up against it.
"You know damn well that's not why." His raspy voice holding annoyance.
"Then tell me."
His eyes darkened at my request, his level of irritation increasing. But I didn't care. My orbs watched, waiting for his lips to move but they didn't. He stayed silent. My gaze fell away from his face, not being able to bring myself to look at him. I shoved Harry away in aggravation. He allowed me to open the door and escape into my bedroom. I sat on the end of the mattress, looking down and fiddling with my hands. Harry slowly walked into the room. He hesitated for a moment before moving closer to me.
"I want you with me." Harry quietly spoke.
His large hands gripped my shoulders, gently pushing me back to the bed. Hovering over me, Harry's head dipped, nudging mine to the side. My eyes fluttered closed as his plump lips came to my ear.
"You're beautiful, intelligent." He kissed the spot just below my ear. "Cute. Flamboyant." I blushed, my cheeks tingling with heat as Harry chuckled. "Innocent." His voice lower and deeper than before. A gasp fell from my parted lips as a large, warm hand slid up the inside of my thigh. "Feisty." His tone became mischievous. My fingernails dug into his shoulder as his tongue ran a line down my chest. I felt Harry nibble the skin of my chest before taking the necklace pendant between his teeth, playfully tugging at it. He released it seconds later, watching it fall to my chest.
"I want you to have it." Harry paused. "T-To show how much I care about you." He spoke quietly.
Harry peered down at me, hesitant of my reaction. My heart fluttered at his words, a smile appearing on my face as my cheeks blushed. He looked a little relieved that I hadn't panicked a pushed him away. I raised my hand to his neck, gently pulling him down. My lips ghosted over his before moving to his ear.
"I care about you too." I whispered.
***
We had arrived at the event organised by Harry's friend, Zayn, about an hour ago. I had met him briefly once on the night at the club I had tried to push from my mind. It was held in a very modern art gallery. Zayn's striking work was displayed on the contrasting bland, white walls. I was introduced to a blur of people who I had no chance of remembering their names. It was busy in the vast exhibit, lots of people discussing the hung paintings. I was left to wander round as Harry went to get us drinks.
I found myself captivated by one particular picture. My eyes scanning over the dark colours. I stepped closer intrigued by the image in front of me. It was of two boys. The taller boys arms were wrapped protectively round the others smaller frame, his brown hair feathering in thebreeze. They held each other, almost as if they were afraid of letting go. My mouth fell open slightly as my gaze fixed on the boy. He was taller. His hair in dark curls. You weren't able to see their faces as they cuddled into each other. A darkened forest was the background to their loving embrace. The chosen location held something of an eerie nature.
"Here you go." Harry handed me a glass.
"I-I...."
"What?" He smiled.
I turned to the painting. He stood behind me, arms wrapping round my waist as he rested his chin on my shoulder. I felt Harry's hold tighten as he absorbed the image in front of us.
"Do you like it?"
I was startled as Zayn came to stand beside us. My head turned in his direction, Harry lifting his from my shoulder. I nodded.
"It's beautiful." I spoke. "They look like they're in love."
He smiled at my words, glancing to the painting then back to us.
"It's inspired by you...both of you." He nodded towards Harry and I.
I must have looked a little bewildered as I glanced back to the picture; Harry moved to stand the other side of me, our arms brushing. My mind jumped around trying to process the information. It was clear the curly haired boy wanted to protect the boy he held lovingly in his arms. He wanted to keep him safe. Harry.
"I'll see you both later." Zayn spoke, breaking the silence.
My focus was still on the painting as he walked away. Seconds later I felt a warm hand slowly travel down my arm. Harry entwined our fingers, squeezing gently. His thumb rubbed over my skin. My body subconsciously moved closer to his.
"Harry?!" A squeaky voice echoed.
He spun round, taking me with him as we watched a slender blond near closer. Her black dress was tight, leaving little to the imagination. Golden hair draped over one shoulder.
"Shit." Harry mumbled under his breath.
He gripped my hand tightly in his. I glanced up at him questionably before the female approached us. Her voice snapping my vision back to her.
"Oh my god, I can't believe it's you." She gushed.
My eyes took in her appearance, heavy make-up, large earrings. She would have been pretty if it weren't for the vast amount of cosmetics plastered over her face. I frowned as her hand playfully rested on Harry's chest as she not-so-subtly pushed her breasts out. There was something telling me she already knew Harry was attending the event. Her acting was quite unconvincing. I couldn't explain the feeling rushing through me. All I wanted to do was tell her not-so-politely to remove her touch from Harry.
"Hi Taylor." Harry greeted almost pained.
My lips parted slightly in disbelief as I watched her palm slowly slide down his long torso. The unnecessary, lingering touch irritating me. My eyes darted up to Harry, a wincing expression on his face.
"I haven't seen you in ages, where have you been hiding, gorgeous?" She suggestively asked.
Was I completely invisible to her? I cleared my throat, her sharp eyes then falling on me. A hint of annoyance crossed her features before she spoke.
"Who's this?"
Harry tugged my body a little closer; his other hand resting on my hip.
"This is Louis. Louis, Taylor." He gestured back and forth.
"Are you two... you know?"
My eyes widened slightly, she didn't beat around the bush. Her bluntness throwing me. Before either of us could answer someone called over to Harry. I recognised Zayns's voice as he asked for Harry to meet another one of his friends.
"I,umm..." Harry stuttered.
"Go, I'll look after him," Taylor instructed.
Thankfully the small scoff I released went unnoticed by Taylor who was currently grazing her lustful eyes up and down Harry's body. I didn't need anyone to "look after" me. I glanced to his face, his features holding uncertainty. Big green eyes flicked warily from me to Taylor.
"Go." She encouraged.
"I'll be back in a minute." He told me before placing a kiss on my cheek.
The smile faded from my face as Harry jogged away and I was left with the blond. She grabbed my hand, tugging me over to a bench positioned to view the artwork on the walls. Taylor immediately dropped the fake act as soon as he was out of hearing range.
"A boy like you shouldn't get mixed up in someone like Harry.... He's dangerous."
I instantly knew she thought I was too innocent for him. I had a feeling Taylor believed she was better suited. There was no doubt in my mind that her and Harry had been together. My head turned to look at her.
"He's not dangerous."
She scoffed at my reply.
"You obviously haven't seen him in one of his many fights then." She mockingly laughed.
"I have." My focus left her and fell upon Harry. "Twice."
The injuries Harry had inflicted on Liam were something not easily forgotten. Not to mention the state Harry himself was in when Liam took his revenge. When I glanced back to Taylor her eyebrows were raised slightly, surprise etched into her features.
"And you're still with him. Thought it would have scared you off, you know, seeing him like that. Harry can be frightening at times."
I brought my glass up to my lips before Taylor continued to speak.
"Despite his temper, Harry was the best sex I ever had."
My drink came spluttering out of my mouth, to which she laughed. Apparently she had no shame in talking to an absolute stranger about her past sex life. I knew my reaction to her blunt choice of words was the one she was searching for. Utter shock. It only encouraged her to continue, especially knowing Harry and I were close.
"Oh god, the things he could do with that tongue."
My vision swept back to Harry and almost on cue his tongue slipped out, wetting his lips. I felt my heart flutter as he turned his head to us, his right eye dropping in a wink before he gave me a cheeky grin.
"Ugh, and those plump lips. Jesus." I noticed her hand come up, lightly fanning her face.
She laughed. My head turned towards her once again.
"I bet you have no idea the potential that mouth has." Taylor sniggered.
Little did she know I had already experienced the wonders of Harry's intimate touch. It was clear she only saw Harry on a sexual level. But I wasn't surprised. Her thoughts of him going no deeper than what he could do with his mouth. I found myself shaking my head in disgust. Harry was so much more than that. The conversation made me believe she knew nothing of his past, putting his violent behaviour down to wanting an alluring bad boy image. Harry trusted me, he trusted me with something he had told no-one else of. My eyes fell back to Taylor. Her features held a hard edge before she smirked at me.
"I'm just popping to the loo." She almost sang.
I nodded, not really fussed about her departure. I would rather be on my own than have her forceful company. My eyes flickered round the room, searching for any sign of Harry. But his dark curls couldn't be found from my position. My height proving a disadvantage.
I absorbed the artwork as I weaved through the groups of people admiring the paintings. The space around me felt like a maze, not being able to see over people's heads for any sort of distinguishing feature. I frowned upon hearing a squeaky laugh I knew only to come from my recently strayed company. Her shock of golden hair was easily identifiable as I neared closer to the girlish giggling.
I soon discovered why the annoying sound had ceased. My heart felt like it was in my mouth as I watched Taylor. Her lips were pressed tightly to Harry's, back towards me as they stood in a hidden corner. But I knew she wanted me to see. Fingers fisted the fabric of his t shirt under his blazer. Her other hand wound tightly in his curls as she held him in place. I couldn't stop the moisture beginning to fill my blurry eyes. The sight in front of me made me feel sick. I felt pathetic. I had been so naïve to trust him.