Chapter 18

                                    

                                          
I had been awake for about half an hour, my body unable to move as Harry’s strong arm held me to him. My back was still firmly pressed to his front. Every time I would wiggle slightly, his grip subconsciously tightened, long fingers loosely fisting the t shirt I wore. A small giggle escaped my mouth as I attempted to escape a final time. Harry let out a throaty grunt. It surprised me when he gripped my hip, rolling me over to face him. His eyes were still closed but I knew he was awake. Dark curls lay messily on the pillow.
                          
“Bo.” He raspy morning voice grumbled.
                          
Harry blinked his eyes a few times before they focused on my face. I had spent my sleepless state thinking over the situation with Harry’s family. My heart ached at the thought of what Harry and his mum and sister had gone through. No body deserved that type of treatment. I couldn’t help but think Harry partly blamed himself for the awful events. He felt powerless, unable to stop his dad.
                          
“Harry.”
                          
His green eyes pierced mine as he stared at me. I bit my lip, trying to form the words in my mind. I had no idea how he would react. Part of me was afraid he would be angry but I forced myself to speak.
                          
“I-I think you should contact your mum.”
                          
His forehead creased into a frown, full lips tightly pressed together. My heart beat loudly as I waited for him to say something, but he remained quiet.
                          
“You should call her.” I stated quietly.
                          
He released a frustrated sigh, curls tousled as he shook his head. Harry’s large hands shoved back the covers. He swiftly got up, yanking on his grey joggers and storming over to the door way and down the hall. On some level I knew he would behave like this. My eyes squeezed closed, building up the courage to go after him. I wriggled out of the warm bed, my bare feet padding across the carpet to the door. A loud crash made me jump, the sound echoing round the quiet flat.
                          
My eyes fell onto the mess of broken plates on the kitchen floor. Harry was facing away from me. His heavy breathing could be heard as I stood still for a moment. My feet tip toed around the sharp shards of china that littered the tiles, my body stopping behind Harry’s tall frame. I hesitantly reached my hand up to his shoulder, my fingertips lightly pressing into the smooth skin.
                          
“They’d want to hear from you.” I spoke.
                          
It startled me as Harry sharply turned. His face held an expression of anger as his green orbs locked with my blue ones. Dark curls fell messily round his face as I watched his jaw tighten, the thick vein in his neck becoming prominent.
                          
“You don’t know that.” He harshly bit back.
                          
I watched his strong chest rise and fall heavily. The muscles in his stomach and arms tensed.
                          
“And neither do you if you don’t try.” I retaliated.
                          
I gasped as Harry forced me up against the counter. My frightened gaze met his as fingertips pressed into my hips. I watched his features gradually soften before his large warm hands cupped the back of my thighs. I was forced to grip his broad shoulders as he effortlessly lifted me up to sit on the worktop. Our eye line was now almost level. My focus intently held his before he tried to turn away, but I caught his hand.
                          
“Harry.” I whispered.
                          
I slowly brought his hand closer to my body, tugging him forward. He complied. My thumb gently rubbed over his rough knuckles.
                          
“Please try.”
                          
His body rested between my thighs. We stayed like that for a short time, listening as Harry’s breathing slowed. My right hand caught hold of the back of his neck. I leaned up to him, Harry’s eyes fluttering closed as I pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. My lips moved round to his ear.
                          
“They’re still your family….they love you.” I whispered.
                          
I gave him a small smile as I pulled away. As his mind processed my words my touch slid down. My fingertips traced his prominent collar bones before I pressed my palm flat to his chest. I felt the strong thump of his heart. My lips parted slightly as it sped up under my touch. Harry’s dark gaze was now trained on my face. Lashes fluttered as he leaned in closer, his nose brushing mine.
                          
“That’s for you.” He whispered.
                          
I squeezed the hand I still gripped before bringing it up my chest. His large palm pressed just above my left breast, wanting him to feel exactly what he did to me. My blood pulsed round my body, heart beating rapidly. I feft the warmth of his touch through the t shirt I was wearing. Harry smiled, showing off his dimples as my hand slipped from his chest. He kept his in place, nudging my head to the side slightly as he kissed over my neck. I let out a breathy gasp as he began to suck and nibble on the tingling skin. Harry’s raspy laugh sounded and I knew he had felt my heart race with his touch. He drew back, a smirk gracing his plump lips.
                          
“I love the fact that’s for me.”
                          
My cheeks began to blush as I looked down. Harry’s touch travelled from my chest, his large hand cupping my chin and tilting it up to him. I felt his thumb gently rub over my bottom lip.
                          
“Promise me you’ll at least think about it?” I asked quietly.
                          
Harry gave me a small nod. I smiled, leaning forward and pressing a lingering kiss to his cheek.
                          
“For you.” He whispered.
                          
I smiled before wrapping my fingers round his arm as I attempted to get down from the counter. But Harry prevented my feet from touching the floor, hands cupping my thighs. His strength overpowered mine as he easily lifted me back up again.
                          
“Where are you going?” He asked.
                          
“To clear up the mess.”
                          
“No, you stay there, I’ll do it.” Harry spoke before turning.
                          
“I can hel..”
                          
“I don’t want you to get hurt, stay there, Bo.” He firmly instructed.
                          
I huffed shaking my head as I watched him bend down to the broken fragments of plate. His protectiveness was overwhelming at times. But at this rate he wouldn’t allow me to do anything. I slipped off the side and carefully walked over to him, cautiously avoiding the sharp pieces. My body crouched down opposite Harry, picking up the larger fragments.
                          
“Bo, leave it.”
                          
“Stop it, Harry. It’s fine.”
                          
He stared at me for a few moments. I watched his jaw as it tensed at my defiance. I knew he was used to getting his own way. But he had to accept the fact not everyone was going to comply to his demands. Harry’s eyes fell back to the broken plates, picking up the pieces.
                          
There were only a few small fragments left scattered on the floor. I reached out to retrieve one and throw it in the rubbish bag. My breath was sharply sucked in through my teeth. I brought my hand back to my body wincing as the blood seeped from the cut.
                          
“What did I tell you.” Harry harshly spoke.
                          
He gripped my wrist, tugging me up and over to sink. I allowed him to place me on the side, my legs dangling over the edge of the counter top. The cool water was turned on before Harry brought my hand under it. I flinched as the liquid washed the blood away. His face held a frown. My hand was tilted back and forth as the wound was cleaned.
                          
“You can’t protect me from everything.” I stated quietly.
                          
Harry’s expression softened before turning his head to me. Sparkling green eyes locked on my face.
                          
“I can try.”