One Plus One

Chapter Seventeen

MARLIE'S POV

It had been two whole days and still nothing from Harry. I'd texted him but got nothing in return. I had never felt so stupid. Lily's curiosity had been just the thing I needed to see how real this whole thing was with Harry. It was just a bit of fun to him. And to think I'd told him one of my deepest secrets, I'd put even just a little of my trust into him. I felt sick.

I refused a lift and chose to walk home instead. The fresh air was welcomed as it helped to clear my head of the mess inside of it. I turned my keys in the door and kicked off my shoes. The house seemed bigger than normal, emptier. I was used to being alone, but after meeting Harry, I'd never had to be. I wanted to talk to him, even if it was just for him to tell me what I suspected was true.

It was almost as if Harry and I were sharing the same thoughts.

"From : Harry

I need to talk to you. Pick you up at 8, wear something nice .x"

I had no intention of going anywhere with him. I wasn't going to be played any longer and I was going to make sure I made that clear.

When Harry's Range Rover pulled up, I braced myself. I took a few more deep breaths to calm my nerves and opened the door. As always, Harry looked amazing. The deep breaths I had previously taken were in vein. A new butterfly arose the more I stared into his green gaze. His smile finished me off. His signature dimples popped and my breath caught in my chest. He quite literally took my breath away. But that beautiful smile soon faded when he realised I wasn't dressed to go anywhere.

"Why aren't you dressed?"

"Because I'm not going."

"Why? What's wrong?"

"Why? You haven't so much as texted me for two days, and you expect me to just go out with you?"

Harry's green eyes widened at my sudden change of tone. I was annoyed. I softened my voice when I spoke again.

"It's just...what Lily said...I haven't stopped thinking about it."

"What about it?"

"What is this, Harry? Is this just another game for you?"

"No."

"Then what?"

There was a moment of silence. Harry's hands were placed in his pockets, looking at the floor rather than my face.

"Harry, how do I know that this is real? Right now, I don't feel like it is."

"This isn't a game, Marlie."

He reached around his neck and unclasped one of the chains he wore.

"Turn around."

I complied, shifting my hair to one side. The cool metal was taken around my neck. I could feel Harry's hands shaking as he clasped it again. My hair was pulled out and he draped it over my shoulders again, taking hold of the opportunity to kiss me behind the ear. My hand travelled towards the new piece of jewellery. I rubbed my fingers over the edges of it. I'd only notice Harry wear it a couple of times but I knew exactly what he'd given me. It was his gold pendant.

Harry's hands snaked around my waist from behind, pulling me closer to his warmth.

"I want you to know you can trust me. I care about you."

Harry's words were spoke low and quiet, grabbing directly at my heart. It raced. These words held a different meaning than what he had told me in the party. He saw beyond my looks and my sexual capability. He cared about me.

I spun in his hold and fixed my gaze upon his.

"I care about you, too."

He smiled as his gaze strayed to my lips. He then kissed me sweetly before pulling away and pecking me on the nose.

"If you'll let me, I want to take you out tonight."

"I have a better idea."

I crashed my lips against his. This kiss more urgent than the previous one. I slowly slipped from Harry's hold, keeping contact only with his hand, pulling him towards the stairs. He stayed fixed to the spot, his green eyes displaying a hint of worry. I closed the gap between us once more, standing on my tip toes so I could whisper in his ear.

"I want you to make me feel good."

When I pulled away, his mouth had parted slightly in disbelief. I nodded encouragingly, connecting my eyes with his. I was surprising myself with how forward I was being. But Harry understood. His hand removed itself from my grasp and instead he rubbed over the curve of my backside. My hands instantly fisted his t-shirt. He was making my pulse race. He pressed his lips against mine before gently squeezing my bum, catching my gasp between our parted lips. Harry pushed our hips together, then began to suck and nibble at the skin on my neck. I inhaled his heavy scent, sending me weak at the knees.

I pulled away once more but this time Harry followed willingly. Our fingers were entwined as I pulled him up the stairs. My heart was going the speed of a train, I was nervous, but I wanted to feel close to Harry. For once, I wanted to be vulnerable.