alleyway [h.s]

chapter 8

RUBY'S POV

I just got out of the shower. It felt nice to be under the hot water and wash myself. Today, was intense. I didn't expect it one bit. I only wanted to go speak to my boss, who said that I can take all the time I need, and even that can't go as planned. The one person that I hated the most, happened to be there. I am very grateful that I wasn't alone, and that Harry was there.

I didn't really want him to beat up Sean though. I was never one for violence, even if I hate the person. Seeing all the blood running down Sean's face, his most likely broken nose, his bloodied teeth, it made my legs weak and my head spin. I don't mind blood, like cleaning Harry up after what he did. That little amount of blood didn't bother me. Seeing someone get beat up though, blood everywhere was a while different story.

The talk I had in the car with Harry afterwards was also just as intense. I didn't want to talk about it. Especially not with Harry, a man that I barely know. I don't even understand why he wanted to know everything when he doesn't care. He said he did, if not, he wouldn't of done what he did, but there's other times where he's the biggest dick. Which I don't understand. Also, him touching me. Putting his hand on my thigh. It took me by surprise, which is why I gave him a panicked look, but I didn't mind him touching me. That's a first. I actually felt... a little empty when he pulled away.

I know it was his way to comfort me, when he probably didn't know the right words to use. So instead, he touched me to help me calm down.

I also only cleaned his cuts because he probably wouldn't of done it himself. I don't know what made me so it, but I wanted to help after he helped me in a big way. I also got a closer view of him. His arms, his tattoos. He had scars on his skin and I find myself wondering how he got them. There was this bigger one, on his right arm, it looked like he'd been stabbed. I wonder if he has any other big scars like that, somewhere else on his skin.

After too long of just standing in the bathroom thinking of Harry and his skin, I dried off and got dressed. I didn't want anything too uncomfortable, so I decided on a pair on black leggings and a light blue sweater.

I brushed my hair and brushed my teeth and headed back to my room. When I entered, I noticed that there was a sandwich and a glass of what looked like apple juice, on the bed side table. I found myself smiling a little as I walked over. I quickly ate it, not even realizing how hungry I was as I took the dishes back downstairs.

As I walk into the kitchen and saw Harry standing there, I stop dead in my tracks. He's shirtless. It's the first time I've ever seen him shirtless, and I don't... exactly hate it.

Jesus Ruby. Stop.

But I couldn't. I could only see his bare back until he heard me and turned around.

Oh shit.

My mouth slightly parted, as I was looking at his naked top. He has beautiful tattoos. A butterfly in the middle of his abdomen, two Swallows on his chest, and... ferns on his lower stomach. His grey sweats were low enough, stopped right at his v-line, so I had the perfect view.

Damn. Did he have a nice body.

Harry cleared his throat with a small laugh, "Like what you see, darling?"

My dumbass tried acting dumb, "Huh? I- um. Here. I brought the dishes back down. Thank you" I say, suddenly a little nervous as I hold out the plate and cup in his direction.

He smirks at me as he takes the dishes from me and I quickly turn around and walk out before he can even notice.

Fuck, is he hot. I know I shouldn't be saying that, considering the circumstances, but I can't help myself.