Dark & Knockout

Chapter 4

“Hello, Beautiful.”

When I didn’t move Harry grabbed my forearm and leaned down to kiss me. I hastily turned my head to the side, his full lips making contact with my cheek instead of his intended target. He pulled away, a smile tugging at his lips. His eyes burnt into mine until my head dropped, my fingers fiddling with the strap of my bag.

“Come on.”

I reluctantly stepped outside, turning to close the front door and lock it. I had only just placed the keys in my bag when Harry’s fingers entwined with mine. His large hand was warm, if I didn’t feel so threatened by him; the touch would have comforted me. We crossed the road to where the intimidating black vehicle was parked. The passenger door was yanked open and Harry peered down at me expectantly.

“Hop in, Love.”

I complied, my breath trembling out as he slammed the door behind me. My head turned looking around the interior of the car. It was surprisingly clean for a guy. I watched as he jogged round the front to the driver’s side. His tall frame easily climbing into the vehicle before he abruptly shut the door. It frightened me that I was now alone with him.

“Don’t look so nervous, Bo.” Harry smirked.

His green orbs lingered on me for a few seconds before he reached round for his seatbelt, strapping himself in. I did the same, my eyes landing back on Harry as he swiftly turned on the ignition and shifted the car into reverse. He grinned at me, winking before pulling out of the space and onto the road.

I noticed his blazer sleeves were pushed up his strong forearms as he tightly gripped the steering wheel. He swept some curls from his face, clearing his vision to see the cars speeding past on the junction. I found myself staring at his face until his lips curved up into a smile and I knew I’d been caught. My head dipped down to pick at my finger nails as a blush crept up onto my cheeks.

“How old are you?” I asked quietly.

I glanced up at his face. He turned to me for a second before looking back out the windscreen.

“Twenty.”

“Oh.”

The rest of the ride was pretty quiet, I spent the time looking out my window. The sun was slowly fading in the sky as we pulled into a car park. I jumped back into the seat as Harry placed his hand on my knee, but I stopped him before he could move it any higher. He deeply chuckled, then withdrew his touch.

“We’re here.”

I unbuckled my seatbelt, and reached for the handle. My eyes widened when I realised it was locked.  I had to wait for Harry to open my door from the outside. I shivered a little at the thought of being locked in with him. I couldn’t help but shy away from his touch as he helped me down from the car. A reaction which didn’t go unnoticed by Harry.

I tugged my jacket tighter to my body as the wind whipped round. I was pulled under one of Harry’s strong arms as he guided me to the path. I took in a deep breath, the smell of the sea filling my senses. We turned a corner and I realised we were at the harbour. My eyes flicked from one boat to another, all of them moored up to the dock.

We continued to walk along the promenade; a railing being the only barrier separately us from the deep water. We stopped outside a restaurant, Harry removing his arm from my shoulder and roughing spinning me round to face him. I gasped as his long fingers pushed my hair away from my neck. His mouth held a smirk, his tips brushing over the fading mark that was still visible on my neck.

“Mmm, maybe I should give you another one, just to make sure everyone knows you’re mine.” His raspy voice whispered.

“No.”

I began to back away but he caught my wrist before tugging me into him.

“Maybe later.” He smiled.

***

Harry gave his name to the man at the front of the restaurant before we were led to a table towards the back. I had a horrible feeling Harry had asked to be placed here, so we were more hidden. I sat opposite him at the small table, shrugging off my jacket and placing it over the back of the chair. The waitress handed us our menus before taking our drink orders and hurrying off.

Harry scanned over the list of meals on offer, not looking up as I bent down to my bag and pulled out my phone. I held the menu up in front of me, hiding myself as I opened the text.

From: Zoe

How is it going? Are you alright? Xx

I was about the reply when my shield was pulled down to the table. I quickly shoved my phone into my bag before looking up to meet Harry’s dark gaze. He decided not mention my phone and asked me what I wanted instead.

“I’m not hungry.” I bluntly replied.

“Pick or I’ll pick for you.” His tone holding a hint of annoyance.

I stayed silent as he called the waitress over. Her ponytail swayed as she rushed to our table quickly scribbling down our order.

“Can I get you anything else?” She asked politely.

Her eyes hesitantly landing on Harry’s before quickly diverting to mine. I could tell she felt on edge around him. She gave me a sympathetic look, almost as if she knew I was here against my will.

“No thank you.” I smiled.

Then we were left alone. Harry tilted his head slightly to the side, his eyes locking onto my face.

“Do I frighten you?”

I was about to say that it was a pretty stupid question, but I stopped myself. I didn’t really want to tell him he scared the crap out of me. I’m sure he would have used the information to his already strong advantage. Although I don’t see how he couldn’t have realised the intimidating effect he had on me.

My silence was all the confirmation he needed. He showed off his dimples as he smiled at me. Harry’s hand was about to reach towards me when the waitress came back with our drinks. I thanked her for the water, mentally praising her for interrupting us. All too soon she had walked away and I was left alone with Harry again. I felt uncomfortable as his eyes rested on my face.

“Has anyone ever touched you before?”

“W-what?” I replied in confusion.

He didn’t say anything, but I gasped upon feeling his hand on my knee under the square table. He chuckled at my reaction before swiftly getting up. It surprised me when he pushed his chair round to sit on the side of the table to the right of me. His hand immediately went back to its previous position. My breath hitched in my throat as his touch slid slowly up my thigh, my body was frozen. Harry intently watched as my chest sharply rose up and down. I thanked god I didn’t decide to wear a dress, who knows where his hands could have reached. When his fingers skimmed my crotch I abruptly shot up. My chair screeched against the floor as I pushed it back.

“I-I need to pee.” I gushed.

I heard him deeply laugh as I quickly walked towards the toilets. I didn’t have time to pick up my bag, I just wanted to get away.

“Don’t be too long.” Harry called behind me.