One Plus One

Chapter Thirty-Two

"What's up, Styles? Cat got your tongue?"

My heart was pounding and every inch of my skin had chilled. The glare in Jamie's eyes was far from friendly. Harry had turned his back to me, protecting me. I clung onto his blazer, it was the only thing stopping me from crying with fear.

"What do you want?" Harry finally said.

"How's life, eh, Styles? I see you've got yourself a girl."

His icy glare turned to me. It forced me back into the wall, a sharp gasp fleeing. I could only watch as he stalked forward.

"Who'd you steal her from? Have you heard about his rep, Marlie? You don't want to be getting involved with him."

"Fuck off, Jamie." I spat.

His jaw tightened and his fist clenched at his side. He flinched towards me, as if he was going to swing but Harry moved himself further in front of me.

"Don't you go anywhere near her." he growled.

"Why? It's about time you got a taste of your own medicine."

My arm was harshly gripped and I was yanked out from behind Harry. Jamie's grip tightened around my wrist, sharp shooting pains travelling up my arm. I let out a strangled cry but Harry acted quickly. He jabbed Jamie in the stomach with his fist, forcing his hold of me to release, instead he held his stomach.

I took hold of my arm, clutching it close to my body. It had fallen numb from the constricting grip. I hadn't realised the tears I had been holding back had spilled down my cheeks until Harry began to wipe them away.

"Shh, angel. It's ok. Shh." Harry comforted.

I searched for Harry's emerald gaze through my clouded eyes. It leant me some comfort but the worry I saw in his eyes gripped at my heart. I then saw an arm rise behind him.

"Harry!" I shouted, hoping to alarm him but it was too late.

Jamie's elbow pounded into Harry's back, knocking the wind straight out of him. Harry didn't let his guard down though. He turned sharply, smashing his fist into Jamie's face. I was pinned to the spot with fear. If Jaz knew what was going on she would have no choice but to tell Jamie the truth. I stared at the back door of the club, willing her to come out. I could hear repeated punches being thrown between the two guys to my left but the images of Harry lying cold on the floor prevented me from looking.

It suddenly went dead silent. I feared the worst as I turned my head to see what had caused them to cease fighting. Harry was leant with his back against the wall. His white shirt held flashes of red, as did his knuckles. I longed to hold him but my feet wouldn't move.

"Marlie, go back inside and get Brody to take you back to mine."

"No, Harry. I'm not leaving."

"Marlie, please just do as I say."

"No." I muttered as I began to cry again.

I looked around and Jamie was hunched over by the opposite wall, catching his breath. Blood was smeared across his cheek from his nose. That was no doubt the same blood that had recoloured Harry's shirt. I couldn't help but feel frightened that Harry had delivered such harsh blows. And the way he'd begun to speak to me was harsh and demanding. I'd only ever seen the fun, adorable side of him. This other side I didn't know he possessed scared me.

"Jamie, nothing happened that night." Harry spoke lowly. "Jasmine was drunk, I helped her out, that was it."

"Do you still expect me to believe your shitty, little lies? Who do you think I'm more likely to believe, my girlfriend or scum like you?"