One Plus One

Chapter Thirty-Seven

I was practically dragged inside Harry's flat, being promptly forced up against the wall of his hallway. Harry took no time in making sure I had some reminders of our heated embrace, sucking harshly at the skin of my neck. I tightly fisted at his t-shirt as I leant my head back, allowing him more access.

"Harry, love, is that-oh." came a voice.

Harry and I quickly let go of each other, clearing our throats and standing upright. I could feel my cheeks heating ferociously.

"Mum, what are you doing here?"

"I was out today and saw some nice things for you in town so I thought I'd drop them off. So, who's this lovely young lady?" she asked, turning her gaze to me.

"Mum, this is Marlie."

"Marlie, as in your girlfriend? Oh, it's so nice to finally meet you!"

I shyly smiled but was taken by surprise when she swept me up in her arms, hugging me tightly. I glanced to Harry who had a dark shade of pink speckling his cheeks. I couldn't keep a smile from my face at this new side of Harry. I'd never seen him embarrassed before. I found this new character endearing, only adding to the list of things that drew me to him.

I was released from the hug and allowed to breathe again.

"Marlie, why don't you go into the living room while I talk to my mum?"

It sounded more like a demand than a question but seeing the embarrassment pasted on his features, I followed his instructions and proceeded down the hallways to the living room. I left the door slightly ajar as I heard them walk past the living room into the kitchen, giving me ample opportunity to eavesdrop on the conversation.

"Well, Harry, she seems like a really lovely girl."

"Yeah. She's amazing."

My insides turned warm as my cheeks did too. Judging by Harry's mums pointing out of it, Harry seemed to be mirroring my actions

"I'm glad you've finally settled."

"Me too."

"Don't do anything stupid now will you? You don't want to lose a girl like that."

"I won't. I'm not going to destroy her trust in me. Not after everything that has happened."

"What do you mean?"

"She lost her sister last week."

"Was that the crash that was on the news?"

It was in the news?! My head began to spin at the memories flooding back. I fell back against the wall with a large thud. I could feel a lump forming in my throat but at the sound of footsteps coming down the hallway I composed myself and stood up.

"Everything ok?" asked Harry, worriedly.

"Fine, just tripping over thin air." I lied, I hoped convincingly.

Harry looked suspicious. When he stared down at my hands I knew he knew I'd heard them talking. I was scratching at my wrists again. I didn't realise I was until I felt a sharp shooting pain as I broke the skin again.

"Well, I'm off, I'll pop by some other time. Nice to meet you, Marlie!" Harry's mum shouted from the hallway.

I heard the door slam shut. I backed away as Harry came closer to me.

"Marlie, Marlie, stop."

Harry reached out and took hold of my wrists but I cried out in pain, forcing him to let them go again.

"I'm sorry, angel. I'm sorry."

Tears escaped, trickling down my cheeks. Harry took my hands in his and raised them to his lips, kissing delicately at the cuts and bruises that adorned them. I removed myself from his grasp and wrapped my arms around his waist, burying my head in his chest. Harry's scent instantly calmed me and his protective hug made me feel safer.

"I'm sorry, Harry. You must think I'm a pain in the fucking backside, crying to you all the time."

"Hey, don't be silly."

"Alls I have done is cry to you."

"You're going through a hard time."

I felt Harry kiss the top of my head. His hand then stroked over my hair, my eyes fluttering closed at his gentle touch.

"I think I'm going to go and lie down." I mumbled.

"Do you want me to lie with you?"

I nodded against his chest, a swarm of butterflies becoming apparent in my stomach. I was beginning to see how much Harry cared about me in each sweet little gesture. He followed me to his room, then pulled his covers back, waiting for me to climb in. I kicked off my shoes and then crawled in. Harry pulled the covers up over me before placing a sweet kiss on my cheek. The bed dipped as he crawled on the other side. His heavy arm draped over me, resting comfortably on my waistline, pulling me into his safe warmth. Harry took my hair between his fingers and circled it slowly. I could feel my eyelids becoming heavy with tiredness before I drifted completely into unconsciousness.

*****

A loud crash startled me awake. I sat up in the bed and heard the rain pounding against the window panes. It was only thunder. I threw back the covers and decided to get changed. Just as I stripped down to my underwear, the door to Harry's bedroom was slid open.

"Fuck me." his raspy voice spoke.

"You should be so lucky." I replied, pulling his t-shirt over my head.

"Ha, ha, very funny."

Harry approached me, then rested both of his hands on my backside, giving it a little squeeze.

"Feeling better now?"

"Yeah. Thank you."

"For what?"

"For not getting annoyed at me. And for being so sweet."

"I couldn't get annoyed at you. You're too cute."

Harry pecked me on the nose as I shyly smiled. I ran my hand through his curls, receiving a low hum of appreciation. The pair of us said nothing further. We gazed at each other for what seemed like ages, totally fixated upon each other. Harry's intense green gaze made me feel weak. I couldn't stop myself from getting lost in it. I let my head fall into his chest as we stood in our embrace, simply enjoying each other. I was glad for Harry. If I hadn't of had him, I probably couldn't carry on. Harry had become my rock.