Brutal | H.S

Chapter 14.

HARRYS POV.

Last night was a bit of a blur to be honest. Though I didn't drink, I let myself have one too many hits of Tyler's joint and I definitely was regretting that in the morning. It was surely something stronger than weed, which blind sighted me. But it was a celebration. We leave tomorrow morning and Eleanor and Valerie were engaged.

I didn't know Eleanor much, other than realizing she's a carbon copy of Cherry but blonde. Either way, anyone with eyes can see how in love she was with Valerie. I'm sure even if you were blind you could just from the way they talked about each other. From the time I've been here I have gotten closer to Valerie, which was half of the reason I came here. As much as I loved to piss off Aphrodite, my job did come first in everything I did.

Luckily, Valerie was an easy person to get along with. She was just as dedicated to her work as I was, and was an nearly more work focused than I was. We even practiced lines the day everyone else had left us alone. I could work with this, with her. She was an incredible actor who didn't fuck around, which I did appreciate. The only thing I was worried about was the intimate, half naked scenes. It was nothing against her, but I had to admit it was going to be a little strange at first. We're set to film a few days after we get back, so it was something I had to figure out quickly.

Sex scenes has never been a problem for me, considering nothing acting wise was. It did help that I was cocky with everything I did but fitting it in with the plot, touching her the way my character had to and getting into his mindset was complicated.

He was harsh and snappy, a bit like Cherry, just without the wanting to kill his girl part. He also had a thing for killing others, while I hated the sight of blood. The only characteristic I shared with him was his cocky attitude, so I had to really study for this role.

Everything was for my career. Every action I did in public, everyone I was seen with. It's a given I was using Cherry they way she was using me. If normal people see they could get with people like me, it would been seen as relatable and create traction. Plus, she wasn't like the other girls I was put with. She was confident, spoke her mind, and genuinely a bad ass. So it wasn't to say I didn't like or care about her, because that would be a lie. But my actions were driven on lust and money. I liked that she didn't throw herself to my feet. Granted she did hate me, and probably was fully serious about planning my death, but I would gladly enjoy these last couple months if it meant I would spend them next to her in bed.

The one important thing I had yet to do was tell Florence about any of this. She knew I was going on this trip, but not that I was technically 'seeing' Aphrodite. It was a silent agreement that no one would be in on our little secret, not that I thought Florence would leak it out, it just made it somewhat easier.

Florence had been texting me and getting short answers in response, mostly on accident. I didn't mean to lie about it, but I also couldn't just blurt it out. Florence was a smart girl. She wouldn't believe me if I flat out said we're together without explanation. Once I fully woke up I would text her and promise to talk when I get back to the house. She's a forgiving girl, I just hoped she wouldn't hold it against me.

Shifting over I instinctively reach my arm out to the other side of the bed, only to be met with nothing. Instead of touching a warm body, I'm left with cool sheets. My eyes flicker open to see her side of the bed was completely empty, no evidence of her even being there. There was no pillow meant to be placed between us, not even a second blanket.

Granted, I don't remember much of last night but I do remember her walking into this room and sitting down with me. We didn't talk much, me being high out of my mind and her being somewhat sober. But after that, my mind was blank. Her side didn't even look like it was slept in. I got up and walked to the bathroom, noting an arrangement of her stuff spread out. There were bandages pre-laid out and scissors sat next to it, along with a disinfectant liquid. I don't know what she was up to, but she obviously hadn't been here for a few hours.