Devils Star | h.s

Chapter 21

Tomorrow was the day of the work trip. And if I believed Natasha's words, expensive food, drinks and infinity pools were awaiting me.

I had never been crazy about overly priced things which were only there to boost someone's reputation-- Or so they might think. But I wasn't someone to complain about it being offered for free either. This was actually going to be my very first time at a luxury hotel. My usual environment consisted of cheap motel rooms with just enough space to fit a single-sized bed inside. So you could say I was thrilled.

I tried to convince myself that the bougie environment and food were the only reason for my growing excitement. But to be completely honest, staying away from Harry was something I needed badly. Very bad.

Since my eager kissing attack, I wasn't able to focus on my studies or work like I used to do. I had been so overwhelmed by the experience that I didn't know how to handle myself. Which was a first. And now a single guy succeeded in spinning my whole world around with just a simple kiss.

"I should really shower.." I thought aloud to myself, placing my fully packed suitcase beside my bedroom door. Time was getting on and I knew that if I wanted a shower, it would be now. Black said that he'd be here at six o'clock in the morning sharp with his car.

"Oh!" I stopped in the middle of the bathroom, "I'm sorry, I didn't know you were here.." apologising to Harry, who was standing only a few feet away in only his black jeans. His back was facing me, giving me a view of his back which almost looked glazed in sweat. Had he been working out?

I felt an audible gasp leave my lips when Harry finally turned around to face me. "What happened?" I was at a loss for words. His torso was littered with bruises, and a single cut accompanied his cheekbone.

"You're talking to me again?"

"Why are you- How are you hurt?"

"That's nothing," he spoke simply, his voice was void of any emotion as he shrugged at my questions.

I scoffed, looking at the damage on his torso, and his cheek. "What do you mean 'nothing'?" I shifted my gaze over to his green eyes that were already looking at me. I couldn't help but soften the look on my face, "Who did this to you?"

"I did this to me." the look on my face didn't disappear, if anything I was more confused. How could he have done this to himself? What did he mean? "You've been in your room all day."

"I was packing." I went along with his sudden change in conversation, seeing as he didn't want to talk about it much longer. "I'm leaving for a work trip tomorrow morning."

"Ah.." he clicked his tongue. "Well, have fun." the corner of his lips lifted in attempt of a small smile before he started to walk past me.

"Wait," my small hand clasped his wrist, making him still in front of me. "Please tell me you're not in any kind of trouble." my voice was low,

"What if I was?" he turned to face me, a small smirk on his lips, "Would you scold me?"

"Didn't we say we wouldn't do any stupid things any longer?"

"I'm bad at keeping promises... Are you worried about me, Snow?" I crossed my arms and muttered a small "So?" at his question which only seemed to boost his ego as he walked closer toward me. "That's kinda cute." he leaned down to cup my ear, whispering, "Maybe another wild kiss would make me change my mind.

-

"I'm very excited for you to see the place we rented," Malvolio spoke from the seat in the driver's chair. "We're completely surrounded by nature. The air must be heavenly."