Frowned Upon [H.S. AU]

THIRTY-TWO

"Adore me.

Hold me and explore me.

I'm so fucking horny."

✿ ✿ ✿

IRIS MONROE

March 4th, 2022

The front door shuts with a soft click as I close it behind me, and I let out a heavy breath of relief, the comfort of being home taking over me.

I glance down when I feel a nudge against my calf. Midnight rubs her head against me needily, and I set my bags on the floor to crouch down to her level.

"There's my pretty girl," I coo and hug her. I close my eyes as her purrs vibrate against my chest, immediately soothing me.

After everything that happened today, my exhaustion has me contemplating just sitting on the floor and cuddling with Midnight for an hour. My butt would probably hurt from the hard floor after five minutes, but it's tempting.

Forgetting about my belongings on the floor, I stand up with her in my arms and push my shoes off. It gives me the time to take in how quiet the house is. It's not entirely silent, but usually, I hear Naomi from somewhere in the home as soon as I walk in.

I gently place Midnight down in her favorite spot on the couch and choose to leave my belongings by the door for now. After promising to pick everything up later, I slowly make my way up the dreadful stairs. My legs feel useless from the small physical activity when I enter the bedroom.

Just as I'm about to step into the closet to change, Harry steps out of the bathroom with a towel draped around his waist. Steam immediately billows out into the bedroom, and water droplets from the bottom of his curls drip down onto the bare skin of his chest.

My god, this isn't fair.

"There you are," he says breathlessly with a smile.

As I stand up straighter, my hands rest on my waist while my brows softly furrow. I can stay strong; I've seen him like this before. He doesn't let my exasperated reaction phase him as he walks over to me. His hand reaches out for mine, and he kisses my cheek.

"Where's Naomi?" I ask curiously.

Harry keeps his lips pressed against my skin and pulls me closer to him. His other hand lands on my hip. His long, wet hair tickles my collarbone, and I have to hold back a smile.

"Awe, I missed you, too," he says in a teasing, slightly sarcastic voice. His lips continue to kiss me, making maintaining my stern expression seem nearly impossible. "She went to dinner and the movies with Zayn; they'll be back around nine. And Phoebe went home early for date night with Scarlett."

"Hmm," is all I'm capable of responding with while I begin to lean into his affection.

After everything that happened today, all I want to do is bathe in his touch and soft kisses. The simple thought wakes me up like a bucket of cold water poured on me. I remember why I'm so tired.

I take a step back and send him a knowing look. He's trying to butter me up to lighten my mood in case I'm angry with him. Part of me is, but there's no need to boost my mood before we talk. I don't plan on having some unnecessary screaming match that fixes nothing.

He holds back a grin, his lips pulling to the side to hide it, knowing he's been caught.

"I know, I know...we need to talk," he points out and sits down on the edge of the bed.