The state I'm in COMPLETED

When the tough gets going

Despite my protests, both the boys I loved so much seemed unfazed. They felt this would be the perfect distraction that would take Nadia's family off his case, our case. Leo even took some days off work and set up camp in my living room, insisting that he accompany me everywhere—to the university, the library, the café I liked—anywhere we might be seen by people who mattered. If nothing else, he was committed to the plan.

At least I genuinely enjoyed his company. Otherwise, it would have been excruciating. But still, there were moments—too many moments—where it felt too real. The handholding, the protective arm around my waist when certain people were watching, the occasional brush of his lips against my temple. It was convincing, sure, but it also reminded me of everything I couldn't have.

Harry.

The way he would pull me closer absentmindedly, tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear, kiss my forehead just because.

I missed him. Desperately.

And Leo, despite his best intentions, was a constant reminder that this wasn't real—but it could be.

That night, Leo insisted on giving me a ride to work. Rose promised to meet him there, saying she didn't want to "miss the show." I didn't bother asking what she meant.

As soon as I emerged from my room, ready to go, Leo's eyebrows shot up.

"You're wearing that?" he asked, his eyes sweeping over my short silver dress with lace detailing.

I glanced down. "Yeah. Why?"

"Nothing, just... you sure it's a dress? Looks more like a belt."

I rolled my eyes, adjusting my earrings. "Oh, so now you're a fashion critic?"

"I'm just saying," he muttered, grabbing his keys, "no girlfriend of mine is stepping out dressed like that."

I froze.

Good thing I wasn't his girlfriend.

Leo realized his mistake instantly. His face twitched with regret, but before he could say anything, Rose cut in.

"For fuck's sake, Leo, let her be. If she wants to look hot, she'll look hot."

He sighed, raking a hand through his hair. "Fine, fine. Do whatever you want."

I scoffed. "Oh, don't worry, I will."

The ride to the club was quiet. His fingers brushed mine occasionally as I held onto his waist, and I could tell he was aware of it, too. Neither of us said a word about it.

By the time we arrived, the club was packed. Leo found a seat in my section while I went over the schedule. Orders piled up fast, and I barely had time to breathe between serving drinks, checking guest lists, and helping out at the bar.

It was exhausting, but I was happy. The more money I made, the more I could help Harry with the legal fees. That alone made the long night worth it.

At some point, the supervisor waved me off for a break.

I slipped outside to the alley, my legs aching, and collapsed onto the chipped wooden bench. The night air was cool against my flushed skin, and I closed my eyes for a moment, sighing heavily.

"Baby, if you do that again... I won't be able to control myself."

My eyes flew open.

A grin spread across my face before I even turned to see him.

There he was. Harry.

Standing a few feet away, his hands in his pockets, looking at me like I was the only thing in the universe worth looking at.

Before I could react, he was pulling me into his arms, crushing his lips against mine.

"Baby... I missed you," he murmured between kisses.

My fingers curled into his soft curls, and I gasped as he deepened the kiss, pressing me against the wall.

"Harry..." I breathed, laughing against his lips. "What are you doing here?"

"Showing you how much I missed you," he said, his hands sliding down to my waist.

"How long have you been here?"

"Long enough."

"Long enough for what?" I teased.

"Long enough to want to drag you out of here and have my way with you." His lopsided grin made my stomach flip.

I blushed, pressing my forehead against his chest. God, I missed him.

"I have to go back in," I whispered, though my body wanted the opposite.

"One more minute," he begged, trailing soft kisses down my neck.

"I can't, Harry..." I tried to push him away, but he just laughed, tightening his grip.

"Meet me at Pete's after? Pleaaaaase? I'll throw him out. Just us, baby."

I sighed, pretending to think about it.

"Fine. But let me go before I change my mind."

He smirked, letting me slip away.

"Wait a few minutes before coming back in, okay?" I warned. "It's crowded. We can't risk suspicion. OK, Harry?"

He chuckled, grabbing my waist one last time.

"Don't Harry me, beautiful. Get in there."

The club was alive when I got back. The bass thumped in sync with my heart, and Jasmine Thompson's "Ain't Nobody" blared through the speakers. Rose and I sang along, twirling around like drunk idiots while Leo laughed at us.

For the first time in weeks, I felt light. Happy.

Then—

A hand tapped my shoulder.

I turned.

And there she was.

Helena.

My stomach dropped.

"I see you're having a great time," she sneered.

Before I could process her presence, I was suddenly grabbed.

Lips crashed against mine.

Strong hands pulled me close, fingers digging into my waist. A kiss that wasn't Harry's.

Leo.

I froze.

Everything blurred together—the noise, the flashing lights, the way my pulse pounded in my ears.

Leo pulled away, a guilty look in his eyes.

"You move on fast," Helena said, mocking.

I barely heard her. I was too busy panicking.

Harry.

Where was he? Had he seen?

Helena kept going, clearly enjoying this. "I have to admit, Valerie... you do have great taste. From Harry to this one... at least you don't downgrade."

I swallowed, forcing myself to meet her eyes.

"What I do is none of your business, Helena."

She smirked. "Of course it is, sweetheart. I'm just glad you finally moved on."

Then—before I could blink—

A fist collided with Leo's jaw.

I gasped.

Leo stumbled back, cursing.

Harry.

Breathing heavily, fury radiating off him like fire, standing between us, fists clenched.

"Oh, my fucking God," Rose whispered.

And just like that... everything exploded.