running through the shadows (harry styles)

Chapter 2

"Why are we even here?" I ask, shivering as I climb out of the passenger seat of Liam's car.

"Dunno. Just to get out I guess." He says, doing the same and locking the car.

I sigh and follow him into the tiny corner store that's been there as long as both of us can remember.

"What kind of junk food do you want? I know mum never buys any." He says, smiling at me. "Get whatever you want. I'm going to make it all up to you."

"Liam, really, you don't need to spend your money on me. I brought my own." I say, getting a guilty feeling in the pit of my stomach.

"Lacey, don't worry about it. You're my little sister, it's my job." He says, smiling at me.

"If you insist." I reply, rolling my eyes and bursting into a fit of laughter before pushing open the cold glass door to the small shop. My eyes scanned the shelves of sweets but I made my way over to the freezer section and selected a carton of cookies and cream ice cream.

"Good choice." A deep voice behind me says. I recognize it as the voice of Harry Styles.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I groan, turning around.

"Doesn't matter. Meet me outside here at 11:30 tonight. Don't be late."

"You asshole. When Liam sees you over here talking to me-" I say angrily, my voice getting louder by the second until I am interrupted by Harry's huge hand covering my mouth.

"You will do no such thing if you really care about your ass of a brother. 11:30. Don't be late."

"I can't guarantee-" I start to say, but Harry rushes down the isle in front of me, away from Liam.

"Who were you talking to?" He asks. Something inside me tells me to lie, and I give in.

"Err...remember that imaginary friend named Bumbo I had when I was five?" I ask, trying to contain my laughter.

"Lacey. You do not still talk to Bumbo..." He starts to say, looking concerned.

"Well...."

"Come on Lace, let's go home." He rolls his eyes and starts to walk over to the checkout.

When we arrive home, it starts to storm. It takes Liam a few pockets of digging around in his pockets to find his house key, so by the time we get inside, we're both covered freezing cold and soaking from the pouring rain.

I put the carton of ice cream in the freezer, and then rush upstairs into my room to change out of my soaking clothes. After changing into some flannel pajama bottoms my grandad got me for Christmas last year and one of Colby's sweatshirts, I toss my wet clothes into a pile in the corner of my room. Just before I leave, feel my phone buzz.

"Great show. H.Xxx"

My face immediately starts to burn in embarrassment as I turn and look at the windows. I forgot to close the blinds.

I look outside and I see a black Range Rover stopped out in front of my house. Harry, that little fucker. As much as I tell myself how sick this is, a twenty one year old going after a sixteen year old, I find it so fucking hot and I can't bring myself to stay away from that curly-haired asshole who beat up my brother and and pisses me off so damn much.

While smirking, I open the conversation and respond:

" 😘 "

My phone buzzes again and it's a text from Caleb. Shit.

"Where the hell are you !"

Damnit. I was supposed to meet him at that damn café 20 minutes ago.