One Plus One

Chapter Seventy-Two

"Do not let go of my hand." instructed Harry as we ran down streets I didn't recognise, Jamie's footsteps were still echoing behind us.

"Marlie! Get away from her you dick! Marlie!" Jamie's words resonated through the streets.

Harry gripped my hand tighter signalling he was going to increase in speed. We ran faster, breathing heavily as we hoped to give Jamie the slip.

We came to a car park and Harry slowed. His eyes searched for his car and once found, he pulled me towards it. I could see Jamie coming into view. He hadn't yet seen me but that did not stop me from tensing up with fear. Tears had soaked my cheeks and my feet were icy cold. When I was helped into Harry's car, the feeling of the mat in the foot well on my feet was welcomed. The car shuddered as the engine started and Harry began to frantically drive out of the car park. Jamie's eyes caught sight of me in the car but knowing it was no use he didn't try to chase it. I turned my head and saw him bent over catching his breath. When he looked up he stared at the car, instilling fear in me once again.

A sob leapt from my lips and tears streamed. My heart was rapidly thumping in my chest and I needed to be sick.

"Please stop the car." I desperately asked.

"Is everything alright?"

"Please stop the car."

Harry quickly pulled over and I threw his car door open, leaping to the curb. I hunched over as my stomach contents emptied onto it. I felt a reassuring rub on my back. It made me flinch even though it comforted me.

"It's alright it's just me." Harry emphasised. "Feel better?"

I looked up and met his green gaze. For a moment it made me forget how to speak so I simply nodded. Harry shook his hands through his curls and combed them over to one side. I almost thought I was going to pass out. It turned out to not be just a thought.

*****

My eyes flickered open and after a couple of blinks they focused again. I had no idea where I was. It wasn't my living room. My head throbbed. I raised a hand up to my forehead and felt cold fabric folded upon it. I took hold of it and looked at it, it was a flannel. I slowly sat up and looked around. I spotted Harry's converse that he'd been wearing when he'd rescued me and put the pieces of the puzzle together. Harry had taken me back to his.

"Harry?" I called out.

He shortly appeared in the doorframe.

"How are you feeling? Are you alright?" he asked, concerned.

"Much better. I should go."

Harry came and sat next to me on the sofa and placed a cup of tea down in front of me.

"Marlie, just stay."

"I'm sorry, I just can't."

My heart was aching being so close to Harry again. I couldn't take it. I had to get out.

"But you can let Jamie near you?" Harry asked, almost angrily.

I began to well up at the thought of what he'd done and said to me. My arms fidgeted hoping to hide from Harry's view. Even doing that made me wince at the pain.

There was a moment of silence as his gaze fell upon mine. His green eyes glistened in the dimly lit room. Harry's hand came to my face and he gently stroked some strands of hair behind my ear.

"You've got a nasty bump on your head. You can stay here until the morning. I'll take you back home."

"I can't stay here."

"I still care about you, Marlie."

My heart pounded. My memories took me back to the first time Harry said that to me. How I had put my trust into him. There was a part of me that thought there was more to it than caring. Harry still loved me. I could see it in his eyes.

"Ok. I'll stay."

Harry held a grin on his face, dimples appearing in his cheeks making him look more adorable than he already was. He held out his hand to me which I willingly took and he led me to his room.

"Feel free to use one of my t-shirts. I'll see you in the morning."

"Harry."

He quickly turned on his heels, recognising the fear in my voice.

"Stay with me, please."

He smiled as he shared my gaze before slowly closing his bedroom door and walking over to the bed. He handed me one of his t-shirts before he stripped down and climbed into the bed next to me. I felt safe again in his arms.

*****

"Thank you, Harry." I said as I hopped out of his car.

"You are more than welcome. I'll text you later?"

I nodded as his cute smile sparked one to form on mine too. I heard his car pull away as I jogged up the steps to my front door. Before I could turn my keys in the door it was swung open.

"Hey, baby."