Forgive Me (Color Me book 3 H.S) EDITING

CHAPTER 4

CARLI

I talked with Tania about baby things, smiling as she was so happy for Harry and I. It was a change from his other workers-- they all scowled at us and shamed Harry for getting me pregnant in such a good time in his life. I tried not to get hurt by the comments and rumors that were spreading around in the gang, but deep down it kept building and building. Harry always stopped them and snapped, but still. 

Harry was deep in a conversation with Donald as we ate our lunch, my taste buds dancing as my plate was devoured. I sipped on my lemon water and watched Harry interact with him, his hand always grasping my hand or thigh. Every time Harry looked at me, his eyes were filled with regret and admiration. I knew he felt bad for what he did, but honestly he deserved everything that was coming to him. For instance, I'm making him sleep in the extra room for a few nights. I was still trying to muster up some kind of punishment for him.

"Carli, want to go back home now?" Harry asked, helping me up as we finished the lunch date. 

"Don't you have to go to work again?" I asked as I watched Harry pay the bill. He looked down at me, his plump lips turning down in a frown.

"Right. I have a conference call, maybe you can go to the library I set up next to my office?" Harry led us to his car, opening my door and smiling as I got in. He was tipsy from all the alcohol he drank during lunch, but I didn't say anything since I didn't want to start a fight. 

"Sure." I replied as he got in, my seat belt pressing against my bump as I put it on.

"Or, I can drop you off at my mum's bakery and you can spend a few hours with her. I can pick you up after I'm done?"

"You sure you won't forget about me?" I asked, my tone cold. Harry looked at me, a sigh escaping his lips. He said nothing as he started the car, his hand changing the gear.

"Baby.."

"Don't Harry." I whispered, setting my bag down on the ground. I brushed the hair out of my face and sat back in my chair. "You can take me to your mom."

""kay." Harry mumbled, taking a right as the light flashed green. "How did you like lunch?"

"It was yummy, Donald and Tania seemed to have hit it off with each other well. Do you know if they talk on a daily basis? I mean he is her father."

"I think she tries, but Donald is a busy man-- even if he's 80 something."

"He should retire." I giggled softly. 

"I highly doubt that will ever happen, to be honest."

"Like you?" I asked, looking over at him for the first time since we got into the car. Harry gripped the steering wheel as he drove, his knuckles turning white with his strength.

"I'll retire, someday."

"What if I asked you to retire right now? Give Karl the gang so we can be a happy family?" I asked. I wouldn't let him do that, I just wanted to know what he would say.

Harry batted his eyelashes, one of his hands rubbing the back of his neck. We sat in awkward silence for awhile, Harry not speaking for a long time.

"I couldn't do it." I heard Harry speak. "I worked so hard for everything, I finally get what I want. I have power, money and fame. People look up to me for protection and I feel for once that I'm needed. I can't just give up everything I've learned to love so easily."

I listened to him, hearing him say nothing about me. I breathed out and closed my eyes briefly. "So you wouldn't even give it up for a few days?"

"No."