PATIENT LOVE

Chapter thirty-two

Harry's POV

There, right in front of me, stands a broken girl because of my lies. Lies that I thought were best if she didn't know but with each of her words sends a searing knife to lodge in my heart.

"You were still sleeping with her?"

I've never seen so much pain reflected in a pair of eyes before, a pair of hazel eyes that were always my favorite, that looked up at me with love but now, now it's almost as if they hold no emotion at all, almost unfeeling as she stands a few feet away from me, scared for me to even come close.

"What? No, Madelyn. I swear I wasn't."

I'm pulling at my hair, trying to explain to the woman I love that there's no way I would do that to her, no way in hell. But she's not listening and I'm dragging my hand over my face in frustration.

"I should have known. If you could hurt her like that then what would ever stop you from hurting me as well?" her voice is void and it's killing me that it's because of me. I'm the cause of this.

"Leave," she throws the ring off and it lands right in front of my boot. "I don't want your promises."

--

 48 HOURS EARILER  

Madelyn's POV

Running my hand through the lukewarm water I test out the temperature. Once approving of it I add the soap and watch as the tub fills with bubbles.

Walking over to the sink I light up each of the five candles, turning off the light and watching as the candle lights flicker on the wall of the bathroom. Taking in my appearance from the mirror I become very nervous. For some reason, anticipating this night with Harry makes me much nervous than it would on a normal basis. I push back my hair, keeping it from falling in front of my face.

My breath hitches at the sound of the knock at the door. I rush out the bathroom and into my room, grabbing a robe before heading to the door. I check the peephole even with knowing that it's him. I take the time to watch him unnoticed for as long as I can but I'm struck from my trance when he knocks again, stuffing his hands in his pockets.

I take in one more deep breath, trying to fight off my nerves before opening the front door.

"About time-" he stops midsentence. "What are you wearing?" his eyes take in the velvet robe.

"Nothing, silly, come inside," I pull on the arm of his slightly damped coat.

"Is it raining?" I whisper.

"Yeah, it just started," he whispers back. "Why are we whispering?"

"Jamie's sleeping in the other room." His head moves down the opposite hall towards the direction of the guest room.

Taking his hand in mine again I pull him inside but he halts to untie his boots and remove his coat, presenting his navy blue shirt underneath.

"Are you hungry?" I ask, trying to delay for as long as possible since my nerves are still jumbling together. I play with my hands nervously, constantly pushing my hair behind my ears.

"No," he simply says. "Had dinner at Matt's."

"Oh, okay," my voice is still low. His borrows knit up together, taking me in.

"What's gotten into you? You're acting almost...shy," he says, coming closer. His hands land on my hips and he dips his gaze down to meet my eyes. We now stand near the living room and I can hear the distant sound of the rain that I hadn't heard before.