DARK

Chapter 8

Harry slung a strong arm round my shoulders, pulling me closer to the side of his warm body. It was dark outside, the street dimly lit by the flickering street lamps as we walked away from his car. It was weird, as much as Harry frightened me, I felt safe with him. It may have been the fact that I knew no one would choose to pick a fight with him.

"Do you do this with all the girls?"

Harry glanced down to look at me.

"What do you mean?" He questioned.

I diverted my gaze down to the floor as we continued to walk.

"Frighten them into being with you." I spoke quietly.

He chuckled at my words, his fingertips pressing into my shoulder.

"So I do frighten you." He confirmed to himself.

He paused before speaking again.

"You're the only one, most girls are more than willing." He smirked.

The wind blew, whipping my long hair back. I shivered slightly as the cool breeze touched the uncovered skin of the top of my chest and neck. Harry tugged me closer as he noticed me pull my jacket tighter round my body.

"Your Mum told me she wouldn't be back tonight, you can stay at my place."

"What? No." I abruptly stopped.

His arm fell from my shoulders before he took my forearm tightly in his large hand.

"I want you to stay at mine." Harry's raspy voice spoke.

"I'll be fine on my own."

I could see his jaw tense at my objection. But he chose to leave it.

***

I got the impression Harry knew the bouncer on the club door. They shook hands before the well-built man moved to the side allowing us in, much to the annoyance of the people that were stood waiting in line.

My fingers entwined with Harry's as he tugged me through the sweaty crowd and over to a booth at the back. There was a group already sat down, empty glasses littered the table as they tried to talk over the pounding music. Harry was warmly greeted before he tugged me in front of him. His arms wrapped round my waist as he introduced me to everyone. I politely smiled and nodded before sliding along the seat to sit next to a beautiful girl who smiled at me.

"So Bo, what do you think of Harry?" Hayley asked.

She tucked her black hair behind her ear as she spoke. I looked over at Harry who was talking to a guy not too far away.

"Um, he has a bit of an anger problem." I admitted.

Hayley smiled as I spoke the obvious. She shuffled closer to me before taking my forearm and leaning in.

"He likes you."

Hayley nodded encouraging as she pulled back. I smiled at her before jumping as a hand was placed on my shoulder. I peered up to see Harry. He shrugged his blazer off placing it over the seat, revealing his white t shirt.

"I'm going to get us a drink."

"Thanks."

I watched as he walked away, another person coming into view.

"I'm Jake." He said, sliding in to sit next to me.

"Bo."

A couple of minutes later Hayley squeezed my arm, smiling.

"We're going to dance." she informed us.

I watched as the rest of the group got up from the booth before I lost sight of them as they dispersed into the crowd. It was just Jake and I. My eyes scanned for Harry, but he was still at the bar.