Torn

Chapter 26

AN: Hi guys, I know it took a while for me to post this and this might go on for quite a while as things have been hectic at work and will possibly continue to do so for a few months, nevertheless I'll do my best to keep each chapter worth your wait lovelies.

Thank you :)

Selena...

"Wait, stop, no don't!" It took me one breath just to screech four words, my tone heavily laced with panic, causing Harry to grasp the reigns as quickly as he released it. The steed, Margot – if I remember correctly, released a loud grunt of disapproval and I'm sure if it weren't for Harry she probably wanted to throw me off already and honestly, I don't blame her.

"Hey, hey, easy girl" Harry softly called out to the agitated mare, instantly showing signs of ease as he petted her mane.

"Good, now it's time to take care of my girl." As soon as Margot ceased with the fidgeting I've caused her, Harry directed his attention to me, sporting an impish grin, though with an unmistakable glint of concern in his eyes. The blush on my cheeks was prominent as soon as I took in his words, and the humiliation of being a very difficult student as well.

"What's wrong babe?" Harry asked as he held one of my hands while the other was content in settling on my thigh, thumb drawing soothing circles, though causing it to burn instead.

I sighed, head lowering to meet the viridian gaze of the man standing beside Margot on the ground "I'm scared is all."

"But I thought you wanted this?" Harry asked once more, eyebrows slanting in confusion.

I could only sigh once more. While it's true that I was the one who suggested another horse ride a while ago, the idea pictured in my mind was far from the one happening right now.

Harry was quick to catch on my mood that had slightly dwindled after my somewhat disturbing encounter with anxiety two days ago over a supposedly passing remark during my conversation with the girls by the lake. I didn't want to make an issue out of my paranoia so I was intent on letting it fizzle. Unfortunately, being the persistent man that he is, Harry was adamant on coaxing the truth out of me, which embarrassingly enough didn't even receive any ounce of difficulty from my so-called resolve. All it took were just a few swipes of his lips, hands and tongue.

There was no need for me to elaborate on the source of my discomfort. I haven't even finished with my story when his playful mood had visibly shifted to a much more thoughtful one. I didn't even know what I intended to do other than to drown myself in my own dismal thoughts. But Harry was once again quick to prove that he will always be the only one that I need most. All he had to do was reach out to me and tuck me against his chest as we lay in a silent reverie.

Just like that, all the foreboding clouds were swept away.

He was unmoving, except for his one hand that were combing through my tresses while the other kept its hold on my hip. I on the other hand, even though tad curious of his deep ruminations, chose to preserve the quiet, content on listening to my favorite lullaby. The thump of his heart was strong against my cheek pressed so closely to it and with each beat I heard his fears and reservations. But with the loudening terrors in his brain, I was rewarded with the tightening of his embrace and even in the dead of the night with only the four corners of the room as our companions, I felt myself smile, knowing no matter how big our horrors grew – this beautiful boy would always shield me from harm's way.

I tilted my head and planted a kiss on his chest, at the very point where cloth separated from skin. He sucked in a breath, giving me a tender squeeze before a kiss is placed on the top of my head. I know I can never equal with the things he does for me, but it greatly warms my heart to feel that I can, in any way, provide him comfort when he's the one to seek for it.