A Lovely Betrayal

Chapter Eight

As the days leading up to my birthday dwindled Louis was true to his word and kept Harry busy as often as he could. Most days were spent with Harry while at night I would slip out of bed and meet Ashton on the roof of the hotel where we talked about the future we would never get to have together.

“I can’t believe you’re leaving tomorrow.” Ashton whispers as we stare at the stars.

“I wish I didn’t have to go.”

“Me too. This is our last night together. Your birthday celebration is tonight, and then tomorrow you leave.”

“Yeah. I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be. I got to love you.” He says turning his head to look at me. I stare at him silently and reach out grabbing his hand.

“I wouldn’t take this back Ashton. I’d do this all over again to love you.” I whisper and he smiles sadly.

“I’d do it all over again too.”

“It’s almost two.” I whisper. “I need to get back.”

“I know.” He stands up and holds his hands out to me to help me up. He holds me close and I wrap my arms around his waist burying my face in his neck. “I’m going to miss you so much Tatum.”

“I’ll still see you.” I whisper.

“It won’t be the same. I won’t get to touch you, or kiss you, or hold you, or love you.”

“I’m sorry. I love you Ashton. Forever.”

“I love you Tatum. We have to get you back.” He pulls me to the door and the elevator. He holds me tightly as we ride down the elevator together for the last time. Tears fill my eyes and drop onto his shirt. “Please don’t cry love. I’ll always be here. You can talk to me any time you want.”

“I’m sorry.” I whisper. “I’m so sorry I put you through this.”

“I would go through it all over again if I got to love you for even a second.” He whispers in my ear and I tilt my face up to kiss him one last time. He pulls me close his lips molding with mine as they fit together like two puzzle pieces. The doors ding and slide open. I pull away from him looking up at his sad blue eyes my heart shattering all over again. I cup his cheek in my hand and his eyes slide closed and he presses closer to my palm.

“I love you Ashton always remember that.” I whisper and drop my hand dashing out of the elevator tears rushing down my face as I run down the hallway. I slip into my room sliding into bed with Harry wiggling into the circle of his arms clinging to him as I cried myself to sleep. Harry’s fingers stroking my cheek wake me up. My eyes flutter open and I force a smile.

“You were crying in your sleep.” He whispers and I frown.

“I was?”

“Yeah.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay Tatum.” He kisses me gently and I push myself against him clinging to him deepening the kiss. I had to forget the pain. I need to forget. He moans as I push him down against the mattress straddling him and for a while he helps me forget. Harry holds me close as I come down from my high his breathing ragged. “Well that was one hell of a way to start the day.” I laugh and he groans as my laughter shakes us both eliciting a moan from both of us. “Time for round two.” He growls flipping us over latching his lips to mine.

I wriggle out of Harry’s arms squealing as he pinches my bum. I dash for the bathroom and lock the door. I turn on the shower and slip under the hot water letting it wash away Harry’s scent. I slip out of the shower wrapping myself in a towel. I slip into the bedroom to find Harry on the phone standing in the living room totally naked. I giggle and walk over. I press a kiss between the sparrows on his chest and he sighs.