The Styles Triplets

Chapter 27

"Well," Marcel said with a crooked smirk as he finished getting dressed, "that was... interesting."

I laughed under my breath, pulling my shirt back on. "I swear if Harry heard anything—"

"He didn't," Marcel interrupted confidently. "Trust me. He's completely oblivious."

I shot him a look. "I still feel like we just committed a crime."

He chuckled, stepping closer, his hands settling gently at my waist. "You were pretty good at keeping quiet."

"I kind of had to be," I replied dryly.

Marcel leaned in, kissing slowly up my neck before pressing a soft kiss to my lips. "I love you," he murmured.

"I love you." He smiled and kissed up my neck to my lips.

A small smile slipped onto my face despite everything weighing on my mind. "I love you too."

For a moment, things felt easy again. Normal. But the feeling didn't last.

Marcel sat down on the edge of the bed, running a hand through his hair. "So... what do you think Harry was talking about earlier? All that stuff about John."

I hesitated. "I don't know," I said carefully. "He's just worried about you."

"I get that," Marcel said. "But I can take care of myself."

"Something in his tone made me glance at him more closely.

"Marce," I said gently, "just because you've changed a lot lately doesn't mean you should underestimate someone like John."

He frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"

I immediately regretted how it sounded.

"Nothing bad," I said quickly. "I just mean—"

"That I'm still the same guy?" he pressed. "Still the loser?"

My stomach dropped. "No. That's not what I meant."

He stood up now, tension creeping into his posture. "Then what did you mean?"

I tried again. "You're stronger now, yeah. But John's unpredictable. I don't want you thinking you have to prove anything."

"So I can't handle things myself?" he asked.

"Marcel—" My patience snapped slightly. "Let me finish my sentence."

Silence fell heavy between us.

His expression hardened just enough to hurt. "Maybe you should just go," he said quietly, unlocking the door.

The words stung more than I expected.

"Marce... I'm sorry," I said softly. "I didn't mean to snap."

He didn't look at me. "It's been a long day, Alex."

I nodded slowly. "Okay." I gathered my things, then walked back toward him. "Bye," I said gently. "I'll see you tomorrow?"

He hesitated. "Maybe."

I pressed a small kiss to his cheek before stepping away, my hand lingering briefly on his shoulder before I left the room.

"I heard yelling," Harry said as I came downstairs. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah," I said, forcing a small smile. "Just heading home."

He studied me for a second but didn't push. "Alright. See you soon?"

"Yeah."

He hugged me quickly before I stepped outside. I made it halfway down the driveway before realization hit me like a brick.