Instinct

Chapter Ten

Harry's POV.

“Kiss me.” Those two words left her mouth and I felt myself internally battle about what I should do. I moved in slightly, watching and gauging her reaction, she seemed to be doing the same with me. I swallowed hard and decided not to think about it, leaning in slowly. I watch as Ali leans in slightly, her nerves evident. I close the distance between us slowly, our lips brushing before I press mine firmly to hers. She kisses back and snakes her arms around my neck, pulling me into her. I oblige and mold my taller and bigger frame to her shorter and smaller one, my arms sliding around her waist and my hands locking at the small of her back.

I was mad at myself for kissing her. I'm ruining everything, like usual, but this time I actually care. I pull back slowly and our lips disconnect even slower, almost as if they didn't want to leave each other, but it was too late. I caught my breath and slowly opened my eyes.

“I- um- I mean.” She tries to form a complete sentence as heat rises quickly to her cheeks.

“Ali..” I start but she immediately shakes her head and starts to push at my chest.

“L-Leave, please. I just, need some time.” She tries to explain but I know what she's thinking and that makes this whole situation even worse. The things she doesn't know, the things she doesn't ever get to know, they're hurting her and she won't know it until it's too late. I know I could stop it now, and I should stop it now, but a part of me still can't let go.

Ali's POV.

“L-Leave, please. I just, need some time.” I lie as I push at his chest. Harry goes with each push, still looking at me, which makes this even harder.

“Harry.” I whimper, my fragile state even worse after confirming what I didn't want to know.

“Okay, I'm going.” He says finally as he grabs my hands and gently takes them off his chest where I forgot I left them. The heat on my cheeks feeling permanent as I follow him out of my room, and down the steps at a slow pace, trying to pull myself together. His hands are shoved in his pockets as he walks down the steps as well, heading for the front door, and opening it slowly. It was déjà vu, watching Harry walk out of my house the same way Liam had earlier, and I think Harry had the same feeling himself.

I crossed my arms over my chest and tried to hide every emotion I was feeling behind a weak poker face. Harry turns to me and sighs.

“I'm sorry, Ali. I thought that's what you wanted..” He says and I shake my head.

“Don't apologize, I did and I don't regret it. I just need time to think.” I reply quietly and Harry nods before turning back to the door and leaving without another word. I sigh, and figure that that was it. Harry and I probably won't be the same, if even friends after my mistake. I sit on the third step from the bottom of the stairs and think.

But it only lasted a minute before my front door swings open, making me jump up from the step I was sitting on in attention. Harry burst through the door, a determined look on his face.

“Harr-” I couldn't even finish before he interrupts me.

“Please tell me that was enough time to think.” He says breathlessly before taking long strides towards me, pulling me to him and pressing his lips to mine again. I gasp slightly at the instant contact, giving Harry the perfect opportunity to slip his tongue in my mouth. Once my shock dissipates, I quickly kiss back, snaking my arms around his neck and pulling his body to mine.

Honestly, I was thankful he came back. I don't think I could've handled one more silent second on the steps after what happened in my room, and to feel his soft lips move against mine was just a bonus. We continued to stand on the third step of the stairs in my home, kissing each other like we'd never kissed someone before. I moved my lips up on his, standing on my tiptoes, trying to reach his stature but it was basically impossible. He helped me stay up on my toes by wrapping his arms around my waist tightly, molding my body to his.

He suddenly broke the kiss and moved down my jawline to my neck, slowing down with each kiss. I tilt my head to the side, already missing the feeling of his lips on mine. Harry breathes heavily by my ear, leaning his head against mine. I close my eyes involuntarily and relish in this moment. Liam hadn't done something so lovely, and spontaneous in months, if at all, and the rush Harry quickly gave me from doing so was almost unbearable.

“I lied when I said I was leaving.” Harry finally speaks, his breath hitting my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

“You don't say.” I whisper back into his ear through his unruly curls. He pulls away, us loosing complete contact with each other now. The smirk on his face was absolutely contagious and I felt myself mirroring him.

“See you at school, Ali Taylor.” The way my name rolls off his tongue is intoxicating.

“You know it, HarBear.” I reply playfully and he does his signature eye roll before heading for the door again. I step down the few steps as well, and this time, hold the door open for him.

He looks at me and smiles, “Once more thing.” He tells me before cupping my cheek and leaving a ghostly peck to my lips.

I melt at the connection, placing my hand over his that rests on my cheek. He pulls away too quickly again, giving my hand a simple squeeze before dropping his hand from mine.

“Now I can leave.” He tells me and I nod, not able to find my voice yet. He skips down the front steps, down to his car, getting in. I can't help but smile to myself when I see him reach for the seat belt, clicking it in place before pulling out and speeding away.

I close my door and lean on the back of it, closing my eyes and taking in a deep breath. It probably looked like something out of a cheesy romantic comedy. But come to think of it, the last ten minutes have probably looked like a movie. One of those cheesy 80s movie romances, where somehow love prevails, and conquers all. Just as I start to calm down, my conscious reminds me that he's no good, and that I should get out while I can. Well you know what, maybe I don't want to..