Through the Dark

Chapter 17

Harry guided me gently to the couch, his movements careful, protective. I sank down without protest, my body exhausted from crying. He adjusted me until my head rested comfortably on his thighs.

One of his hands laced firmly with mine, his thumb brushing soft, steady circles against my skin. The other moved to my forehead, massaging gently, caressing with a touch so soothing that the knots of tension inside me slowly unraveled.

"Shh... just rest, Sweet cheeks," he whispered, his voice low and calming, as if he was afraid to break the fragile quiet of the room.

I wanted to argue, to tell him I didn't deserve this kind of care, but the warmth of him, the steadiness of his heartbeat under me, was too much. My eyelids grew heavier with each stroke of his hand, and before I knew it, the tears had dried on my cheeks.

Safe in his hold, cocooned in the rhythm of his touch, I finally surrendered.

Sleep claimed me instantly.

And the last thing I felt was Harry's hand tightening around mine—like a silent vow that he wasn't letting go.

*****

I woke to the sound of voices. For a moment, I kept my eyes closed, my breathing steady, pretending to still be asleep. But I recognized them immediately—Harry and James.

"I talked to my management," Harry said, his voice low, almost weary. "They promised they'll help me handle this. I just... I just want this to be over for her."

"I know, Harry." James's tone was heavy with concern. "Sammy's hurting so much right now. You should've seen her earlier—so fragile, so broken. It killed me to watch her like that. Honestly, I want to strangle whoever this Cora Williams thinks she is. I'm even considering pressing charges."

My chest ached at James's words. I really was blessed to have him in my life—always protective, always ready to stand for me.

There was a pause, then James spoke again, softer this time.
"You know, Harry..."

"What is it?" Harry asked carefully.

"You've changed her," James said simply.

Harry sounded almost surprised. "Really? How so?"

James exhaled deeply, his words carrying more weight than I expected.
"Sammy used to keep to herself. She pushed people away, built walls so high no one could reach her. She didn't want to get attached. It was like she was living inside a shell, convincing herself she didn't need anyone." He paused, his voice thick with emotion. "Then you came along. And somehow, you broke through all that. You tore down those walls. Now she smiles more, laughs more. She's lighter, happier. And she's... she's attached to you."

There was a silence after that, heavy with unspoken meaning. I could almost hear Harry shift uncomfortably beneath me.

"Just promise me," James added, his voice firmer now, "that you won't hurt her. Because if you do..." He let the threat hang in the air, sharp and protective.

"I won't," Harry said without hesitation. His tone carried no doubt. "I promise you that, James. I could never hurt her. I care about her too much... she's become so important to me."

My chest tightened at his words.

Harry drew in a shaky breath, as though weighing something before he spoke again. "No, scratch that... maybe it isn't just that I like her." He exhaled slowly, the sound almost trembling. "Because I think—I already love her. I love her so fucking much that the thought of losing her terrifies me. I'd give up everything—my career, my fame—if it meant keeping Sammy safe, right here with me."

James's voice softened, almost relieved. "Thank you, Harry. For loving Sammy. She needs someone like you. She won't admit it, but I know she feels the same—whether she calls it liking or loving, it's there. She's just... scared. Afraid to get hurt again. But you're good for her, Harry. Just... keep her safe."

There was a pause, then I heard James rise from his chair. "See you tomorrow, Harry. Make sure your management is here on time."

"I will," Harry replied firmly. "See you."

After a brief moment, I opened my eyes and looked at Harry. His body was leaned back against the couch, one hand still clasping mine, the other gently massaging my forehead as though trying to soothe away all my worries.

"Harry," I whispered.

He jolted slightly at the sound of my voice, his emerald eyes snapping to mine. A small smile tugged at his lips, but it didn't quite reach his eyes—I could see the weight of stress pressing down on him.

"How long have you been awake?" he asked softly.

I pushed myself up to sit beside him, never breaking our gaze. "Long enough to know that you love me."

His shoulders tensed, and he shut his eyes for a brief second before sighing nervously. When he opened them again, there was no denial—only raw honesty.

"I'm sorry," he murmured. "I couldn't hold it in anymore, Sammy. The feelings I have for you... they're only getting stronger, deeper, every single day. You know I care about you, right?"

I nodded, my chest tightening.

"That care turned into love. I don't care if you're not ready to say it back yet. I'll wait. I'll wait as long as it takes. But I need you to know—I love you so much." His hands came up to cradle my face, his thumbs brushing my cheeks as though I might vanish if he didn't hold on. "So damn much."

Before I could respond, he leaned in, and his lips claimed mine.

The kiss was soft at first, but the moment I melted against him, it deepened—passion igniting like fireworks in my stomach. My heart raced wildly, pounding so loud I thought he could hear it. His hands slid down to my waist, pulling me closer, while my arms looped around his neck, my fingers tangling in his hair. The kiss grew hotter, hungrier, a burning need neither of us wanted to end.

But breathless and trembling, I finally pulled back. Our foreheads rested together, noses brushing, lips still hovering just a whisper apart. For that stolen moment, it felt like nothing else mattered. Not the scandal, not the press—just us. His kiss had healed something broken inside me.

I smiled through the rush of emotions. "Do you really mean everything you said?"

"Yes," he answered without hesitation. "Every single word."

"I love you too," I whispered back. And before he could even react, I crushed my lips to his again—this time with all the love I'd been too afraid to admit until now.

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