I'll Protect Her |H.S| *On Hold*

Chapter 16

"Liam I suggest you leave now." Harry spoke, menacingly quiet.

Liam stood up from beside me and glared at Harry. Savannah came charging through the dining room doors, joining us three in the hall.

"I'll leave." Liam agreed lowly, grabbing Savannah's hand. "But first, promise me you won't hurt her." Liam said even lower while starring at me.

Harry seems taken aback by Liam's request. He looks hurt at first then his expression shifts to a confused one, then it becomes unreadable.

"I'm not going to hurt her Liam." Harry says sternly. He almost looks a bit irritated by having to say it out loud.

Liam walks past Harry and drags Savannah along with him.

I look up from the floor and my eyes meet Harry's. We just stand there staring at each other, and it's oddly comforting.

I hear their footsteps lessen, they've reached the end of the hall.

"Bye Jessica." I hear Liam's voice smoothly calling from the other end of the massive hall.

"Goodbye Liam." My soft small voice echoes against the gigantic walls. My eyes never leaving Harry's as I speak.

And with that the front door slams.

Harry walks closer to me and keeps edging nearer until our toes touch. I am instantly reminded of earlier on in 'my' bedroom.

"You really have the most captivating eyes Ms. Carter." Harry softly whispers.

"Ms.Carter?" I ask, screwing my face up a little. That's new. Since when does Harry call me by my last name?

!

"Yes." He smiles a little private smile and tucks a stray piece of hair behind my ear.

My heart flutters.

"I- I thought we were on a first name basis." Shit I stuttered.

"Oh we are." He agrees with a small nod. "But when I called you Ms.Carter you reacted in a way I found...humorous." He grins. "Plus it's more professional." He adds, but as soon as he says that his grin falls and it's replaced with an immediate look of regret.

Shit, he's either going to be upset or angry or pissed off, anyway it's not going to be good. For either of us. I try to steer the conversation in a different direction.

"So you find me funny Mr.Styles?" I question with a sly smile and a little giggle, unable to fully contain my laughter.

Harry's face begins to light up and a small smile is played on his lips. It's small, but it's there.

"Zayn stop being such a downer, omgggggg!" Brooke's loud high pitched irritating voice sounds from the dining room.

Harry grabs hold of my hand and pulls into the dining room with him.

"Let's call it a night guys, shall we?" Harry asks hopefully.

They all nod in agreement. Except Brooke.

"No, I want to stay." Brooke slurs while concentrating on trying to open a wine bottle.

"I think you've had a little too much to drink." Zayn announces, snatching the bottle from her hands.

"Well I don't think I've had enough actually." Brooke says matter of factly while crossing her skinny arms.

"Well it doesn't matter what you think because I'm in charge." Zayn bites back.

"I wish you fucking weren't! Why don't you go be 'in charge' of Little Miss Priss over there." Brooke venomously spits looking towards me.

Her eyes travel down and lock on Harry holding my hand. Her face twists sourly, as if she's eaten something bad.

Zayn grabs her by her elbow and starts leading her out.

"Thanks for the meal Harry, nice to meet you Jessica." Zayn quickly says his 'goodbyes' before quickly exiting with Brooke.

Niall tackles me with a massive bear hug.

"See ya darlin' lovely meetin' ya today!" He chirps. He grabs hold of Tammy hand and leads her out, she gives me a small wave and I reciprocate.

"Bye Jess." Louis says softly with kind eyes.

"Stay safe." He whispers in my ear as he hugs me.

I nod, and with that Louis and Ashlyn follow Niall and Tammy out. Leaving me and Harry alone.

Silence floats around in the air between us.

Harry breaks it.

He sighs, long and hard. "Okay so there are some things you need to know."

I can't stop the small smile from creeping to my lips. Finally! Some answers! Looks like I won't need Liam's help.

Harry walks me into the kitchen and we both sit in the two stools at the breakfast bar.

We face each other. And once again I look into those heart stopping green eyes.