Dangerous | l.s.

XVIII

By the next morning most members of the house were now aware of Louis' breakdown from the night before. He also has yet to come out of his room.

Zayn told Harry not to sweat it, that he'll most likely stay holed up in there for a few days and then come out, acting business as usual. But Harry didn't want that for Louis, he didn't want him to feel isolated when he was clearly in pain.

So, Harry started to ask around the house. He asked Niall, the maids, and the chef-yet everyone kept their lips sealed about him. Not daring to say anything that could be seen as talking behind his back. Yet, Harry pressed on, determined to find out something.

There was only one other person Harry felt comfortable enough around to ask. So, he went to Kathryn's office and gently tapped on the door. The door swung open to a warm and smiling Kathryn that instantly made Harry feel more comfortable coming to her.

"Uh, hi! I was wondering if I could ask you about Louis?" Harry asked sheepishly.

"Of course dear come on in," she said stepping aside and let Harry in. "There's actually some things you should know about Lou."

"I just can feel that he has such a big heart and I don't want him to be alone," Harry said pausing and looking down. "And despite his line of work, I think he is a really good person. He saved me," Harry said starting to tear up.

"I know Harry," Kathryn said with a fond look. "And I think you can help him, that's why I need to tell you this stuff or at least let you know enough about it so you can ask him."

Harry nodded as he sat down where Kathryn patted. He figured that this wasn't going to be a particularly easy conversation, seeing as Harry's heart already hurt for Louis just from hearing him crying.

"Louis, he is, incredibly strong. He has been through hell and back. Family is his everything-when he lost his mother, he was barely a teen. He didn't take it well. He had been working between here and the UK for the company ever since his cousin left us," Kathryn said and looked down. Remembering her one and only son was hard for her.

"I'm sorry for your loss," Harry said immediately.

"He is not dead, or maybe he is now. Who knows, but he just left. Louis took that hard too, they were close," Kathryn said and shook her head before continuing. "Anyways-after Jay, his mother, died, Louis came to live with us. Being home was hard for him, even though he loves his siblings. Shortly after he moved in with us, he started working for the real family business. He was immediately a natural, he channeled all his pain into the job. It changed him in a way, he never used to be so hard. He was always smiling, that same bright smile I see you bring out in him," Kathryn said and touched Harry's arm softly. "I partially blame myself for his change in personality. I should have never let him get involved so young. God knows Jay would have my head if she knew I didn't try harder to hold him back from all the drugs and gambling."

Harry noticed Kathryn struggling a little bit now. She really did blame herself. Louis was her responsibility and she let him fall into the wrong crowd. Let his already broken heart get shattered.

"We can stop if you'd like," Harry said softly. He wasn't even expecting to hear this much about Louis, hell he didn't expect any information at first.

"No, it's okay. There's one more thing you need to know. Something you should talk to him about," she said taking a deep breath. "With all the partying came the people. Louis fell in with a group of guys and one in particular caught his eye. Lucas. He was charming and he had us all falling in love, not just Louis. He had us all fooled too. Somethings are just too good to be true. But the rest of that story isn't mine to tell, it's Louis'."

Harry nodded his head and took in Kathryn's words. 'Had us all falling in, not just Louis.' Harry figured this man was more than just a friend that was a bad influence. He was never one to get angry, but at this thought Harry's blood started to boil.

"Thank you for telling me this stuff Kathryn, I appreciate it greatly," Harry said starting to stand to leave but he was stopped by her voice.

"Ask him about it Harry. And be patient with him. He doesn't open up easily but I have a feeling he trusts you. Be careful though, Louis can flip like a switch," she said.

With that, Harry left her office. He wasn't sure if he felt more confused before or after learning all of this about Louis.

All Harry did know was that he was going to take Kathryn's advice. Tonight he was going to talk to Louis.

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I just hit 1K reads on this story and that's like a huge milestone for me omg and two of us tomorrow ahh!! This is a little shorter than normal but so much is coming