Gardens Of Eden (A Harry Styles Story)

51. One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Crazy long chapter, don't forget to vote and comment! Thanks babes!

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When Harry came home, he was tight lipped about his excursion, and he used dinner as an excuse not to discuss it. I tried not to overthink, enjoying the first meal in a long time that included Harry, Helga and Kate, flopped at my feet and giving my food her best side eye.

We took our time cleaning up and finishing the second bottle of red wine. Afterwards, Helga squeezed us both tightly, elated that things were starting to go back to normal. Harry closed the door behind her and locked it. Walking back over to me, he fell down on the couch and grabbed the remote. I kept my eyes on him. 

"Wot?" His innocent look was ruined by the smile he tried to hide as he flicked up a channel at a time.

"You know wot." I poked his ribs, mimicking his Northern accent. "Where'd you go earlier? Did it have anything to do with... well, everything?" 

"Yeah." He sighed, "I'm looking into the anonymous donor." He stopped on the local news. 

I felt a small flare of hope. "Do you think you can find out who he is?" 

"The first hint of an explanation, you'll be the first to know." He promised, playing with a strand of my hair. "Oh, that reminds me." He swung his legs off the couch and walked down the hall to his office. A minute later, he came back out. 

"I have something for you." He sidled up next to me on the couch, holding something secretively in his hand. 

"I'm intrigued." I admitted, waiting for him to continue. 

"This," he put something hard and heavy in my hand, wrapping my fingers around it as a long chain dangled down. My heart began thumping wildly, "is the necklace I wore the night I came to get you from The Garden." Harry said, shocking me to silence. "It's got a camera in it." Harry avoided my eye, tentatively waiting to see if I was going to find that pervy...

"So that's how you blackmailed him." I was more impressed than weirded out. Uncurling my fingers, I couldn't help but be reminded of the moment, eight years ago on a moth eaten mattress, holding the ring in my hand much the same way.

Things had changed so much. 

The silver necklace had an intricate pattern with a shiny black face, and as I slipped it over my head, I couldn't help but remain speechless. 

Harry touched the chain, observing how it looked.

"It's very thoughtful." I whispered, feeling the smooth black center.

"Nah, it's selfish. I can access the camera from anywhere." He shrugged, breaking the daze and making me laugh. "I figure between that and the GPS in your phone I'll always be able to find you if something happens." It was a bittersweet thought, but his reasoning wasn't completely flawed.

"You better not spy on me." I tried to keep my straight face.

"Oh, I'm gonna be spying all the time." He moved in for a kiss, pushing us both until I was underneath him on the couch. The kiss broke and his timber voice sang quietly, "cause I'm a creeeep!" 

I couldn't stop the laughter that rang through me as I silently I thanked my lucky stars for this beautiful man.

"I love you." I said softly.

"And I love you." He replied, just as sweetly. He must've seen the sappy look I was giving him because he tickled me until I finally pulled out of reach, hugging his head to my chest to make him stop.

"Don't tempt me with a good time," his muffled voice was playful and I let him go, laughing. 

The knock on the front door interrupted us.