Hidden. (Harry Styles)

23.

A/N: Just gonna say that I'm a cold-blooded tease, and I'm not sorry. ;) Please continue voting, I'll update more frequently if you do! Enjoy. ♥

M.

Harry spent the last twenty minutes driving in complete circles, completely clueless as to where to go. I too had no logical idea, but it was finally unanimously decided that we needed to head back to Cal's to freshen up and get our things ready.

"Don't you think we should call the police?" I ask him as we walk into the penthouse, the nostalgic cinnamon aroma engulfing me as I walked through the threshold.

"I don't think it would be best to do that as of right now," he answered, his back to me as he walked towards his room.

I strided behind him, following him inside with disbelief. "As of right now? So what you're saying is that it wouldn't benefit us at this moment?" How the hell were we going to get through this without the police?

He turned around, a heavy sigh escaping his lips as he examined my agitated expression. "Listen to me. If we get the cops involved, this will blow up everywhere. Everyone will know. And before you say it, this isn't about keeping my reputation safe. But if this is broadcasted, and it will be since I'm involved, this will get out to individuals you're supposed to be hiding from."

I processed his words, weighing out the pros and cons of his idea. "You're right," I admit, thinking of Rob's pleads for me to stay out of the public eye. Harry's status would only mean way more exposure on my behalf. I was already in danger having him by my side as it is.

"So we can agree to put the police on hiatus?" he asks, placing his hands on my waist and drawing me in. "And can you promise me not to do anything irrational without telling me first?"

Grimly smiling up at him, I push back a fallen curl off his forehead, running my hand through his soft hair as I do so. God, was he beautiful. "I promise."

He leans down and gently presses his lips to mine, his elongated fingers tracing the curve of my jawline.

I couldn't help the surprise that was evident on my face, my eyes opening at his actions; I wasn't quite used to his spur of the moment affections.

Pulling away after a few moments, I shot him another smile and kissed the soft skin of his cheek. "I'm gonna go take a quick shower and get my things ready, alright?"

"Alright angel," he answered warmly, making my smile wider. I loved the sweet, silky tone of his husky voice whenever he wasn't angry or yelling. "Can I join you?"

My heart fluttered as I looked into his playful yet serious emerald gaze, but I suppressed any sort of hormonal spontaneity. "As tempting as your offer sounds," I spoke calmly, walking towards my guestroom. "I can't, as we're on a limited schedule. Maybe next time."

"Baaabe," he groaned like a child, the heavy padding of his boots growing nearer. "Don't be like that!"

I ridiculously grinned to myself at his adorable pleading, thankful that my back was to him and that I had already opened my door. "Next time!"

Closing the door shut, I made sure to twist the lock in case he wanted to try anything smart.

I made my way over to the bathroom, soaking in my disheveled appearance in the mirror. The waves of my hair were in frizzy knots; my eyes were red and swollen from sobbing, and faint, red scratches were scattered among my cheeks.

I traveled my gaze down towards the rough bruising on my neck. Delicately, I ran my fingertips over the fragile, violet blooms in awe.

God, did I look awful.