Page 107 of Tamed By You

“I need to tell you something. There’s a reason he was so angry about the pills and reacted the way he did.”

I stiffen, panic starting to wade its way through my body once more. I say nothing, waiting for him to continue.

“When we lost Scotty, he had been dating Tori, and Harry went home to tell her. She took it as to be expected, but then Harry had to return to Afghanistan.

“He wasn’t the same when he came back. None of us were. It tore us all apart to watch Scotty go like that. We all carry guilt from that day.” He goes silent for a second and I sense he needs a second to compose himself. I can’t imagine Brad showing any real emotion, but I could also never picture this soft side of him.

“Harry went home after the tour and Tori, she, she was in a bad way. He found her on the floor. She was out of it. She had been surviving off too many prescription drugs to count to numb herself, to dull the pain.”

My heart hurts for Tori because I get it. I know how it feels to feel that way. I don’t judge her. I sadly understand her.

“So, Harry stayed with her, got her into rehab and she decided to start over in London. That’s why he’s been back and forth in London, not because we needed him to open the new club. We could have managed that from here, but he couldn’t let go of the guilt. Harry, by nature, is a caring person, a fixer. He likes to take care of people, make them happy, make them laugh, likes to get under your skin.” He chuckles on the last word, as do I.

“So, I can say with confidence, he won’t think the things you are thinking. He just wants to be there for you. Don’t let the fear win. Let him in.”

I sit up to face him. “Thank you,” I whisper. “I didn’t think you were a talker, just a listener.”

He leans forward, picking up our mugs once again, handing me mine. “Well, every now and then, I feel compelled to share my wisdom. I am a very wise man in case you haven’t guessed.”

I let out a little laugh, and he looks at me. “Don’t let the fear win, Ali, okay?”

“Okay.”

Chapter Fifty

Harry

I stand in front of her apartment door. My heart thumping so loudly I wonder if they can hear it on the other side. I look at the door frame, the split wood, the damage in the middle where I kicked it near off its hinges to get to her, thanking my lucky stars I listened to my gut and got in there.

I tap the door and a few seconds later Jack appears, looking tired, worry etched all over his face. The same expression I think we have all been sporting the past twenty-four hours.

“You, okay?” he asks as I step inside taking the place in. A pumpkin spice scent wafts through the air from the candle that burns on the kitchen island. A small white lamp on the side table gives the room a low glow, the drapes drawn as New York night begins to fall. It feels cozy, warm, and safe in here now.

“Yeah, yeah, but I’ll be better when I speak to her,” I say softly.

“She’s sleeping right now. She’s been sleeping a lot today. My eyes travel over to the couch where I see her tucked under a pink comforter, her blonde hair splayed out around her.

Ria enters from Ali’s room and gives me a comforting smile. “Hey, Haz,” she says, throwing her arms around me and hugging me tightly.

“Hey, Ri, how’s she doing?” I ask as we break the hug.

“She’s slept a lot. She just needs rest and to be surrounded by us all. Gabby is out teaching. We need to get back for the girls. Are you okay to stay with her till Gabby is back?”

“Of course.” I’d stay all night to just make sure she was okay.

“Okay, we will head off. Brad is at the club. If you need anything you call, okay?” Jack says with a pointed look.

“Yes, yes, I will, you go. I’ve got her.”

Once they leave, I slip off my tennis shoes and walk over to the couch. I’m wearing black sweatpants and gray sweatshirt in anticipation of staying over if she allows it. I need to show her I am serious; I am not walking away from her.

Reaching the couch, not wanting to disturb her, I opt for the floor beside her. I watch as her tiny frame inhales and exhales, her face looking pale still. She looks peaceful, and still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.

Like a love-struck teenager fangirling at a concert, I watch her sleep, terrified to take my eyes off her. Wanting to be beside her in case she has another nightmare or needs comforting.

I’m not sure how much time has passed. I’ve watched her toss and turn on the couch. I’ve listened to three ambulances drive past her apartment building, noticed how the apartment grew a little darker when a streetlight came on. Something warm caresses my cheek and my eyes flutter open. Icy blue eyes meet mine, a shadow casting over half of her sculpted face, and I smile.

“Hey,” I whisper.

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