Harry's P.O.V

I worry that last night was a mistake. Not for me, but her. I, for one, enjoyed every single blissful moment of it.

I have never had better sex, even though slow and steady isn't what I'm used to. When she begged me to go faster, it sent me over the edge. 

I have never had sex that fulfilling before. Not only was it perfect physically, but emotionally as well. This soulmate bond has me feeling things I never knew existed. 

She lies asleep, breathing in and out. I want to kiss her, cuddle her, hug her, but I don't. I'm stressed about her reaction. Will she regret it now, in broad daylight? Was she caught up in the moment last night? 

She's probably in a lot of pain. I've never taken someone's virginity before. I feel slightly guilty doing so, like I've ruined her pureness and innocence. On the other hand, I have no regrets. I'm her first, the only man she's been with. The only man she'll ever be with. 

I can't tell how it was for her. Her moans told one story, but her reaction after was another. She didn't seem happy or excited. Maybe it wasn't as good as she thought. Maybe I wasn't as good enough. 

I tossed and turned all night. I couldn't sleep, even though I was exhausted. However, I never leave the bed. There's nothing worse than waking up the next morning in an empty bed, especially after your first.

I want Ellie to know I'm in it for the long haul. She isn't a meaningless fuck to me. 

Fuck it. I roll around and scoot as close as possible. I inhale the scent of her hair. I consider pulling her into me, but I'm sure that'll wake her. 

She stirs in her sleep. I lay still, hoping I didn't wake her. Her eyes flutter open and she fixates on me.

"What," she mumbles.

I release the tension in my shoulders. "Nothing," I sigh. Not exactly the first words you'd want to hear. 

Ellie's P.O.V

I think I've made a mistake. 

Having sex with Harry was a big mistake. 

Not because he was bad. Hell no, he was the opposite.

That's the problem.

He was too good. In a way, I feel more connected to him than ever before. That's what's going to make it so hard to leave in a few days. 

I mean, I've had wet dreams about him since the moment I met him, but nothing compares to the real deal. 

Harry's eyes bore into mine. I can't take it and break eye contact first. The intensity's going to make me crumble. 

I just want to enjoy our last days together.

"I'm going to order breakfast. What do you want?" He gruffly asks. 

"No thanks," I mumble. I definitely don't have an appetite. 

"French toast it is."

I roll my eyes but smile. He knows exactly what I like without me having to say. He gets off the bed and goes to order the food. I take this opportunity to look around. The rose petals once on the bed are now all over the floor. My dress lays in a pile on the floor. I cringe at the sight, knowing it's going to be hard to return.

I'm dressed in Harry's shirt. I sit up, needing to pee so badly. I know you're supposed to pee after sex to prevent UTIs, but I was passed out. Peeing was the least of my concerns. 

As I crawl off the bed, the soreness hits me. I wince but keep going. On my way to the bathroom, I pick up my dress and lay it nicely on the bed. 

When I'm done, I walk out to see Harry looking anxious. Relief washes over his face when he sees me. "I thought you left."

I smile. "No, why would I do that?"

He shrugs and looked at me, concerned. "Are you okay? Does it still hurt?"

I shake my head and walk toward the bed. "I'm fine. Nothing out of the ordinary I assume." 

"The food will be here..." he's interrupted by a knock. "...soon, I guess." He tosses me a pill bottle and gestures to the glass of water on the bedside table. I gratefully pop a pill and down it with the cool liquid. 

He opens the door and lets the employees set up the kitchen area. I stay in the room, waiting for them to leave. 

Then, a familiar voice pierces through the room. 

"Harry, mate! It's been such a long time! What, you get a new girl and forget about your old pal here?" Niall greets. 

Of course, he has to be here. Perfect timing Niall, as always. 

I hear Harry mumble something, but can't understand from here. 

"What? Ellie's here right now?" Niall yells, obviously loud enough to grab my attention. "Ellie, come out if you're decent. Breakfast is getting cold, eh?"

I roll my eyes and prepare for him. I debate throwing on pants, but Harry's shirt is insanely long on me. When I walk out, he doesn't bat an eyelash. 

"You just saw me yesterday you prick," Harry remembers, hitting him on the arm. Niall shrugs and begins grabbing random food off the breakfast platter. "That's Ellie's."

Niall looks at me with a mouth full of french toast. "Oh my God Ellie, I'm so sorry." His words are mumbled with the food.

I cringe. "Don't worry about it. I have to leave anyway," I smile. I'd rather not intrude on their guy time. Niall's the perfect excuse to leave and beat myself up in private. For once, I'm actually thankful he's here. 

Harry gives me an upset glare and follows me to the door. I pull him into a long hug and we sway side to side. 

"Please eat something babe," he whispers in my ear.

"Awe!" Niall coos from across the room. We ignore him.

"I will."

"No, you won't. I'm going to send you food and you better eat it all. I'm going to check later."

I roll my eyes. Okay, dad. 

I give him a quick peck on the lips and leave the room. I can hear Niall's mocking tone followed by a small "ouch!" 

As Harry said, food is waiting for me by the time I'm out of my shower. I begin chowing down on the toast and check my phone.

H: Taking you on a date. Be ready by 7. Xx.

I smile at my phone. This is exactly what I wanted, to enjoy these last few days with Harry. 

I plop down on my bed, deciding to take a nap. 

~~~

A hard knock wakes me. I jolt out of bed and frantically look around until I realize what's going on. 

"Ugh," I groan while opening the door. To my surprise, Gemma is standing here. "Gemma? Uh... come in."

She walks past me and I shut the door behind her. 

"I hope I wasn't disturbing you?" She asks, looking at my clothes. Of course, I'm still wearing Harry's shirt at PJs. 

I let out a yawn and gesture to the bed. "Not at all, have a seat." 

She plops down and smooths the sheets around her. I smile sheepishly, knowing my unproductiveness is on display. 

"What's up?" I ask when she doesn't speak.

She looks around at the room. "You know, I'm surprised you aren't in a nicer room,"

My cheeks heat up. I was at one point. "Yeah, long story."

She doesn't say anything else and we sit in silence. I awkwardly wait for her to tell me the reason she's here.

"Would you like me to order you something? Food? Tea?" I try breaking the silence.

She just smiles and shakes her head. "I'm fine." After a long pause, she finally spits it out. "I want to say sorry about how I treated you."

I look at her, confused. "We already had this conversation."

"I know. I just... I know how much it hurts to not be able to be with your soulmate." She whispers the last bit.

My eyes widen in shock. So, she does have a soulmate? 

She looks up at my face, gauging my reaction.  

"Yes, I do," she responds to my mental question. 

Part of me doesn't want to be nosy, but there has to be a reason she's here. 

"You know," she lets out a small laugh, "Harry has always backed off a girl when I didn't like her. He wouldn't dare go against me, because I always want what's best."

I nod, not understanding where she's going with this.

Her eyes meet mine and I can see the pain behind them. "When he got mad at me for acting rudely toward you, I knew something was up. There's no way he would go against me. I thought you brainwashed him or something."

I cringe, knowing I could never do that. I'm partly shocked too, not knowing he stood up to his sister for me.

"You're special, Ellie. I can see it from the way he looks at you. Don't let that go."

Tears form in my eyes. She's right, but I don't have that option.

I blink rapidly, hoping the tears go away before she can see.

Her hand goes up to her own face, wiping away some tears. I want to ask her more, but don't. 

"He's a good guy," she smiles as she gets up. I follow her to the door, watching her leave. She pulls me in for a small hug before leaving.

What was that all about?

When she's gone, I drop back onto my bed, letting out a frustrated groan. 

Why is everything so complicated?

You know, maybe I'm the one who makes everything complicated.

I glance at the clock and see I only have a couple of hours before my date. I jump out of bed and run to the shower. 

After that's done, I text Harry, asking what's appropriate attire. I put my phone down, not waiting for this response.  

When it's time to actually change, I still have no reply. I shrug and play it safe with a sweater and jeans. 

At 7 on the dot, I hear a knock. I skip to the door and open it. Harry stands there with a bouquet of flowers. I smile and take them. 

"Always punctual," I tease. He follows me into the room and lets the door shut behind him. "Hey, you never told me what to wear, so I hope this is fine," I spin around and collide with his chest. "Ouch," I mumble.

I look up to see his smoldering green eyes look into mine. 

"What?" A small smile plays on my face. 

His warm hands grab my face. "Are we okay?"

My heart races. Did Gemma say something to him? 

"Yeah," I say nonchalantly. "We're good." I avoid his gaze and look to the floor. His hands force me to look up at him.

"Ellie, if you regret last night..." he begins, his voice traced with vulnerability. 

I frantically shake my head. "No no no! Why would you think that?" I do, but not for the reasons you'd think.

His shoulders relax and he places a kiss on my forehead. "You're not lying to me, right?" His voice is muffled.

I pull away and look at him. "What's wrong Mr. Cocky? Why these sudden doubts?" I tease.

He's not in a joking mood. My smile drops and I pull him in a tight embrace. 

"I just don't want you to regret doing anything with me." He sighs. "It's dumb, I know. I... you just matter so much." 

I've never seen him so vulnerable in my life. Guilt overwhelms me. I didn't realize I was acting so closed off. 

We both pull away from each other. "Harry," I place my palm on his cheek. "I don't regret it." 

He grins ear to ear. "Really? You were acting pretty weird this morning."

"Uh...yeah. I was embarrassed." I move my gaze downward. Lying's becoming a bad habit. 

A deep chuckle erupts from Harry. "Love, we've basically done everything. There's nothing to be embarrassed by." 

I shrug. "I don't think I'll never not blush when I'm with you," I say under my breath. 

He doesn't catch that, which makes me grateful. Harry's back to his arrogant self, which means teasing me every chance.

"So," I say cheerily, changing the subject. "Where are you taking me?"

He smiles sheepishly. "Yeah... I couldn't actually think of a place. Lady's choice."

I groan internally. If there's one thing I hate, it's choosing where to go. 

Okay, think Ellie. Somewhere not too public, but also fun. I rack my brain for possible ideas. Dinner would be ideal, but also sounds boring. 

"A mate of mine is having a party," Harry interjects. I crinkle my face. "What," he laughs.

"I don't know Harry. All the parties we go to either involve snobby people or a bad night for me," I smile. Once I realize what I said, I frown. "I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-"

"I deserve that." He says, dejected. 

"Okay, we can go. As long as you trust no leaks will happen," I sigh. He looks up at me with hopeful eyes. "Dinner first though," I add.

"Yes, of course." He grabs my hand and plants a kiss on it. He doesn't let go, holding on tightly.

~~~

The party is in a penthouse suite, God knows where. I've never been to a penthouse, and it shows. Imagine having an elevator that opens into your room! 

Harry smiles at my awe as we enter. Out of habit, I release my hand from his. He gives me a little pout, but I'm too distracted by the people.

There aren't as many people here. It's more of a house party than what I was expecting. 

"Heyy, Harry!" A man calls out, going in for a handshake. They both do their weird guy things. I slowly walk away from the men and wander.

Most people are already in groups, as if everyone's friends. It's much more intimate than I thought, automatically making me feel excluded.

I accidentally bump into someone. "I'm sorry..." I say, meeting eyes with Zach, the photographer/lawyer/coffee date man. "Oh my gosh, hi!"

His eyes widen when he recognizes me. "Ellie! What a pleasant surprise!" He pulls me into an unexpected hug. "What are you doing here?"

"Oh, just socializing." I shrug. 

He takes this as an invite to be my tagalong for the night. I groan internally, rather be spending time with Harry. I can't just ditch him, it'll be rude. 

I notice Harry staring at me across the room. I give him a helpless look and gesture to Zach, who is going on a ramble.

He shoots me an amused look from across the room and continues his conversation with his friends.

"Why don't I introduce you to some people here?" Zach doesn't give me an option and pulls me to a bunch of people. 

Each one gives me a fake smile when he introduces me. We all sit together and I'm pained by the lack of genuineness here. Some girls ogle at Zach and give me hateful stares. They probably think I'm his date. 

My phone vibrates.

H: Bathroom. NOW.

I excuse myself from the conversation and go to find the bathroom. I walk down a hallway in search of the meeting place.

A hand shoots out from one of the doors and pulls me in. I yelp in surprise.

Harry shuts the door quickly and pushes his lips to mine. I'm taken by surprise by the sudden gesture. I give into the kiss eventually. 

"What's gotten into you?" I smirk.

He runs his hand through his hair. "Everyone thinks you're here with Zach." 

"So? Let them." I smile, pulling in for another kiss. It's his fault for not sticking with me. 

"You're mine," he whispers between kisses. I laugh, enjoying this. I didn't even mean to make him jealous.

"Okay, I have to go or it'll be suspicious." I smile, hesitantly pulling away. He pouts and I give him one last peck on his frown before leaving. 

He waits a brief moment before leaving so no one sees us together. I sit back down, being welcomed only by Zach. 

Somehow, I end up mingling with the same group as Harry. Everyone's sitting at a table, chatting up a storm. I feel a foot slide up my leg. I look across the table to see Harry hiding a smirk. He pretends he's invested in the conversation. I pull my leg away and his eyes meet mine, narrowing at me. 

This time, I drag my foot across his leg. My legs aren't long, so they barely touch him. He clears his throat and looks back at me.

I smirk, which only causes him to be amused. His face drops when he sees Zach's hand reach around my chair, resting it around my shoulder. 

Zach leans into me, whispering gossip about the people at the party. He's trying to keep me entertained in the conversation I'm clearly excluded from. 

I keep a straight face, hoping Harry won't think too much of this. I don't want him to be angry over nothing.

I feel his foot near me once again. I look over at him and he has his focus on Zach, whos dangerously close. 

I stand up abruptly. Zach and Harry both look up at me. 

"I think I'm going to head out," I explain loudly enough so Harry can hear. The others don't seem interested in what I have to say, keeping to their own conversations. 

Zach sighs. "Are you sure?"

I nod. "Yeah, busy day tomorrow. Thanks for keeping me company."

"Do you want a ride?" He offers to which I politely decline. He goes in for a hug, but I make do with a handshake. I don't glance back as I take the elevator down. 

A familiar car comes into view and I wait outside. I lean on the hood, hoping Harry comes soon. The cold nips at my face and I regret not dressing warmer. 

Harry's silhouette is running towards me. When he's close enough, he meets me for another kiss. "That was amazing. You should have seen his face when you rejected him."

I cringe. "Aw, I didn't mean to be mean."

He shakes it off, obviously not caring enough for Zach. "You're freezing. Let's get in." He unlocks the car and I gladly hop in. Once it's on, I turn up the heat and heated seats. "So, now what?" He looks at me eagerly.

Out of nowhere, laughter takes over me. Harry looks at me with an amused expression. "Harry, that party was awful," I squeeze out between laughs.

"Yeah... definitely more intimate than I thought." He smiles sheepishly. "I'm sorry."

I finally catch my breath. "No, it's okay. It was cool seeing a penthouse for the first time."

Amusement returns to his face. "That was the most interesting part?" 

"Harry," I sigh, reminding him that I'm much poorer than him.

He rolls his eyes. "You've seen Audrey's house, and it was way cooler."

Silence sets in. I look over at him to see his eyes smoldering into mine. 

A cheeky grin spreads around his face. 

"What?" I shift my gaze away from him, suddenly insecure.

He puts one hand on my thigh. "You're so beautiful."

My cheeks heat up and I face the window, hiding my blush.

He can't just say stuff like this to me. 

He softly chuckles, taking the car off park. I look out the window, taking in the scenery.

We drive to an unknown destination. Of course, basically everything is unknown to me. 

My heart drops when we pull back into the hotel. I was expecting something else. 

"Disappointed?" Harry smirks as we pull into the lot.

"No," I lie. I keep my gaze away from him, but nearly jump when I feel his hot breath by my ear. 

"You shouldn't lie Ellie," he teases. He's in close proximity to me, making my heart skip a beat.

I huff, "I'm not lying." 

His deep chuckle warms my insides. "C'mon, I have a fun night planned."

I hop out of the car, not knowing what to expect. He laces my hand through his, but I let go when we reach the lobby. Disappointment washes over both of us, but we know we have to be careful.

The elevator is considered the safe zone. As soon as those doors shut, our hands touch again. 

Every time we touch, I get butterflies. I don't think it affects him as much as me. If it does, he's hella good at hiding it. 

We finally reach his floor and walk out, hand in hand. He unlocks the door and drags me in, making sure it doesn't slam behind him. 

"What are we doing?" I finally ask.

"I've ordered some pizza and we're going to have a sleepover," he grins.

As simple as it is, it sounds perfect. 

A/N:

Okay, a longish chapter! They're gonna get longer in the future, but not for a little bit. How's everyone's quarantine going? Remember to practice social distancing! I hope this is all over by summer.