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Chapter 8 – Harry's P.O.V.

            My eyes peeled open to the alarm clock beeping through my ears. Quickly, I shifted with my arm still around Chloe as I turned it off. A sigh left my lips as I settled, my eyes trailing down to her peaceful face. She hadn't stirred a bit all night. Her head had stayed on my chest, one arm slung over my bare torso as the other curled up by her head. She was so damn beautiful, I had to force my eyes off her face just to remember I had work this morning.

            Not exactly wanting to move or wake Chloe, I huffed. Still, I slowly slithered myself out from under her. Standing, I thought I was successful, but her hand gripped my wrist. "Are you leaving me?" she asked in a sleepy voice, but her fear was evident as it laced her tone. She truly is afraid of being alone.

            I gave her a smile. "Not at all, love. I'm just going to get dressed. Go back to sleep, all right?" I said softly as I brushed her hair out her face.

            Chloe mustered a small smile as her heavy eyelids fluttered closed once more. I smiled before spinning on my heel and heading for the shower. After freshening myself up, a sigh left my lips as I shimmied into some black slacks. I brushed my teeth, then stepped back out into the room. Chloe was curled in a ball in the covers, still looking as peaceful as ever. I smiled as I went to my closet, pulling out a white button-down and a black tie. Slipping my arms through the sleeves, I fumbled with the buttons all the way to the top, only leaving the very top one undone. I hung my tie around my neck, not putting it on as I sauntered into the kitchen.

            I turned on the coffee pot, then went to the fridge and grabbed a cheese stick. I didn't eat too much in the morning, but I always had a coffee in reach. Without coffee, I'm an unfamiliar and grumpy monster. It's something about the caffeine, I suppose.

            Pouring my coffee, I whistled to myself as I stirred in the creaming. My whistling fell short when I heard the soft voice behind me say, "Harry?"

            I glanced over my shoulder to see Chloe was already dressed. She was wearing some denim skinny jeans she had tried on yesterday in the mall, a blue blouse hugging her thin torso. I smiled as her soft hair fell into gentle waves over her shoulders, her new converse hiding her feet.

            "Don't you look nice?" I chuckled as I turned to face her, leaning back into the counter as I brought the rim of my mug to my lips.

            Chloe's cheeks flushed as she looked down at her outfit. "I just... You said you had work and—"

            "Chloe," I chuckled, setting my cup down, "I was giving you a compliment. I didn't mean anything sarcastic about it."

            Chloe bit her lower lip, nodding in embarrassment. Her eyes slowly trailed up to meet mine. I watched intently as her eyebrows furrowed. "Why aren't you wearing your tie?"

            I frowned, then realized the black material was hanging limply around my neck. "Oh, I just... I don't know. I'm not too good at tying them, so I try to avoid putting them on."

            "I can help you," Chloe said, slightly catching me off guard with her sudden confidence. I didn't mind it at all.

            A small smile graced my lips as she inched towards me. She took the tie in her petite hands, popping my collar up and wrapping it around my neck. I stared at her face in awe as she bit her lip in concentration, looping the tie into the perfect knot. She straightened it before putting the collar down. Shivers ran down my spine as her fingers brushed the skin on my neck.

            "Where did you learn to tie a tie?" I asked quietly, but the smile stayed planted on my lips as I took in her gorgeous features for the umpteenth time.

            Chloe merely shrugged, her cheeks flushing a light crimson color. "It was part of our uniform in middle and elementary school," she said. "I guess it kind of stuck with me."

            I smiled and nodded, then my eyes found the clock on the stove. "Shi—shoot, we're going to be late." I had caught myself abruptly, remembering how Chloe tensed or cringed with the slightest curse.

            I started walking towards the door, hoping Chloe hadn't heard my almost slip up, but then she faintly said, "Thanks for catching yourself."

            I turned around to face her, only to find a small smile on her lips as she twiddled with her thumbs. I grinned back, nodding in acknowledgement before motioning her to follow me out the door.

***

            "Hey, Mr. Finn. Do you mind if my friend Chloe here hangs around with me today? I promise, she's not a bother," I said to my boss as Chloe hung behind in the lobby.

            Finn looked over my shoulder through the glass of his office. "Are you referring to the petite girl with the brown hair, nervously fumbling with her hands?"

            I sighed, not having to turn around to know he had spotted Chloe. "Yeah," I said softly. "That's her."

            A smile stretched on Finn's thin lips as his eyes met mine again. "Damn, Styles. You got yourself a nice looking girl out there. Finally got rid of Elizabeth?"

            My eyes widened slightly at his forwardness, but I managed to shake my head, raking a hand through my hair. "She... No, we aren't dating. That's Elizabeth's sister, actually. Well, step-sister," I grumbled.

            Finn's eyebrows furrowed. "Are you...?" he trailed off, but I knew exactly what he was hinting at. And I was disgusted.

            "Of course not!" I snapped. "Why the hell does everyone think that? Jesus Christ, I can't do anything around here."

            Finn laughed. "Chill, Styles. I don't mind if your cute friend hangs out. As long as you don't get distracted," he winked.

            I rolled my eyes. "Thanks, Finn," I grumbled as I pushed his clear office doors open. "Chloe, come on, love," I called, giving her a soft smile as her head jerked up in my direction.

            She nodded, following me down the hall and to the elevator. I pressed floor five, precisely two floors under Finn. The boss always got the upper level.

            Chloe and I stepped out the elevator once it dinged. I led her to my little office box, pulling up a spare chair for her. She sat, spinning slightly as her eyes skimmed over everything. I fumbled around with some loose papers, doing my best to get organized for the day.

            "What do you do?" Chloe asked softly behind me.

            I glanced over at her, then back at my papers. "Oh, I'm an accountant. I manage the company's funds and such. Speaking of which, remind me to speak with Finn before we leave about the budget cuts."

            Chloe slowly nodded, but then her twinkling eyes dazzled at me. "You work with numbers?"

            I nodded.

            "I like math," she said quietly.

            I turned to look at her at this, sitting on the top of my desk. "You do?"

            Chloe nodded.

            "Why?"

            "It never changes," Chloe told me as her eyes met mine. A sadness took over her face as she looked away. "I don't like change."

            "You and me both," I sighed as I raked my fingers through my hair. I mustered a smile in Chloe's direction. "Well, love. How would you like to help me out today?"

            Chloe's face lit up. "Really?"

            "Really, really. If you're good at math, it should be easy for you," I said with a smile. "I don't think Finn would mind too much. Besides—"

            "Hey, Harry." The accent caused me to turn my head in the direction of the holder. To prove my assumptions correct, Zayn was walking into the office. He set his things down, then his eyes moved up. I swear they widened when he caught sight of Chloe. I couldn't blame him; she was downright breathtaking.

            "Who's this?" Zayn smiled as he motioned to Chloe.

            "This is Chloe, Elizabeth's sister," I told him.

            "Hello, love. I'm Zayn," he said politely, outstretching his hand for her to shake, but she merely looked at it. Much like she did when she met me.

            I leaned over to him. "She doesn't like touching," I whispered so Chloe couldn't hear.

            Zayn pursed his lips, nodding before he gave Chloe another smile. "Well, it's nice to see a new face once in a while."

            Chloe looked down at her lap, fumbling with her hands nervously. Zayn let out a sigh as he glanced at me. I shrugged as I slid off my desk, sitting in my swivel chair. Zayn sat as well, booting up his computer.

            Zayn was the only person that kept me sane in this place. Outside of work, I had three other mates that had also moved to America to get away from some things. Without them, I'm pretty sure Elizabeth would've already drove me insane. Maybe I would've gotten lucky and got to bunk with Chloe, although I highly doubt it.

            My eyes caught Zayn staring at Chloe multiple times throughout the hour. I didn't like it. I know I'm supposed to be in a relationship, and Zayn is single, but I wouldn't approve if he were to take an interest in her. I already had my eyes set for her when I got away from Elizabeth, so if he were to try and make a move, I don't think it'd go over very easily with me.

            After thirty minutes of his staring, I clenched my jaw and crumpled a blank piece of paper, tossing it at his face. He looked up at me, slightly startles as I glared at him. "Focus, mate," I hissed through my gritted teeth, hoping he got the message.

            I guess he did because he hasn't looked up from his work since.