Deception

Chapter 25: The Key

"Harry." I whisper, but his eyes aren't locked with mine, they are focused so deeply behind me.

Suddenly his eyes flash to mine but they stay hardened. "I am going to count to three. On three, you get up quickly and you run to the bathroom. Lock yourself in a stall, and I will come and get you when I am done." He breathes harshly while his hand crushes mine. I am not sure whether the monster is the one in front of me, or behind me. Or both.

"1"

"Harry please, you're scaring me."

"2"

His eyes harden behind me.

"3"

I stand quickly and rush to the bathroom like he told me too and fling myself into the biggest stall. Then I pace in a circle for minutes.

While I am it, I evaluate three things:

A. I came here so I could feel safe.

B. That's obviously not working.

C. I can't bring myself to leave.

I hear a rumble and the door to the girl's bathroom sweep open. My heart falls for a second, as I hear nothing. Not even a breath.

"Charlie?"

I exhale all that's in me and run out of the stalls into his arms. He squeezes me so tightly as I dig my head into his chest. And for this moment, I forget all he is. I forget what he has done and what he may think when he looks at me.

"Who was it?" I mumble into his chest. I realize that my tears are staining his coat but he doesn't remove me from his comfort. When he doesn't reply, I detach my head from him and look up.

"My Boss knows about you." He mutters. For a moment, I believe my heart stops. But when I feel its harsh, ache I know its still beating...barely.

"He sent... he sent some guys. They wanted to bring you to him. You have got a price on your head."

"Why do they want me? Your Boss has my mother right? Then I need to go to him." I whisper. Harry shakes his head.

"You don't get it." He says coldly.

What am I possibly missing?

"He's wanted you all along. Why do all the girls look like you in that damn macabre place? He wants you." He whispers.

"He could want anyone with brown hair. That doesn't mean its me. I don't even live in London, I am barely new here!"

Harry shakes his head violently and looks at me.

"I didn't want to have to tell you this. I thought maybe Zayn or Louis had brought in a picture of you because that's what we do. We normally take a picture of the girl before bringing them in, to make sure...he likes them." Harry sighs, running his hand through his wavy curls.

"What are you saying?" I whisper.

"When I saw your...Evelyn Parker, she was in the back off his office, tied, Charlie. On his desk lay two photos of you. One of you walking on campus and one..."

"One what?" I screech.

"One of you entering my loft...with me." he swallows.

Oh.

"How do you know it wasn't Louis and Zayn?" I almost cry. Nothing makes any sense.

"I just...know." He whispers back. I shut my eyes for a moment and bend my knees.