Harley's POV

I woke up with a killer headache and a burning chest. My lungs felt like they were on fire every time I tried to take in a breath. I felt achy all over my body when I tried to get up from the bed I was laying in. The covers were softer than usual, and the bed was too. My eyes fluttered open. There were windows behind me since I could feel the sun rays on my skin. I peeked around me, shifting to the side of the bed so I could get up. I hadn't been in this room before, but wherever this room was, it looked almost identical to Sir's room. I pulled the covers off the bottom part of my body. The heat from the room and the window were making me bottom half sweat. The dress I wore before was stripped off my body, and I now wore silk green short shorts and a huge oversized white shirt. The shirt said TOMORROWLAND in big black letters and EST. 2016 under it.

I placed my feet on the ground before hopping down to the floor. As much as I didn't want to remember what happened, I remember everything. I remember how angry Sir was with me and running off but not making it far. My face flushed with heat as I recalled it all. I was mortified.

"Harley?" A voice sounded at the door. I would've known if it was Sir. Unfortunately, it wasn't. I knew he wouldn't want to see me.

"Hey, Henry." I greeted him as he was walking in. His usual puppy dog-like face was wiped, and instead, he wore a defeated and sad expression. Almost instantly, I knew he wasn't coming in to converse with me.

"How are you feeling?" He asked. A pained expression flashed on his face. That's when I noticed the thick white bandage wrapped around his arm. Small spot of red bleed through the cloth, making my eyes widen.

"What happened to you?" I ignored his question. I was fine, just tired.

"Oh, this?" He asked pointing to his arm " It's nothing. Just got a little burn. Nothing to worry about." He tried to smile at me. Through that fake smile, I could see his arm was hurting like hell. I panned my eyes to his face then around the room. Henry was with Sir in the house. That's how he got hurt in the first place.

"W-where is sir?" I blurted out. Henry awkwardly shifted and moved his eyes away from me then back of me. He shoved his hands in his pocket then tried to back up towards the door. What the Fuck was going on? "Did something happen to him?" I croaked. I felt my throat go dry and a build-up start to form. He was fine, right?

"Don't worry about it Harley, he can t-" Henry started but I couldn't stop my aggravation.

"You told me that already. You said the same thing when we left him in that house alone and look what happened!" I spat. "He got hurt?" I asked more like a question than a statement.

"Yes." Henry deadpanned "Your right. We all fucked up though." His face dropped to a stern expression. "We all could've helped in avoiding this." He was right. My heart clenched in my chest. He was just nicely saying this was all my fault.

"What happened? I don't remember anything after I seeing you guys." I turned my face away in embarrassment. Henry recounted everything that happened up until now and I was wishing I hadn't asked. He got hurt because of me. "Where is he?" My eyes were moist with tears begging to come out. Why was my stomach in knots? Why do I feel like my heart is in my throat? Why did I want to beg for forgiveness?

"His office, working," Henry said.

"Why would he be working if he's hurt?" I asked.

"Something serious came up. He couldn't wait to deal with it." Henry said vaguely. Serious? Did it have to do with Avery's Dad? I was unable to gather any information during the chaos at Huncho's house. Nonetheless, I'd still keep searching until I found out what was going on between him and sir.

"O-okay" I nodded. I didn't want to ask him how badly he was hurt or even where he was hurt, it was just the fact that he was hurt. "Thanks, Henry." I hung my head and began walking back to the bed. I wanted to bury my face under these covers and never come out. If Avery was here she'd tell me to "be a boss bitch" and hug me. I wish that she was next to me right now.

"Go see him. Maybe if you tell him to get some rest he'll listen." Henry finally spoke again. That sounded like a death wish. Who knows if this was the last straw before he finally decided that I was not worth all the effort. Since I've got here all I've managed to do is fuck up everything. I never did my job correctly nor well and he knew that. It was only a matter of time before I was either killed in exchange for my mother's debt or given another job.

"He listens to me as much as I listen to him. Not at all." I said. Henry chuckled at that.

"Well, I'm calling it a night. Feel better little bit." Henry patted my head softly and walked towards the exit.

"Wait Henry-" I stopped him. He halted and turned his body to mine again.

"Yeah." He answered.

"Whose room is this?" I asked

"It's a spare. No one ever used it since it was built. It was barely a room before but the boss had it made up a week ago." He answered and shrugged.

"T-thanks." I waved bye to him as he left me alone.

I stayed sitting on top of the silk bed for a while just thinking. I was itching to get up and see him. It was embarrassing. I pulled the covers from under my body and tucked myself under them neatly. I was hot but I felt vulnerable being uncovered and out of the open as if the covers would shield me from everything. I sighed out softly and closed my eyes. Unintentionally tears flowed out of my eyes. I kept them closed as the hot tears streamed down the side of my face. I was tired. So tired. I wanted to hug my dad and kiss my brother, I wanted to ask Avery for advice and jump on top of her. I wanted to go home where nothing was complicated and my future was certain. My days used to routine and peaceful although life was hard I appreciated it. I especially appreciated it more now. I stayed like that for a while until I felt calm enough to rise from the bed. Chills ran through my body as I pressed my feet to the cold granite and began walking to the door. I wasn't thinking anymore, my mind was blank.

I opened the door, peeking out in the hallway to see if anyone was around. Goosebumps invaded my body once I stepped out into the open area. The cold air bit me as I began walking towards those wide thick oak doors. I can hear my heartbeat in my ears and feel it in my throat. I walked slowly up to the door, not bothering to knock I pressed my hand against the wood. It always seemed like I was mentally and physically preparing myself to walk into his office. It's become a necessary habit. I took a deep breath pushed against the door. The smell of black coffee and aftershave smacked my face. He sat at his desk hunched over his computer. His hair was dripping wet and it was apparent he had just got out of the shower. He looked so good sitting there. I pushed myself into the room further allowing the door to creak when it closed behind me. His eyes shot up to me and widened but then narrowed. He didn't move them even as he pushed away from his desk and leaned back in his chair. I walked up to him still holding his gaze and planted myself next to one of the chairs in front of his desk.

"Hey." I was the first to talk. I didn't even know why I was here.

"Hey." He answered back "How are you feeling?" He followed after. He didn't seem angry.

"Fine." I nodded. I wasn't lying, my chest hurts a little but other than that I felt completely normal. "H-how about you?" I stuttered not sure if that was okay to ask. "Henry told me you got hurt." I bit the inside of my cheek. He didn't answer but only stood up from his chair and strutted to the front of the desk where I was and leaned against it casually.

"I'm fine." He answered. My eyes traveled down his bulging body. He had a plain black T-shirt and causal bottoms yet he looked so good. I could see the white bandages peeked from under his shirt. I felt an instant bang in my heart.

"Are you sure?" I asked frowning. I don't know why I assumed he'd tell me the truth.

"Yes." a small grin played on his lips."I'm okay."

"Can I see?" I pointed towards his bandaged ribs hesitantly. Gosh, what the fuck was I doing?! I was supposed to check on him the leave him alone? I don't even listen to myself! I bit down on my lip as I waited for a response. A couple of seconds later he nodded his head showing me it was okay. He leaned back giving me more access. Even if he was mad at me he was showing a lot of patience. Hesitantly I shifted forward so I was closer to his body. Closer than I've ever been to him. His body radiated heat and the smell of woodsy cologne. It was mind-numbing. Unintentionally my hands shook a little as I lifted the bottom of his black shirt slowly peeling it up so I could get a better view of the bandages. His eyes stayed on me the entire time I touched him. He didn't move an inch or say I word. Our rigid breathing and the rubbing of fabric was the only thing that could be heard. There were two large bandages on his ribs and waist. Even through all that I couldn't help but notice his defined frame. My eyes traveled all over his body. Drinking him all up. Damn. I've never seen a man like this or touched a man like this. My eyes slid to a large angel tattoo on the side of his ribs. I cringed thinking how much a tattoo like that must've hurt. On his chest, a fleshy panther roaring. It was shockingly beautiful. Under the panther was a set of playing cards on fire on his pec. Moving down lower I peeked a cross right on his deep v-line. He was gorgeous in every way. His skin was still damp from the shower. I moved to look back at the bandages. They were soaked in a watery red liquid. I couldn't help but wince at the sight. Look and it's all your fault. Without a thought, I grazed my hand over the bandages; catching his hot skin in the process. Goosebumps immediately invaded my skin. I rubbed over them softly as if touching them would make them hurt less.

"I-I'm sorry, sir." I shook my head. "I didn't mean for you to get hurt." Tears were trying to barricade their way out but I wouldn't allow it. Again I grazed over his defined skin this time making a hushed groan leave his mouth. Did I hurt him? I started to move my hand away but his hand captured mine, holding it in place over his searing skin. "What are you-" my eyes flickered up to him. His eyes were narrow and sharp as he stared down at me. He didn't look happy but he didn't look angry. He looks pained and desperate but I'm not sure why.

"Don't ever apologize to me again." His deep voice sent a chill down my body. His tone showed me he wasn't playing around. I had a habit of apologizing but I really meant it. I needed him to know I didn't intend for any of this. We held each other's gaze for what felt like minutes. Our orbs danced on each other, moving instinctively.

"O-okay, I'll keep that in mind, sir-" I wanted to end the intensity but I was cut off quickly.

"It's Xander." He stopped me. My eyes grew instantly. I can hear my heart start to pound against my breatbone." From now on call me Xander." he started. "None of that sir bullshit." My body was a heater and every pore was sweating now. Suddenly all the fear, embarrassment, sadness, and angry I was feeling, washed away. He told me his name. No one ever used it or knew it. Only the people he trusted and cared for. Such a small thing made my heart almost combust.

"O-okay." I nodded my head softly.

"Say it." He said suddenly dropping my hand softly so it rested back at my side then took a step closer to me. The warmth of his minty breath hit my face. The subtle smell of expensiveness invaded my nostrils. He raised his hand, wrapping it around the side of my face softly. My body went stiff. Every nerve in my body was on overdrive. The breath I had in my chest was stuck, dying to be let out.

"Huh?" I faltered. His words came out in slow motion.The close proximity was making me delirious. I finally let out the breath I was holding. In response my chest ached as I sucked in again. Breathe, Harley, Breathe.

"Say my name." He purred, rubbing the side of my jaw with his thumb softly. I was melting. Why did such a small gesture make my body react so severely? I parted my lips to protest but stopped once I saw his stony expression. His face showed no sign of humor but a hint of mischief evoked from his body language.

"Xander" His name rolled off my tongue easily. Too naturally. It sent a ripple of pleasure through my body. For a second, his face hardened even more. He averted his eyes from my face for a moment then placed them back on me.

He stopped rubbing my jaw, now working his way to my bottom lip. He ran his thumb across it before responding. "Good girl." He breathed out, dropping his hand and walking away. ————————- I got tingly just writing this chapter. I hope y'all enjoy!!

The plot thickens in the next chapter

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