Secrets / Black & White / Playing for Keeps

Ben’s words echoed in her head as she packed her suitcase. In a way she knew he was right. One of the reasons why she had signed the contract was to help Ben out. But it wasn’t the main one. And as for now, the original reasons paled in significance now that the only person she wanted was Harry.

Julian had called her to remind her to pack her bags and be ready by 4pm for a taxi to pick her up and take her back to Ben’s apartment. She was also required to drop off Harry’s house key at his office the following day. But she had no intention of going. Harry had instructed her to hold onto the key and that he would take care of Julian. There was no Harry around to say good bye, as he was busy working at the studio. Only the loud silence of an empty apartment and a grim Julian asking if she had left the apartment yet.

Julian called again as she headed out the door.

“Is everything okay? Are you done?” He asked nervously.

“Yes.” She said not disguising her impatience. “I was just about to leave before you called.”

“Oh. Good… good. Uh the taxi should be downstairs waiting.”

She waited for him to say more but the dial tone sounded instead. Taking one last look around Harry’s apartment, she closed the door.

Returning to Ben’s apartment felt odd. Before she had time to figure out why, she felt her phone vibrate in her handbag and instantly looked down to read a message from Harry.

Is everything okay? Have you left home yet?

She sat down on the couch and texted a response.

Yep, I’m at Ben’s now. Miss you already.

A few minutes passed before she received another message.

See you tonight then ;)

She felt her heart flutter at the words, and her mind start to race at the possibility of seeing Harry again. Lara’s thoughts were interrupted by the click of the door and she looked up to see Ben enter, an expectant look on his face.

“Oh, so you *are* here.” He said with a smile.

“Yes. You can tell Julian too… he’s called me a hundred times to check up on me.”
Ben’s laugh sounded hollow, but the genuinely happy look on his face remained.

“Welcome back by the way.” He said. “It’s been a bit lonely without you around. Glad to see my old partner in crime back.”

Lara smiled politely but it was not hard to tell that her mind was somewhere else. She grabbed her suitcase and muttered an excuse about having to unpack before disappearing in her bedroom. An hour or so passed before she heard a knock on the door.

“Are you decent?” She could hear Ben’s voice.

She had been lying on her bed reading, but the sound of his voice sent her scrambling to stand up.

“Yep…” She said in a strained voice before the door swung open. She made a mental note to lock her door in future, not trusting Ben to always be so polite.

“I was thinking…” He said, after his eyes swept over her rumpled bedspread and then at her standing awkwardly at the other side of the room. “Since it’s your first night back, how about I take you out for dinner?”

Lara’s first thought was Harry. He was expecting to see her tonight. But on the other hand how was she going to manage that with Ben looking over her shoulder. She tried to quickly think of an excuse but then figured that an early dinner with Ben wouldn’t hurt. He’d probably drink so much he’d pass out, allowing her to sneak out.

“Sure… dinner sounds good.”

She took her time choosing an outfit, knowing that Harry preferred the Modest Management allocated wardrobe to her usual choice of fashion. Once she chose the outfit she pulled out a thong she had recently purchased but never worn. It was white and lacy, and she had thought it would be a cute surprise for Harry. It was also the first time she had worn underwear that wasn’t practical, and a small rush of excitement surged through her as she slipped it on.

She quickly pulled on a pair of dark blue skinny jeans coupled with a pale pink bolero jacket and ballet flats, and regarded herself in the mirror before beginning to apply a light layer of makeup. After she smoothed on the clear lip gloss, she loosely braided her hair, allowing it to fall to the side. As soon as she saw Ben’s approving look she felt embarrassed. She hoped he didn’t think she had made the effort for him. She had been thinking of Harry the entire time.

“You look lovely.” He said his eyes lighting up. She mumbled a thank you before they made
their way out of the apartment.

Thankfully dinner was served quickly and she couldn’t help but glance at her phone to check the time every now and then. The conversation centred on Ben’s work and Lara used the opportunity to quiz him about what was coming up.

“Well, they’ve begun planting stories that maybe things aren’t going great for you and Harry.

From next week he will start attending various social events alone… and it will slowly go from there.”

“And Paige?”

“She’ll be introduced to him next week too. Harry’s going to be a very busy boy.”

Lara was about to make a face when her phone beeped. Harry’s name flashed up on the screen.

Where are you? I’m waiting…

“Who is it?” Ben asked looking at the phone with interest.

“Harry.” Lara said quickly. “Just checking to see if I’ve settled in okay… give me a second to answer.”

I’m having dinner with Ben. Will be there soon.

Lara smiled innocently at Ben who silently drained the last of his wine.

“I’ll be back.” He said before scraping his chair back and walked toward the bathroom.
Lara’s mobile lit up once again.

Are you on a fucking date with him?

She frowned comically and typed away quickly hoping to send the message before Ben’s return.

No silly, we’re just having something to eat. Couldn’t get out of it. x

She waited for a reply and sure enough the phone beeped soon after.

Careful he doesn’t slip the tongue in :p

Lara screwed her nose up at Harry’s crude remark, which left her at a loss as to how to respond. She looked up to see Ben approach the table, and so quickly tucked her phone away. Dinner progressed pleasantly, except for when Ben brought up the subject of Louis again.

“You’re right about Louis and Harry. Something is definitely up.”

Lara’s head snapped up and she tried to hide her discomfort. She watched Ben top up her glass of red wine.

“Why would you say that?”

“Oh I don’t know. They’ve barely been interacting the last few days. It just seems really odd, especially after what you told me. The other guys seem fine with each other.”

“Really?” She asked, not knowing what else to say.

“Do *you* know anything?” He asked looking at her carefully.

“No.” Lara said all wide eyed and innocent.

“Well if you hear or see anything let me know. Better me than Julian, eh?” He chuckled nervously and Lara just nodded to keep him happy. After dinner Ben tried to convince her to move onto a nearby bar but Lara pleaded exhaustion.

“I’m so tired Ben, I just want to crash… maybe another night.”

His look of disappointment turned to concern.

“Is everything okay?”

“Of course.” Lara said brightly.

As soon as they reached the apartment Lara rushed to her bedroom and locked the door. She refreshed her make-up and then waited to hear for sounds outside. To her annoyance Ben sat and watched television for a while. Lara impatiently checked the time. 9pm. Fifteen minutes later he disappeared into the kitchen and Lara grabbed the opportunity to quickly rush out the front door before he returned. She was glad she was wearing ballet flats, unlike the last time she had ran to Harry’s home. It was not long before she reached his block.

Greeting the doorman, who by now recognised her, she took out the key and unlocked the door. The living room was empty, no sound of a television or music. She was about to walk in to the bedroom when Harry emerged from the kitchen.

“Holy shit!” He cried suddenly, causing Lara to jump. “You almost gave me a heart attack.”

“Sorry.” Lara wrapped her arms around him and mumbled into his neck. “I’m sorry I’m late.”

“So how was your date?” She heard him grumble.

“It wasn’t a date and you know it.”

“Yeah, yeah….” He said, but a smile was playing on his lips and she couldn’t help but lean forward to kiss him.

“I’ve been wanting to do that all night.” She said smiling up at him.

“I can think of other things I’ve been wanting.” Harry said cheekily, his hands lowering to her backside, giving her a quick squeeze. He turned Lara around and took her into his arms as he kissed her neck. She felt his hard on press against her back, and she tossed her head to one side as his lips trailed down to her collarbone. It wasn’t long before he reached down to unbutton her jeans and then slowly pulled them down. She could feel him pause and she half turned to see him looking down at her body.

“What’s this?” He asked as his fingers trailed down her body to casually flick her revealing underwear. She knew he was trying not to smile as his fingers continued to play with the lacy thong.

“It’s not that funny.” She felt her face grow warm with embarrassment.

“I didn’t say it was. I think it’s cute.” His hand reached down to cup her bare backside. “And sexy…”

His hand pulled back to slap it, making her jump.

“Mmm… very sexy…” He hummed. Before she could think of a response he bent her over the couch, his hands positioned on her hips. He slid his hands down her legs, taking her jeans down. She stepped out of them quickly, the anticipation building inside of her.

“Stand up.” He heard her say, and she did as he said. He stood behind her and she could feel him inhale her hair.

“You’ve been drinking.” He said.

“We just had a couple of wines…” She breathed, too busy focussing on the sensation of his lips near her ear. His hands reached down to massage her backside again, as he playfully flicked the stringy band of her thong. He half pulled it down, but didn’t take it off completely before one hand reached underneath her top to cup her pert breast. He touched it gently, his fingers running over the smooth skin whilst his other hand reached down to touch her down there. Her breath quickened as his fingers played with her, rubbing her folds gently. She could hear his even breath, his lips still next to her ear, warming the side of her neck. He let his tongue flick over her skin, and she closed her eyes, allowing herself to enjoy the sensation of his hands moving over her body.

He paused for a moment and then quickly pulled his shirt over his head, not allowing her to turn around to face him.

“Stay where you are.” He said in a friendly growl and she could feel his hands drop to the front of his jeans, and then hear him pop the button before taking them off.

“I want you naked.” He murmured before pulling off the rest of her clothes, all except for the thong.

He pressed himself against her bare skin as his fingers returned to the ache between her legs. Lara arched her back in pleasure to hear him softly moan as her backside pressed into him. She enjoyed the sensation of his fingers caressing her and slightly dipping into her before returning to her soft folds as she slowly bucked against him. It was almost like a slow rhythmic dance and she couldn’t help but close her eyes and grind up against him, feeling him harden against her even more.

Lara felt his knee between her legs, forcing them apart, as he bent her over the couch. Her hair fell forward and she laid her palms out on the couch to support herself, listening to the sound of Harry ripping the foil wrapper of a condom. Moments later she could feel him positioning himself behind her, and she felt him inside her. Harry took a deep breath as he slowly began to pump in and out, his hand reaching out to pleasure her at the same time.

Lara let out a soft ‘oh’ at the double sensation she was experiencing. She felt his head bow down and his hair tickle her neck before he licked a warm strip down her back, causing her to shudder in ecstasy.

His fingers flicked at her sweet spot as his other hand fisted her hair, his soft moans becoming louder as he thrust into her. Lara could feel the intensity building between her legs with Harry choosing that moment to insert his fingers inside her. She wildly rolled her hips as she rode his fingers, in turn causing him to grind into her harder.

She wanted to call out his name, but words were failing her and as she felt herself explode she let out a long moan which in turn set Harry off. He clutched her tightly as he rode out his orgasm, his groan reverberating around the room before he collapsed onto her back. Their heavy breathing was the only sound to be heard for a few moments before Lara rolled over to look up at him.

“Stay with me tonight?” He said and she looked doubtful, not sure if she should take the risk.

“Didn’t we say we’d make the rules?”

She considered his words for a moment, and then nodded her head.

Notes

Hope you liked this chapter... is the story going the way you expected? Do you think they should end up together... or not?

Let me know your thoughts :)