I stood in front of the mirror staring into my own eyes. I was trying to give myself the courage to go to benefit. I was terrified of the outcome. I knew that it could either go smoothly or end in a disaster. I was hoping it would go smoothly. I hoped that Harry would be at peace with everything that we discussed the night before. He knew that I wanted nothing more than to run away with him. But I made up an explanation about being needed by the lawyer for a few more things and that I had a work commitment. When I brought up my art, Harry was even more understanding. I hated lying but I wanted to surprise him with the news of the divorce papers be submitted. I had a very large bag packed and waiting by the door inside my studio so I could leave with Harry tomorrow.
"Enola, kitten, are you ready to go?" Charles asked stepping out of the closet dressed in his best tux. I nodded slowly as he wrapped an arm around my waist. "Are you feeling any better?" Charles asked, lightly kissing my exposed neck.
I shook my head, "No. You know how much I hate these things."
Charles grunted, "Too bad. You're my wife, you will be at my side." I huffed quietly. "With no attitude." Charles whispered darkly into my ear. I fought the urge to roll my eyes at him. "Come on. We're going to be late." Charles tugged my hand gently. I nodded and took one last look at myself. I hated my dress. It plunged too low between my breasts. I disliked how tight it felt and I REALLY disliked the red. The only thing decent about it was the length. But I wore it so Charles would shut his mouth about my appearance. I noticed he hadn't complained once yet.


I entered the large hall alongside Charles. I was nervous. My heart beating out of my chest, like the bass drum in a marching band. He was here. It was only a matter of time before we ran into each other. What would happen when Harry and I came face to face? What would he do? Would he stand quiet and be polite? Or would he lash out? My nerves were coming undone.
Without even asking me what I thought, Charles led me over to the group of men that he always congregated with. Scott, from the office, basically Charles' right hand man and best friend, Scott's wife, another man from the office that Charles was not quite as fond of and his wife. There were other men that I'd seen before but didn't care enough to remember their names or their wives names. I didn't really plan on making a point to ask again. I wouldn't need to see them again after tonight.
"Hello Enola." Scott greeted me with a kiss on the cheek.
"Scott." I replied flatly. No one thought anything of my attitude. I was always quiet and unfeeling around them. Scott's wife spoke a soft hello to me before the other man, Wes and his wife greeted me. I kept my tone even and uninterested. I flicked my eyes up at Charles to see that he was annoyed with me. I didn't care. I was there to make sure Harry behaved.


I looked around curiously. I wanted to find Harry and the other boys. I was trying to search for them while being undetected by the people around me. I then excused myself from Charles' side. I saw Harry standing off in the distance. I needed to get to him before Charles did.

I took my time getting to Harry. I didn't want it to appear suspicious, my leaving the group so quickly without anyone at my side. I knew that Scott's wife and Wes' wife were probably still watching me because I refused their company. I normally did anyway. I heard from Charles time and time again that I had to be nicer to the other wives. I never listened. Now, I'd never have to do it again. I liked Sophia, Eleanor and Perrie. All of them were good girls. And I was lucky that we all had more in common than the fact that we loved boys in a band. I grabbed Harry's arm gently, catching his attention.
"Baby! You decided to come after all!" He beamed at me. Harry pulled me against his body. "I love your dress. Reminds me of the one you wore when we went to the opera." Harry whispered into my ear. I could fell him smirking against my skin. As much as I wanted to smile and let myself go back to that place, where it was just us and no one else, I couldn't. I had to protect him. I had to tell him to stay away for the evening.
"Come with me, Bear. Please?" I spoke softly. He nodded with concerned eyes and followed me away from the crowd.


I pulled Harry into the women's bathroom. After checking to make sure that every stall was empty, I locked the door. Harry seemed intrigued by the action. I turned to face him with nervous eyes. I leaned against the bathroom wall staring into Harry's now uncertain and worried eyes. I held my hand out to him. He smiled and placed his hand in mine. I pulled him closer to me slowly. Taking the moment to relish the way his skin felt. I fixed Harry's tie with a small smile, trying to hide the tears that I wanted to let fall.
"You look good in a suit." I said quietly, smoothing my hands over his lapels.
"You think so?" Harry asked. I nodded, biting my lip, still holding in my tears. Harry pulled me closer, smirking, "You should see me in just the tie." I wanted to giggle and kiss him with the usual fire we shared. "What is wrong?" Harry inquired. I shook my head slowly. He chuckled, "Noli, come on. Tell me what's wrong? You didn't get all dressed up to cry. We're supposed to have fun tonight. Our first night out together, in public." I frowned deeply. He thought I was there to be his date. I let a tear slip from my eye. "Noli, why did you come here?" I didn't speak. I didn't know how to say it. "Why are you here Enola?" His eyes turned furious. He knew the answer but he wanted me to say it.
"Charles made me." I whispered. His eyes flashed with jealousy. "Bear, please. Don't do anything stupid."
"Define stupid, Noli." He glared at me. I could see the rage building within him. Also the jealousy. He hated seeing me on Charles' arm but I didn't want to ruin my surprise for Harry. I had to act as though I was sad for just a little while, a few hours at the most. The only emotion I wasn't faking was worry. My tears were those created by the intense fear within me. I didn't want Harry near Charles. I was terrified of what would happen if they were face to face.
"Harry, stay away from him. Avoid him please. I don't want anything to happen to you." I pleaded. He came in closer, pinning me to the wall.
"I can't stay away from you. Not when I know you're so close." Harry whispered hotly. His warm breath tickling my skin. I closed my eyes and tried to will away more tears but it wasn't happening. They came falling down my cheeks as I pressed my forehead to his temple. I could feel his heart racing under my palms. He was just as scared as I was.
"Give me a kiss, Bear. Kiss me then walk away. I will see you in the morning." I continued to beg. He had to listen. If he didn't listen, so many things could go wrong. He had to listen.
"You're going home with him?" Harry's eyes darkened. I knew the jealousy and anger gathering within him was becoming unbearable. I hated that everything about the night was going to be so painful. But I knew that leaving with him the next morning was worth whatever we had to endure for the night.
I nodded, "I have to. I'll come over once he's gone to bed. I promise. But I don't know what he would do to you." Harry sighed heavily and leaned in closer, resting his forehead against mine. "Harry, I love you. But I need to know that you won't provoke him." Harry didn't say anything at all. He meshed his lips to mine fervently. I could feel all of his jealousy and rage and worry pouring into me from his lips.
"Make love to me. Make love to me before you walk out that door." Harry whimpered. I pressed my mouth to his passionately. I would give him what he needed to make it through the benefit. I had to.

Notes

Questions? Concerns? I am open to answer/address as many as I can. :)

Peace&Love