Chapter 96: I’ll Run To You

~“The city sky’s feeling dark tonight. We’re back-to-back with our heads down. Just look at me, give me more tonight. Just give me more of your love now. Let’s set fire to the lonely night. You’re beautiful when you look at me. Let’s give love another life.”~

Chapter Theme Song: “I’ll Run To You” by Lea Michele.

HARMONY

“Mom, please...” I sigh, my gaze fixed on the closed bathroom door.

I don’t want Blaze to hear me pleading with my mom like a desperate child. I’ve been trying to stay strong for both of us.

“I don’t want to leave him...”

Despite my pleas, my mom is adamant about taking me with her after tonight’s concert. No amount of begging or tears can soften her. She’s determined to keep us apart.

If there’s one thing I know about my mom, it’s that she can be incredibly cold when she doesn’t get her way. And what she wants is Mr. Blake. I love her, but I love Blaze too.

The bathroom door starts to creak open, and I quickly end the call.

“I’ll call you back later. Okay. See you at the concert.” I hang up just as Blaze steps out of the bathroom.

He’s shirtless, his chest still wet from his shower. He’s wearing dark shorts, and his damp hair hangs over his forehead. Seeing him like this makes everything even harder.

He gives me a small smile, but I can see the sadness in his eyes. “What’s up? Are you okay?”

I nod and force a smile. “Yes. Are you?”

“Are you really asking me that, green eyes?” he replies, walking over to his dresser. He starts putting in his gold earrings, biting his bottom lip in that familiar way.

He’s overthinking, isn’t he?

Once he’s done with his earrings and bracelets, he comes over and sits next to me on the bed. He smells like soap and deodorant and something uniquely ~his.~

“Aren’t you going to get dressed?” I ask softly, studying his face. His eyelashes look so much longer. “The concert is in a few hours.”

“Yeah...,” he replies, his voice sounding different. He gets up and goes to his drawer, pulling out some clothes.

“Blaze...,” I start, getting up from the bed.

Blaze turns around, running a hand through his hair, and sets the clothes on a nearby chair.

“We’re going to be okay. Don’t worry, okay?” I say, trying to convince myself as much as him.

“I guess...” He gives me that uncertain smile again and nods.

I walk over to him and wrap my arms around his damp body, resting my head against his bare chest. He feels ~too~ good. Warm and cold at the same time.

His heart is beating faster than I’ve ever felt, and his worry is so tangible, I could cry.

“Really. We will be okay, alright?”

Blaze lifts a hand and runs his fingers through my hair. He rests his chin on my head, kisses me there, then whispers, “I love you.”

The world seems to stop.

It’s not the first time he’s said he loves me, but it still makes my heart race. Especially because this time, he said it with so much emotion, so much depth. My eyes sting, and I close them.

Remember when I said: ~he will say he loves me when he’s ready? ~Well, he’s ready now. Blaze Xander is finally ready for me.

And I’ve always been ready for him.

***

“Oh my God, I’m so excited. I have faith in you, Harmony, I know you’ll make all of us proud,” Justine chirps, and I laugh as I peek out at the packed auditorium from behind the thick red curtains.

“Are you nervous?” she squeals, and I shake my head, because I’m not.

“Nope. I can do this.” I take a deep breath. The evening is beautiful, the auditorium is stunning, designed like a castle with gold, red, and silver interiors.

I’ve practiced a lot. I chose “Run to You” by Lea Michelle as my song.

I don’t know if I can sing it as well as she did, but I’ll try. And if I mess up, at least the backup singers will be there to save me.

What I’m really nervous about is the possibility of not seeing Blaze for a long time after this. I can’t remember what life was like before I met him.

No, I do remember. It was dull, monotonous...

But after coming to Homewood, even though there have been ups and downs, things have changed for the better. The good and bad experiences have made my life more interesting.

I want to enjoy tonight, it’s what everyone has been waiting for. But I’m worried about leaving Blaze.

When I finally see my mom, dressed in her light green sequin dress, with Eli in his black tuxedo holding her hand, my heart skips a beat.

To my surprise, Callum is behind her, wearing a light blue suit, his hair longer than I remember. I haven’t seen him in a long time.

I wish I could be more excited about our reunion, but I don’t see Blaze anywhere.

Justine had called me while I was getting ready with Blaze, telling me to come and get dressed at her dorm.

Blaze told me to go ahead, that he was going to check on April at my dorm, but now I don’t see any of my friends.

Justine’s call and clap pull me from my thoughts, and I turn to her, swallowing down my nerves. She’s gathering everyone for another rehearsal.

Maryanne, our guitar player, grins at me. “You look so pretty, Harmony...”

“Thanks...” I blush, glancing down at my dress.

“Yeah, your dress is fire,” Laura, her friend, chimes in, her grin wide and bright. It’s a nice confidence boost.

April chose this dress for me at the mall yesterday. I have a feeling she didn’t trust my fashion sense, and I can’t blame her.

The dress is long, silver, and adorned with gold embellishments across the bust and along the hem.

The neckline dips a little low, and I can’t help but wonder if Mom will feel the need to yank me out of here because my boobs are slightly on display.

“Okay...” Justine smiles at us. “I have faith in you guys. I know you’ll make us proud!”

It’s time for our performance and my heart is pounding against my chest.

The backup singers and band go out first while Justine, tonight’s MC, introduces our music piece to the audience. Her voice is shaky, which is odd coming from her.

“And now, we’ll have our official music club performance! Please give us a round of applause. We promise not to disappoint!”

She nearly trips over a cord as she lifts her turquoise dress to quickly exit the stage.

As the cheers echo through the auditorium, my legs wobble beneath me. I make my way onto the wide stage, trying not to twist my ankles in my silver heels.

My eyes immediately scan the crowd. ~Blaze...~

I spot him quickly, sitting next to April and to the right of James. April is next to Tia and Yuna, and all I see are their bright, beaming smiles and their dolled-up faces.

Blaze isn’t smiling, though. He looks serious as he scans the stage, but his eyes are saying a million things. He’s worried about what will happen after.

But then, slowly, when our eyes meet, his lips tip up ever so slightly, and my heart melts.

I blush, suddenly feeling shy. But his admiring gaze is all the motivation I need.

I think about how proud my dad would’ve been if he was here tonight. He’d have been so happy to see that I am finally overcoming my fear of singing in front of people, and it’s all thanks to ~Blaze.~

I smile softly at him, the man who holds my heart. He’s all dressed up.

Everyone knows that Blaze isn’t a fan of dress clothes and shiny Oxford shoes. But here he is, dressed formally—just for me.

His gaze stays locked onto mine, his dark-gelled hair falling over his forehead, over his eyes, making them even more captivating. My stomach fills with butterflies as I meet his intense gaze.

~Focus, Harmony. Focus.~

The auditorium is silent. I’m sure I could hear a pin drop. All eyes are on us—on me, the band, the backup singers—waiting to see, waiting to hear.

Malcolm isn’t here. He texted me to wish me luck and said he has to take care of his sister.

The mention of Maddie makes me uncomfortable, but I push it aside. It’s not a feeling I want to carry into a performance.

So many people. So many eyes.

If this were a few months ago, I’d probably be panicking, but tonight, I don’t feel the urge to run.

The lights above me shine on my long dress—so brightly it’s almost blinding.

I take a quiet breath and wrap my shaky fingers around the mic. Taking another breath, I let the words flow from my mouth.

~“The city sky’s feeling dark tonight~

~We’re back-to-back with our heads down~

~Just look at me, give me more tonight~

~Just give me more of your love now~

~Let’s set fire to the lonely night~

~You’re beautiful when you look at me~

~Let’s give love another life…”~

He is beautiful when he looks at me. I see Blaze relax, sinking lower in his seat, his gaze serious and focused solely on me.

I hope he knows that these words are for him.

A reel of vivid memories plays in my head, taking me back to the moment we first met until now. Until this moment.

Blaze really is my first and last love.

~“Cause you’ll be safe in these arms of mine~

~Just call my name on the edge of the night~

~And I’ll run to you, I’ll run to you~

~I would run to you~

~I would run to you, If you want me to~

~Just give me some kind of reason~

~I’ll take the pain, take it all away~

~Give it some kind of meaning~

~Let’s let go, let it be the start~

~You know I’m feeling the same thing~

~Let’s let go of our broken hearts~

~Cause you’ll be safe in these arms of mine~

~Just call my name on the edge of the night~

~And I’ll run to you, I’ll run to you…”~

My heart feels like it’s about to burst.

Blaze’s eyes are glassy. I can see them from where I stand. It warms my heart to know that he’s not hiding his emotions from me, that he’s openly showing such raw feelings.

He loves me just as much as I love him...

BLAZE

They say it’s not manly to cry. That men shouldn’t show their feelings. But I can’t help the sting in my eyes as Harmony sings.

She’s beautiful in her sparkling silver dress, her hair swept up. She’s an angel—the one sent to save me.

I press my lips together, shift in my seat, her figure becoming blurrier and blurrier as I keep my eyes on her and only her. I feel as though my soul is leaving my body and floating into thin air.

My thumb rubs against my forefinger, my fingers drumming on my knees. I’m feeling jittery. Tears prick at my eyes. I’m awash with emotions I’ve never experienced before.

I—I don’t know how to deal with them.

HARMONY

I squeeze my eyes shut, and the auditorium falls silent as my voice lowers to a gentle whisper.

~“Even if it’s gonna break me, love~

~Gonna make my way to you~

~Anyway it’s gonna take me, love~

~I run to you~

~I run to you~

~Run, run~

~Cause you’ll be safe in these arms of mine~

~Just call my name on the edge of the night~

~And I’ll run to you~

~I’ll run to you~

~Even if it’s gonna break me, love~

~I run to you…”~

The song isn’t finished. But I can’t hold back my feelings any longer. The emotions I’m feeling are new and overpowering.

I love Blaze Xander, from the deepest part of my heart, and I don’t want to lose him. I don’t want to leave him. No one, on this earth or in heaven, can ever come between us.

Then the world fades away, and it’s just him and me. My body moves on its own, and before I know it, I’m walking down the aisle.

Blaze rises from his chair quickly, as if he knows I’m coming to him. The closer I get, the more I see the tears glistening in his eyes.

I can’t breathe. I just want to hold him.

My body moves on its own as I step over the center steps and throw myself into his open arms.

Blaze holds me tight, despite the eyes on us and the faces of affection and admiration from the audience. It’s clear who I just sang my heart out for.

He buries his face in my hair, and he inhales deeply.

“I love you,” he says, and my heart shatters into a million glowing pieces. “I love you so much, baby...”

I hug him tighter, tears sliding down my cheeks and soaking his scented jacket. “I love you more. I love you so much, Blaze...”

We hold each other tight, as if we want to become one. I can hear the backup singers still singing the ending chorus, but I can’t feel anything around me.

Anything but Blaze and his warm chest, and his safe arms, and the fact that he’s kissing me on the side of my head repeatedly, telling me how much he loves me.

~I’m not leaving.~

I don’t care what my mother thinks anymore. I won’t leave him. Mom will have to drag me out of here. She’ll have to tear me away from him.

And as I look over his shoulders, sniffling like a child clutching the last piece of candy, I meet my mom’s eyes.

She looks a bit sad, her lips taut at the corners.

I close my eyes, not wanting anything or anyone to distract me from this moment. Because right here, right now, I can feel Blaze’s heart finally beating for me.

***

“I won’t lie, I did shed some tears there,” April says as we all stand in the spacious lobby after the concert.

I laugh. “Thanks... I’m glad you guys liked it.”

“Like? Like is an understatement. I loved it!” Yuna grins. “And that emotional scene at the end? Wow! You two are the hottest couple on campus now, don’t forget that.”

I blush as Tia reaches out and wraps her arms around me in a hug. The affection catches me off guard; it catches everyone off guard, and I am left wondering if I’ve missed something.

Maybe she knows I’m leaving? That tonight my mom is going to tear me away from my new friends and my first-ever boyfriend?

If I could relive the experiences of Homewood again, I would. Well…except for what Kite and Maddie did to me.

“My cousin is such an idiot. For doing what he did to you.” ~Speaking of which. ~“I’m sorry, Harmony. On his behalf, I am...,” Tia whispers solemnly.

I smile a little and wrap my arms around her in a bid to return the affection. “It’s okay. At least I’ve learned from it...”

“You should’ve reported him. Send his ass to freaking jail.”

I try to laugh. “Yeah... He’s already bedridden because of it, though.”

“Kite is a frigging idiot. Always has been...” Yuna lets out a sigh. “Because who in their right mind would team up with a mentally ill person? Was he that desperate?”

I purse my lips as Tia moves away again, and my gaze trails over to where Blaze is talking with James at the corner of the hall.

I find that he’s already looking at me, but as soon as our eyes meet, he looks back to James, nodding his head.

“Harmony...” I look behind me to see Callum.

“Hey!” I grin as I jump into his arms. April raises her eyebrows, and Yuna and Tia are exchanging knowing glances.

As if I’d be here flirting with another guy when my boyfriend is just a few steps away. It’s already so hard that Blaze and I are dreading being apart from each other.

“Hey guys, this is Callum, my friend from back home. Callum, these are my friends: April, Yuna, and Tia.”

“Oh, hi...” April extends her perfectly manicured hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Callum takes her hand in his, all the while smiling and nodding to Tia and Yuna.

“Very handsome...” Yuna smiles, using her hand to push her hair from her face.

“Handsome is correct,” Tia adds.

~Uh, he has a girlfriend, girls...~

“Excuse me. I want you to meet Blaze, Callum.” I take his hand excitedly. “I’ll be back, guys!” I say to my friends over my shoulder, and their flirty eyes are locked on Callum’s back.

Blaze is there, hands tucked in his pockets, acting like he hasn’t noticed us approaching. But I know he’s been watching us.

A fresh wave of butterflies takes flight in my stomach as I get closer to him. He looks so good in his black jacket, black pants, and black undershirt.

“Blaze!” I greet him with a smile. He pretends to be surprised, like, ~oh, hey, didn’t see you there,~ but I know he’s been watching the whole time. A warm flush creeps up my neck when our eyes meet.

When I finally reach him, I can’t feel my feet, my face, or the rhythm of my heart. “This is Callum. Callum, meet Blaze, my boyfriend.”

James grins broadly for some reason, biting his lower lip to hide it.

“Hi.” Blaze nods at Callum, his eyes taking in every detail about my friend. Callum returns the gesture with his signature polite smile, extending his hand.

Blaze looks at the offered hand. This isn’t his usual way of greeting, but he takes it anyway, surprising me. “Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too...” Callum’s smile is genuine. “Take good care of her, okay?”

“No worries,” Blaze replies, and I can feel my face turning a deep shade of red. “She’s safe with me...”

“I can see that.” Callum smiles and then looks at me.

Blaze locks eyes with me, his gaze filled with that familiar intensity.

“Blaze. Harmony.” I turn at the sound of our names. It’s Mr. Blake and my mom.

My heart flutters at the thought of not seeing Blaze for a long time after tonight. But I’ve made up my mind. I’m not leaving him. I’ll never leave him.

“So, Callum. Have you met my friends yet?” James asks, and without another word, he guides Callum away with a hand on his back.

“Harmony, can I talk to you?” Mom asks, and my blood turns to ice.

“Harmony!” Eli grins from next to her, at her hip.

“Hey, Eli!” I reach down and tousle his hair.

“You look pretty!”

I laugh. “Thank you, El...”

“I have to get back, I have work...,” Mom says, and I pay too much attention to the first ~I~, even though I know it means nothing.

Blaze looks uneasy as he runs his fingers through his hair.

“Blaze.” Mr. Blake jerks his head to the left, looking like Blaze’s twin in his suit and dress shoes. “Let’s give Harmony and her mom some space, okay?”

Blaze doesn’t want to move, despite his father’s words, and his eyes harden slightly.

“Hey, Blaze, I’ll come see you after,” I tell him, and he nods.

“Okay...” He looks at my mom for a moment, and I see my mom returning his seemingly coded stare. I can’t help but wonder if something happened without my knowledge.

Blaze walks away with his dad, and Mom and I find a quiet spot to sit, away from everyone, at the back of the auditorium.

Men are packing up stage equipment, and a few teachers and staff are chatting with parents and students.

Through the side door, Tia and Yuna are keeping Callum and my little brother entertained, and I watch as my group of friends gathers in the hallway, laughing about something.

My heart aches at the thought of leaving Homewood. I’ve grown too attached here.

“Harmony?”

I meet her gaze. “I’m not leaving,” I say with newfound resolve. “I respect you, Mom, but I’m not leaving Homewood...”

“What do you love about Blaze? Tell me,” she says. Her eyes are firm, her lips set in a straight line.

Mom has a traditional way of thinking, one she’s not willing to break. I understand her concern—she just wants to protect me.

But she can’t shield me from the lessons and experiences I’m meant to have.

I’m an adult now, even if she doesn’t see me as one. As much as I love and respect her, when it comes down to it, she can’t just pick me up and take me away from Homewood. That’s my decision to make.

I have the right to choose my own path. I’m old enough to. Yes, she’s paying for my education, but that doesn’t give her the right to control me.

I won’t be leaving. Mom might hate me, she might disown me, but I won’t be leaving.

“I love everything about him...”

“Everything like what?”

I sigh. “Why do you want to know all of that?” I mumble. “When you’re just going to pull me away from here anyway?”

Mom crosses one leg over the other. “Because Blaze can name a lot of things that he likes about you...”

I look at her, my eyes widening as I try to understand what she’s saying. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, he came to see me earlier today.” She nods her head, “I didn’t expect him to come all the way to my house just to convince me to let you stay. He even...got on his knees.”

My eyes fill with tears. ~Blaze did that?~ It’s so unlike him. Something he wouldn’t normally do. It’s strange and doesn’t fit with who he is.

He’s told me that I’ve changed him. That I’ve made him a better person.

The thought that he might have begged my mom to let me stay makes me realize just how much he’s changed since we first met.

Blaze isn’t perfect; I know that. He can be a bit hot-headed, a little possessive, he sometimes struggles to understand my perspective, but he ~is~ trying.

He’s doing everything he can to be good for me. He’s fighting for me. And if that doesn’t mean something, then what does? We’ll work on ~him~ together.

I’m ready to spend a lifetime with him, helping him become the best version of himself. If he isn’t the one for me, then I don’t know who is.

I want to be by his side for the rest of my life. ~The rest of my life~ is a big commitment, but I can’t imagine wanting anything else.

I don’t know what the future holds, but right now? I love Blaze Xander...more than anything in this world.

I’m even willing to risk my relationship with my mom for him, something I’ve been scared to do my whole life.

“Blaze came to see you?” I ask, my voice shaky and filled with a new kind of affection.

If she wants me to leave Homewood, this information won’t help her case. It’s just given me another reason to fight, to hold on.

Mom nods and shrugs. “Yes, he did. He asked me to let you stay. He says you’ve changed him...and that he loves you more than anything in this world.”

A tear slips down my cheek.

Mom’s expression softens when she sees me crying, and I cover my face with my hand, letting the tears flow freely.

Mom doesn’t say anything, but I feel her hand on my back, rubbing soothingly. I’m not crying because I’m sad, but because I’ve never been happier.

To my surprise, Mom pulls me into her arms. I’m still angry at her for the things she said to me, but her comfort makes my heart swell even more.

I rest my head against her peach-colored top, my tears soaking the thin fabric.

“I’m sorry, Harmony. I’m really, really sorry...,” she whispers. I can’t tell if she’s apologizing for how she’s treated me these past few days or because she still plans on taking me away.

~Looking back at everything Blaze and I have been through, I realize how far we’ve come. I can’t leave him now.~

I cry against her. And when I’ve finally cried all my tears, Mom brushes my hair away from my face, takes a deep breath, and says, “Your father would’ve been so proud of you...”

I sniffle, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand.

“He’d have been so proud of the woman you’ve become, Harmony.”

I know what she’s trying to say. I’ve always followed her rules. I’ve never questioned them.

But tonight, I’ve shown her that I want to live my own life, that I want to make my own decisions for once.

“You can stay...” She says, and I feel a wave of relief wash over me. “You’re old enough to take care of yourself, Harmony.” Her voice is calm as she speaks.

Surprised that she’s agreed, I sit up. “I can stay?”

“Yes. You can.” She smiles, but doesn’t show her teeth. “Whether I tell you to come or not, you’re old enough to make that decision. You’re old enough to choose for yourself, Harmony...”

My lips tremble with happiness. “Mom...” I throw my arms around her, burying my face in her neck, and she sighs, rubbing my back.

“Thank you... Thank you so much, Mom...”

I can’t see her face, but I have a feeling she’s smiling...even if it’s just a little.

“Hey, I want a hug too!” Eli suddenly says, throwing himself onto both of us. We laugh at his sudden intrusion, and I’ve never been more grateful for my small family.

Dad would’ve truly been proud of ~us.~

My mom said and did some things that really hurt me recently. But I know Dad wouldn’t have wanted us to hold grudges against each other. He was always the peacemaker.

Besides, I’m too happy now to hold onto any resentment.

BLAZE

Blake and I sit on a bench in the garden, looking across the lawn at the auditorium.

The night is bitterly cold, and even though I hate tuxedos, I’m grateful for the warmth this jacket provides. At least it’s good for something.

“Harmony’s mom told me you went to see her,” Blake begins. “She said you practically begged her to let Harmony stay...”

I twist my lips, my arms resting on the back of the bench. “I bet she’s enjoying that.”

Blake smiles. “It did impress her. You getting down on your knees. She’s never seen a ~playboy~ fight for something this much before.”

I roll my eyes. “If you’re here to give me a hard time, just go inside, Blake.”

“Ah, Harmony’s changed you, but you still have that fiery side.”

I sit up and narrow my eyes, turning to face him. “Did you kiss her? Or better yet, have you fucked her?”

“Blaze.” Dad’s eyes widen. Like he doesn’t know I have a sharp tongue. If I ever find out he—

“No, I didn’t...” Blake frowns, but he’s trying not to smile. ~Dirty bastard.~ “Why would I betray you like that? I told you, I’ll put your happiness before mine...”

I sigh. “Betray...” I shift on the bench, facing forward again. “As if you didn’t betray me years ago.”

The air grows heavy, and I inwardly scowl, tired of dwelling on my past. It’s over, and I want to move forward.

But it’s tough to leave behind a part of your life that has clearly shaped you.

“I’m sorry, Blaze. I really am,” he starts, and I regret bringing it up. “Don’t ever think I favored Liz over you. I didn’t. I don’t. I loved you both equally...”

“Yeah, but you let her hit me.”

“She was sick. I didn’t know what to do... I didn’t want them to take her away from us...”

“But look...” I bounce my knee, staring off into the distance. “She took ~herself~ away. There was nothing you or I could’ve done to stop it.”

But I’m a hypocrite. I can’t remember the love I felt for Liz, but deep down, I know I wouldn’t have wanted her taken away either.

I remember smiling with her, hugging her, kissing her cold, drug-addled face. I’d show her my test papers, show her how well I was doing in school.

But she was always so distant, so unresponsive. Occasionally she’d smile and hug me tight, telling me I did well. ~Occasionally.~ Most of the time she’d just push me away.

I grimace, uncomfortable. “The past is the past.” Why would I want to live there when I have something so beautiful now?

~Harmony Skye.~ She’s the reason I keep going. The reason I’ve moved on from the painful truths of my childhood.

Blake doesn’t need to worry. My feelings for him are complicated. I don’t hate him; I’m not sure I can love him, but I can feel for Harmony. I can feel the happiness she brings me.

And I know she wouldn’t want me stuck in the past. She wouldn’t want me to cut Blake out of my life. She wouldn’t want any of that.

So, for her, I’ll tell Blake what he needs to hear.

“It’s okay. It’s over. Just live your life, Blake Xander. Do what you want. What’s done is done...”

“Blaze...”

I look at him. “I just want to try to be happy. I want to stay close to what makes me happy.

“So, Blake...if you want me to stay close to you, stop talking about Liz shooting herself. I know it happened. You know it happened.

“If you want me to ‘feel’ again completely...don’t drag me back into those dark places I’ve climbed out of.”

Blake looks at me. He doesn’t seem hurt to know that, presumably, I can’t feel anything for him. He doesn’t look shattered or betrayed. He just looks relieved. I knew that’s what he needed to hear.

He nods once, squints a little. “Okay, Blaze. Okay...”

I try to smile. I must look strange to him. I shift in my seat and keep staring into the space ahead of us.

“Now, go date or something. Go to a club. You’re gonna become damn sterile...”

Blake laughs, and surprisingly, it makes me smile a little. I glance at him from the corner of my eye. “~Women~ doesn’t include Harmony’s mom, got it?”

Blake laughs again. “I might...consider that, considering—”

“Dad or not, I will gut you.” I fix my gaze on him, and he laughs harder, shaking his head.

I smile to myself.

HARMONY

After talking with Mom, I go to the bathroom to wash the smeared makeup off my face. My mascara has left long black streaks down my cheeks, and my eyes are really red.

When I go back outside to where April and the girls are, Callum and Eli are gone, and Tia hands me a note, saying my mom just left. My heart sinks a little.

I open it and read what she wrote.

~Dear Harmony,~

~I can’t forget the words I said to you. And I’m truly very sorry. I overreacted and lost my mind for a while. I didn’t mean any of the things I said.~

~I want you to know that I still love you. I’ve come to accept that you’ve grown up now and I have to let you become the woman you’re meant to be. Once again, I’m sorry.~

~And if you don’t want to come visit me next weekend...I’ll understand. I’d give me some space too. Eli says he hopes you come by, though.~

~Love,~

~Your sorry mom.~

I sigh, a mix of relief and sadness. Mom knows I could never cut her off, no matter what.

***

“And then...I’ll need the books I haven’t read yet...” I reach for the stack of paperbacks on my shelf.

Blaze hums, tossing his little green ball in the air and catching it again. His jaw is tight, but his eyes are soft as he watches me pack my things to ~leave.~

The sad look in his eyes every now and then makes me feel guilty about doing this as I pack some folded clothes into the suitcase and zip it up. “And I guess...this is it.”

Blaze nods, his distant eyes fixed on the floor like he’s afraid to look at me.

Deciding I’ve done enough, I let go of the suitcase handle and move closer to where he sits on his bed, spinning the ball in his hand.

“Blaze?”

He doesn’t look at me. This is so unlike him. It makes me feel guilty and reassured at the same time. Now I’m torn between giving up and teasing him a little more.

A smile threatens to break free, but I bite down on my lip, hard enough to draw blood, to keep it at bay.

“Hey.” I can’t help but smile as I reach up to run my fingers through his glossy hair. “Look at me, Blaze...”

He lifts his gaze to meet mine, then wraps his strong arms around my waist, pulling me closer and nestling me between his spread legs.

“I’m gonna miss you,” he murmurs, his eyes, as deep as the ocean, revealing the strong emotions he once struggled to express.

Now, his feelings wash over him in such powerful waves, sometimes I’m at a loss for how to handle them.

~Just return them~. That’s all I need to do. Because I love this man as much as I love myself.

“I’m gonna miss you too...” My smile widens. ~Enough, Harmony!~

He sighs softly, licking his lips and leaving them a bright, wet pink. I’m suddenly overwhelmed with the urge to lean in and kiss him.

So I do. I close the small gap between us and press my lips to his in a gentle kiss. Blaze takes the lead, his tongue exploring my mouth and finding its partner in an instant.

“You’re gonna be the death of me, Harmony Skye,” he murmurs into the kiss, pulling me even closer. “Don’t leave me...”

“I have to...” I smile against his lips.

“Can I come with you then?” His voice is thick with desire as he pulls me tighter against him. I can feel his muscles through his black shirt.

He’s still in his dress pants and black socks, while I’ve shed my dress and am now in shorts and a T-shirt.

“You want to enroll in a nunnery school? You sure? Being a guy and all that?”

“I’ll just wear a wig,” he says seriously, “Just give me permission...” He gently bites my lips, our mouths brushing together.

“Permission for what?” I ask, breathless. My mind is foggy with desire that’s building in my stomach and spreading throughout my body. He’s everything and more.

“Permission to follow you...to that fucking school...” He pulls back and looks me straight in the eyes. “Mm? I wanna be close to you...”

I can’t help but smile, joy bubbling up inside me. “No...you can’t follow me there...”

His lips curve slightly. ~So cute.~ His eyes soften, and he looks so adorable that my eyes sting just a little. ~I love him more than words can say.~

“Why?” he whispers, but he doesn’t sound angry—just sad. “Why can’t I follow you, green eyes?”

Then, in a swift move, he flips me over so that I’m lying on his bed, on my back, while he hovers over me.

I look up at him, still smiling and blushing so hard that my cheeks feel like they could set the room on fire.

“Mm? Why?” He slips his hand under my blouse, caressing my bare stomach, and I’m tingling all over. He knows it’s hard for me to think when he touches me like this.

“Answer me, Harmony...” His voice is low as his fingers trail up my stomach to my chest. He gently cups one of my breasts in his hand.

“Blaze,” I murmur, feeling an intense wave of arousal from his touch. “I’m gonna miss my ride if you...”

“Answer me first...” His deep eyes bore into mine, stealing my breath away as he rubs his thumb over my erect nipple.

His dark hair falls over his forehead, making it hard to focus on anything but how attractive he looks. “I need words, green eyes...,” he says when I moan and bite my lip.

“Why can’t I?” He lifts my top, the cool air in the room brushing against my skin as he slowly lowers his head and takes my nipple into his mouth.

“Blaze...,” I whimper.

“Love to trick me, don’t you, baby?”

I freeze.

“You think I don’t know what you’re doing?” he says lowly, releasing the wet bud on my chest from his mouth.

How could I have forgotten how observant, vigilant, and perceptive this man is?

I bite my lip, smiling coyly. “How’d you know?”

“I love you...but you’re one terrible actress...” His eyes twinkle.

I giggle, throwing my head back as laughter shakes my body. “I am not! What gave me away?” I meet his gaze again and chew on the inside of my cheek.

“The fact that you wouldn’t be humming while leaving me. You’ve been humming ‘Run to You’ almost all evening...”

~Oh, shit.~ I cover my face, feeling the heat in my cheeks. “I’m sorry...”

Blaze chuckles quietly, and I know that laughter all too well. I remove my hand as I feel the bed dip, and Blaze looks down at me through half-closed eyes, shadowed by his dark eyelashes.

“I’m gonna punish you for that... You know that, right, Harmony?”

I blush deeply.

He leans down and captures my lips in a soft kiss, exploring my mouth with his, then begins trailing his mouth across my neck to my collarbone.

I close my eyes, biting my lip as Blaze hooks his fingers in the waistband of my shorts and starts pulling them down my thighs.

The cool air brushes against my legs, and I swallow hard as I feel his fingers wrap around my knees. He pulls me to the edge of the bed, causing a small yelp to escape my lips.

His lips curve slightly to the side.

Time seems to stand still as he begins to unbuckle his jeans. His black boxers come into view, a bulge straining against them.

He starts kissing me again, all over, while positioning himself between my spread thighs. His movements are slow, yet impatient, and I watch as he reaches over to his drawer and retrieves a condom.

Breathing hard, I look down as he frees himself from his clothes. I’m still not used to his size. So full and large.

Blaze skillfully rolls the condom onto his erection with his ring-adorned fingers. It stretches from a dark cream to a light one as it slides down, hugging him tightly. I can’t tear my eyes away, too captivated by the sight.

Blaze leans over me, his chain brushing against my neck as he kisses me. Then, with a gentle push, he enters me, drawing a gasp from my lips.

“Does that feel good?” he breathes into my ear, and I nod. ~It’s perfect.~

He sets a steady rhythm, moving in and out of me, making my knees weak. I don’t remember when he took off his shirt, but I dig my fingers into his bare arms as he moves against me.

“I’m so glad you’re here to stay, Harmony,” he murmurs, each thrust reaching deeper within me. The bed creaks beneath us. “I’m so glad you’re still here... I’m so glad I met you...”

His words send me spiraling towards that sweet, overwhelming place faster than I can comprehend.

I watch as he moves in and out of me, each thrust more intoxicating than the last.

Sweat glistens on our bodies as Blaze kisses my neck, maintaining his tender rhythm. He’s so good at loving me...

“Blaze...,” I moan softly, my nails digging into his back.

Suddenly, he grabs my arm and flips me onto my stomach. The bed groans under our weight as Blaze positions himself over me from behind.

I glance over my shoulder, his features dark and intense. He enters me gently again, and I bury my face into the pillows. But his gentleness ends there.

He starts thrusting hard and fast, leaving me gasping for breath.

“Blaze!”

He gathers my hair in his hand and pulls my head back. Our eyes meet, his dark and filled with raw desire. My toes curl and goosebumps spread across my skin as the sound of our bodies colliding fills the room.

“Are you going to trick me again?” He smirks, delivering a firm thrust that sends my eyes rolling back.

“Ugh...”

“Answer me, green eyes...” He leans down to kiss me, biting my bottom lip before releasing it with a pop, all while maintaining his rapid pace.

He slows down, entering me gently again, one hand pressing against the middle of my back, holding me in place. He doesn’t need to; I’m not going anywhere.

His hips meet mine. He watches as my butt lifts and falls with each of his thrusts. My skin is flushed and damp.

Pleasure radiates through my body, making me tremble.

“Blaze...”

“Answer me,” he commands, his voice low and deep. He releases my hair and I press my cheek into the damp sheet.

Blaze kisses my trembling shoulder, still moving gently inside of me before pulling out and repeating the motion. “Harmony?”

I shake my head in response to his question, the heavenly climax slowly building within me. ~It feels too good.~

“I-I won’t...I won’t,” I manage to gasp.

Blaze quickens his pace again, and the sounds of our bodies meeting echo throughout the room. I clutch the sheet in my fingers.

“Ugh, ugh, ugh...”

“I want no one but you...no one but you,” he declares, thrusting into me over and over.

“Blaze... Blaze...”

“I’ll always love you, Harmony...” ~Thrust.~ “Never forget that...”

~Forgetting isn’t an option.~ Not after the love he’s shown me. Not after everything we’ve been through. Not after how far he’s come. Because Blaze Xander is all I want, and more.

“I love you...so much...,” I sob.

Blaze grips my hair again and pulls my head back, pressing his lips to mine. “I love you more, Harmony,” he whispers into the kiss.

And I know... I know deep down that he means every word.