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        JUST AS I got out of the car, Harry had closed the door on his side with a harsh slam. The man driving us had been oblivious to our conversation the entire time, which I'm grateful for, considering if anyone were to see our interaction, they'd infer things that were highly meant to be kept behind the scenes.

        I felt a warm wind against my skin. The evening was cooler than mid day. There were so many gowns, different colors on different skin. I felt strange being one of the only ones in white. Most wore black, the most dashing shades of red. Pink, even yellow. Or a peach orange that complimented their tanned skin. Sicily's people were all stunning and unique in their own way. Their style, their culture in general, is fascinating. 

        Harry walked behind me, guiding my body with his hands on my waist. To my father, who rarely glanced in our direction, this seemed like a protective gesture. In my mind, however, it was his way of reminding me what happened in the car. This was obvious for me because I could feel his fingertips digging through my dress. 

        He was the most stunning man there. Dressed in simple black attire, however, he still managed to put to shame any man there in the most expensive suit. I knew it. Every woman had their eyes on Harry since we entered the grand house. 

        It was high off the ground. The first floor had a roof I wouldn't touch even if I climbed a latter. The area was filled with riches and luxurious pieces of art. Expensive silverware clinked together and the sound of chatter rose the more people showed up. 

        "This place is gorgeous," I commented beneath my breath. Harry hadn't responded, looking tense and irritated at the much pleasure that happened around him. People were having fun, smiles from conversationalists. Smiles from rich brats and executives. I noticed now that his hands were still around my waist. "You can let go of me you know." 

        He glanced around, only peeking over at me for a second. "I'm well aware."         

        "Then let go of me." I simply suggested. 

        Harry inhaled and shook his head. "I'm protecting you." 

        "From what? Conversation?" 

        He glared at me this time. "Don't be a smart ass." His voice was low; a warning tone he uses often with me. 

        Such a confusing man, I thought to myself. I grinned and leaned into him, knowing the more I do things like these, the faster his patience will deteriorate. What I'm provoking with this? I'm sure he'll snap at me and lose his cool. What I'm finding now is, that I'm enjoying it. Harry can scare the hell out of me with his threats, but the more time I'm around him the more I realize I like the reduced distance. 

        My back was against his front now, a loud huff escaping his mouth. "Catalina," he began to warn me. 

        "You're protecting me," I said back. 

        I heard him mutter, "Unbelievable," beneath his breath. "Curiosity killed the cat, Dollface." 

        "Well, I'm not a cat, Harry," I laughed softly, letting my eyes watch the party begin. 

        "I'm now certain you have one," he answered back stiffly. 

        I frowned, not understanding him at first. I turned my head, angled to look up at him. He hadn't been looking down at me. Instead, he watched the guests with roaming eyes. "I don't have a cat." 

        "That's not the type of cat I was talking about." 

        My eyes widened along with an overwhelming wave of heat consuming my face. I tried not to let my shock and embarrassment show, but that soon became futile the second I saw the corner of his mouth turn up in utter devious pleasure for my clear evidence of discomfort. 

        I felt his hands being removed from my waist. He crossed his arms over his chest, staring ahead with his jaw clenched. The expression was so emotionless, it made me feel like he had nothing in his mind. Nothing troubled this beautiful man in front of me. 

        Maybe that's what made me curious. I was so fond of knowing things. Of finding remains, about making discoveries. I was all about that. Those were my weakness. I wanted to know everything no matter the price. It's a curse. Never a blessing to feel this compelled to figure everything out. I've got this feeling inside of me. A need, an urge, and an ache in my bones. 

        He was beautiful. I stared at him here, standing there as he tried to pretend I wasn't gazing upon him, when he truly knew I was. What he hides behind those pale green eyes are memories. I know. I can feel it. I'm obsessed with his mysterious character. 

        Harry turned his head, locking his eyes with mine. "Would you fucking stop that?" He demanded. 

        "Stop what?" 

        He huffed out an angry breath. "Staring at me. I hate it. You stare at me like you want something from me." 

        "I want to know you." 

        "Well, give up." He spat out, rolling his eyes in irritation. "This is professional only. Until whatever the fuck is going on is over, I'm only a co-worker. Hence, co. As in you cooperate and stop trying to tempt me." 

        I parted my lips in a bit of astonishment. "You're a very confusing man, you know." 

        Again, he scoffed and snickered bitterly. "No, it's actually quite simple. Do what I want, and everything will be exceptional."

        "Okay. So our relationship is strictly professional. With the exceptions that I'm not allowed to speak to another man?" I retorted, being the little smart ass I am. My arms crossed over my chest, eyebrows raised in protest. 

        Harry rubbed his large hand onto his face, trying to relieve some of the frustration and annoyance I'm evidently causing him. "You like to provoke me only for your little curious tricks. You're a very predictable girl," he said lowly, eyes piercing into mine. 

        I took a step closer to him, beginning to frown. "Oh really?"

        "Yes," he whispered now. "You're sexually attracted to me. It doesn't take a genius to know that you're aching for me." 

        My face burned hot, my chest rising higher at his words. My bottom lip trembled as I tried to regain my composure. I had the nerve to blurt out, "As you for me."

        He glanced behind me before returning his gaze to me. "Unfortunately, yes. But I already said this, and I don't enjoy repeating myself so listen well. I'm not weak. I've built a very firm backbone over the years. Tempt me all you want, but you're only being a childish little girl. One that wants me to sleep with her so bad." 

        I burst out laughing. My reaction was surprising I suppose, considering the way his jaw loosened. "Oh, so you're not the hungry wolf in this Little Red Riding Hood tale?" I teased, shaking my head. Now, I was upset. I could feel the anger boiling in me. Melting down my resistance for fury and my impulses swerving on high. "Harry, you admitted you wanted me." 

        "Don't flatter yourself. You're just a pretty face." 

        My angry smirk didn't falter. "You think you're pushing me away with your insults? I've seen the movies, I've read the books. Many of them, actually. You don't scare me, anymore, Harry. If I'm predictable, you're clear as water." I lied about him being clear. God, he frustrates me. 

        He growled a little, now completely pissed at my words. Not a second later, I was in a hallway. An empty one, to be exact. I could only pray my father wasn't seeing all of this. Or anyone that worked for him.

        "I don't scare you, huh? Is that what you're saying?" Harry gnarled, his hands grasping both of my wrists in an angrily hard grip. Then, he slammed them above my head onto the wall behind me. Our bodies weren't pressing against each other, but our faces might as well. According to the distance we were breathing onto each other. 

        "No." I muttered lowly, glaring into his gorgeous eyes. "You're that emotionless asshole, who's had some awful past that contributes to his little mysterious act." I spat out, beginning to feel a little bit of the fear due to the consequence I might face. "And because I know that, I want to know why you're so set on this. I know you have emotion. Not a single person on this planet feels nothing."

        Harry stared at me, his eyes wide with fury. I could practically hear his breathing, and feel it against my mouth. "Oh, I'm feeling something alright." He snapped. 

        "Stop that. Stop acting like all you can do is bark at me like a fucking dog." 

        "Listen, little miss smart ass!" He yelled into my face, our noses brushing almost. My breath hitched in my throat, my ears ringing by the force of his volume. "I have no past. I've always been this way. You're testing my patience! And I don't like it. So stop this shit, Catalina. You're wasting your time. I'm not some kind of mentally scarred guy. I'm not the guy you read about in your little romance novels. I kill people for a living. There is nothing nice about me. Nothing comforting." 

        "And that's why." I whispered to him without hesitation. "Because you're nothing like the next guy. I'm not asking for you to betray my father and have a romantic relationship with me. Harry, that is the last thing I'd ever ask of you. I just want to know....I want to know what Harry Styles hides." 

        He stared at me for the longest time. This time his anger was subsiding by the littlest of amounts. "It will kill you," he finally said lowly. "Your urge to figure me out. You should want nothing to do with me. I am just Harry. No subtitles. No description." 

        I looked into his eyes, and I still can't believe him. Although, through his voice, he sounds certain. Honest. Like he had never been so exhausted to explain something over again. I don't know what it is about him. I want to know him. 

        "I just --" I began.

        "No," he interrupted with a snark. "You nothing. As of right now, we're stopping this shit before it even happens. I'm sorry. I should have never admitted those things I said in the plane. Even..." he said quietly, staring at my lips. "Even if you are so tempting to have." 

        I inhaled sharply. "What do you want?" I asked, utterly perplexed. 

        "I want you to stop asking me questions about myself. I'm not important to you. Ignore me. Only call me when you need my help. I...I don't care who you talk to. Okay? It's ridiculous to ask you to not speak with other men, when that is clearly beyond the job instructions. It's done. Don't ask me to kiss you. Don't try and tempt me." 

        My disappointment was certainly surprising to me. Of course, I wanted to know really who he is. I wanted to see him in a different way, make believe that he was better than who he seemed. For reasons that remain unknown for me. But, I didn't expect myself to feel disappointed about it. 

        "So...we're back to just silence?" 

        "It should have never been anything more." 

        The rest of the night I dined with my father and his new friends. I sat down, feeling like royalty as Harry watched the perimeter with the rest of my father's men. He would occasionally speak into the mic near his ear, glancing around at every inch of the house until he was sure everything was stable. 

        A frown was on his face as he did his job. He was so attractive. He made me fidget in my chair just watching him do his job. Somehow, maddening to watch. 

        "So, Catalina," my father spoke beside me. 

        I snapped my eyes away from Harry, fearful to look into my father's. Because he might have caught me watching Harry. "Yeah, dad?" 

        "How was everything? You're not having any difficulties adjusting? You've been through a lot." 

        I shook my head, shrugging my shoulders afterwards. "Surprisingly, I'm fine."

        "How did Harry treat you? He is responsible, isn't he?" 

        The fact that Harry is responsible irks me. It is that trait that makes him so hard to figure out. The one blocking the temptation between us from getting anywhere. I should just give up like he said. In the end, it will never amount to anything good. 

        I stared down at the plate of food. "Yeah, he really is."

       note // hope you guys liked the trailer! 

        don't worry i won't make you guys wait forever until they actually hook up like that's awful.