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[ph-piecebypiece-blog]

Chapter Eleven

Authors note: Soooo soooo sorry about the wait! I ended up in hospital from dehydration because of the food poisoning I had and other issues because sometimes I’m not very good at being an adult and don’t take care of myself. Thanks for your patience and enjoy! :)

Later that day Harry was also preparing himself for what he was sure would be an unpleasant conversation. Both his father and his brother had been calling him all morning enquiring about Everly. His father was more annoyed that his name was being dragged through the papers again whereas Will was mostly hurt that Harry hadn't told him he was seeing someone. His father had instructed him to come over for dinner to discuss the matter and Will invited himself and Kate along to give his two cents as well.

“You're in big trouble,” William said with a soft smile as he opened the door for Harry once he arrived at his father's place.

“Oh shut up, Will,” Harry rolled his eyes. “There's really no reason I should be.”

“I'm not so sure,” William informed him. “Apparently Pa forbid this relationship years ago, he's less than impressed that you went ahead with it anyway.”

“He forbid it when I was a teenager and he actually had some say in my life,” Harry pointed out. “I'm an adult now and we're both very different people than we were back then.”

“I still can't believe you didn't tell me about her,” William playfully pouted, but there was real hurt behind his words and Harry felt a twinge of guilt. “Is it a serious thing?”

“Yeah, it is,” Harry nodded. “It's been two months now and I really care for her.”

“Well good luck explaining that one to Pa,” William said, patting his shoulder before he led him into the living room where Charles, Kate and Camillia were seated.

“The guest of honour has arrived!” Kate teased from her spot on the couch closest to the door.

Harry rolled his eyes yet again, but leaned in to kiss her cheek in greeting.

“You can be quiet, I've heard it from Will already,” He told her. “But you look well tonight, much better than the last time I saw you. Are you feeling better?”

“Much better, thank you,” She smiled. “This baby's been nothing, but trouble though.”

“It'll only get worse once it's born,” Harry reminded her as Charles cleared his throat. “Sorry, Pa. Eager to yell at me, are you?”

“I'm not going to yell,” Charles said sternly. “I just want to know what on earth you're thinking.”

Harry took a seat on the opposite end of the couch to his sister-in-law, facing his father.

“I'm thinking that I met someone who makes me happy and I want to be with her.” Harry explained simply.

“But things were just starting to go well for you, Harry,” Charles resisted. “People were finally starting to take you seriously and respect the work that you're doing and then you go and start flouncing around with a drug addict!”

Harry tensed at his father's words feeling protective of Everly who wasn't there to defend herself.

“She isn't a drug addict,” Harry informed him. “In fact she's never even done anything stronger than marijuana which she only did when she was a teenager to make her father mad.”

“I see why you two get along,” Will chimed in earning himself a dirty look from his brother and his father.

“How can you be so sure, son?” Charles questioned. “She was heavily involved with a very bad crowd for a very long time.”

“Only because she was stuck there with no where to go,” Harry pointed out. “She was being horribly abused, it wasn't a situation she wanted to be in nor is it one that she is proud of being in.”

“Well whether she wanted to be there or not, she's earned herself a reputation. The people don't like her and if you continue to associate with her then it'll drag your name down as well.”

“People don't like her because they've made assumptions about her much like the ones you've obviously made as well,” Harry said, his voice raising as his frustrations grew. “She made a few bad choices and she'll be the first to admit it, but she's more than suffered the consequences and she deserves a fresh start. The press are cruel and badly informed and I thought that people in this family would be the first to understand that.”

“This isn't about her,” Charles insisted. “I feel for the girl. I know she's been through some terrible things, but that isn't your problem and her reputation will damage yours.”

“It is my problem,” Harry argued. “Because I care about her and I'm not going to turn my back on her because the press and some people in our country have misjudged her.”

“I just don't want to see all your hard work be tainted by a woman,” Charles sighed. “I want what's best for you.”

“She's what's best for me,” Harry said confidently. “How would you feel if the bad choices I made when I was young or even just the bad choice I made that had naked pictures of me on the front cover of the Sun was what defined me? If everyone saw me as the “party prince” for the rest of my life no matter what I did to show them that I wasn't like that anymore?”

“I would be angry and frustrated that they weren't giving you the credit that you deserve,” Charles resigned after a moment of hesitation.

“Well that's what they're doing to her,” Harry shrugged. “They have this image of her when she was a wild child teenager and even after all she's been through they won't change how they see her.”

“But putting the press aside,” William cut in. “Do you really think it's a good idea getting involved with someone who's been through what she's been through? That's a lot to take on, it's bound to be emotionally draining and difficult for you.”

“I already have taken it on. We've been together for two months now and there have been some challenges along the way,” Harry admitted. “There's little things that happen or things I do that remind her of what her ex-boyfriend did to her and it's hard, but she's opened up to me about everything that happened to her and we work through it.”

“But wouldn't it be easier to just find someone without all that baggage?”

Harry scowled at William for even asking such a question.

“Everyone has baggage. And people pushing her aside because they couldn't be bother to help her with her problems is what gave her so much baggage in the first place,” Harry told them. “Her mom died not long before the night we met at the banquet, but her dad never bothered to help her through it. He threw himself into his career and left her to cope all by herself. Losing mum was hard enough, wasn't it, Will? Can you imagine how we would have felt if we had no one to support us while we were grieving?”

William nodded in understanding as a quiet gasp came from Camilla.

“Oh, I didn't know her mother died. I thought her parents were just divorced,” She said, her voice full of sympathy.

“See? There's a lot that people don't know about her, but they make all these assumptions about who she is when they don't even know her.” Harry said, shaking his head. “I appreciate your concern for my reputation and I'm sorry that I'm putting our family in the spotlight in an unflattering way once again, but I know what I'm doing this time. Everly's a wonderful person and I'm not going to turn my back on her because other people can't see that.”

There was a moment of silence in the room as they all mulled over what Harry had said and to everyone's surprise, it was Kate who spoke up first.

“I think Harry's right.”

“You do?” Harry asked, surprised that one of them had come around so fast.

“I do,” Kate repeated. “I know you've made a few mistakes, but generally you're a good judge of character and the press are absolutely not so it's unfair of us to take their word over yours.”

“I would have to agree,” Camilla nodded. “The press said quite a lot of awful things about me not that long ago, but that didn't stop us from being together, Charles, or stop your family being welcoming of me. And I must say, Harry, you seem very smitten with this young woman.”

Harry grinned, knowing that if he'd won over the women in the room then his brother and father would soon follow.

“I am,” Harry agreed. “She's honestly wonderful and she's not the only one with baggage. I have plenty of my own and she's been there for me. I've spoken to her countless times about losing mum and going to Afghanistan, she's helped me just as much as I help her.”

“Where did you even meet her?” Charles asked, exasperatedly as he sensed he was fighting a losing battle.

“At a bar,” Harry admitted. “The one she works in actually. I was looking for a quiet place to have a drink when I came home and the media got to be too much and I just happened to pick the one she works in.”

“Well that's a classy job,” Charles scoffed earning a look from his wife.

“It's a perfectly respectable job, Pa,” Harry defended her.

“It seems like your mind is already made up so if you know what you're getting into then you have my support,” William conceded. “But do we at least get to meet her to see if she's as amazing as you claim she is?”

Harry sighed and leaned back into the couch, feeling more relaxed now he wasn't on the defensive quite as much.

“I would love to introduce you,” Harry confessed. “But I don't even know what's going on with us now or where we'll be going from here.”

“What do you mean?” Kate asked, her concern evident as she noticed the sad shift in his body language.

“She got very upset this morning,” Harry elaborated. “She was in a proper panic about everything, but her father kept calling her and she left to go explain things to him before we got a chance to speak about it.”

“They were saying some awful things about the poor girl,” Camilla said, shaking her head with disgust for the press.

“They were and she's been trying to lay low since her ex-boyfriend's trial ended, she wanted to get out of the spotlight and away from their abuse so I'm worried that she won't be willing to deal with again and it's unfortunately an unavoidable part of being my girlfriend.”

“So you're here defending your relationship by saying you'd stand by her no matter what, but you're not even sure if she can deal with a few nasty comments?” Charles asked, trying to get things straight and still unsure of this woman his son seemed to care about so much.

“We all know it's more than a few nasty comments,” Harry pointed out. “And I know she feels the same way about our relationship that I do, but it's only been a few months since she was being trashed in the papers for being a victim of some horrible abuse. I would understand if she couldn't stand to go through that again so soon.”

Harry's stomach turned as he said those words. He'd been so busy worrying about how Everly was feeling and how his family would react to the whole situation that he hadn't thought about what would happen next. He would understand if she couldn't handle it and he wouldn't hold it against her, but that didn't mean he wouldn't be quite devastated himself.

“Have you heard from her since this morning?” Kate asked, her voice laced with sympathy once again.

“No, I haven't,” Harry admitted, shaking his head. “I sent her a text, but she hasn't answered. I know she doesn't get along with her father though so I would assume their conversation this morning didn't go well. I figure I'll give her some space then reach out again tomorrow.”

A silence fell amongst the group as they mulled over what they'd been told until Charles broke the quiet with a sigh.

“Well, son,” He started, looking defeated, but still very reluctant. “Once you speak with her and know if there is a future for your relationship, you should bring her round for tea. It's only fair that we give this young lady an honest chance.”

“Great!” He smiled as relief that he'd won his family's approval, at least for now, washed over him. “Now, I believe I was lured here with the promise of dinner. Shall we eat?”

There was a chorus of laughter at Harry's less than subtle changing of the subject, but Charles nodded in agreement and stood to lead the family to the dining room.

#prince harry fanfiction #prince harry fan fic #phff

[ph-piecebypiece-blog]

Authors note!

So...this week has been shit for me. I had insane food poisoning that knocked me out for a few days and my job has been an absolute nightmare. I know I haven’t updated in too long and I was going to fire out a chapter just now, but I really love this story and don’t want to mess it up by rushing and being careless. I want to take my time and make sure it’s quality I’m proud of.

I hope all you readers are still out there, I should update in the next few days. Thanks for bearing with me :)

[ph-piecebypiece-blog]

Chapter Ten

Authors note: Sorry, I know I said I’d post this yesterday, but I got some bad news about my job and I’ve just been stressed, mopey and unmotivated. But anyway, drama ahead! Enjoy!

The next morning Everly woke up to the sound of very loud vibrations. Her brain was in a fog and her head was pounding, but she rolled over and grabbed her phone just as it stopped vibrating. The noise didn't stop right away though and she realized Harry's phone was ringing too.

“Harry,” She mumbled, gently kicking him with her foot. “Your phone.”

He grunted in response, but didn't bother moving. Everly sighed and glanced at her phone. Her heart immediately started racing as she saw that she had fifteen unread text messages and five missed calls from her father. Trying not to fly into too much of a panic, she opened the messages from him and scrolled by all the “Answer your phone right now!” messages until she found her explanation.

“Everly Georgina, what the hell is this?”

The message read with a link and once she opened she immediately felt tears come to her eyes.

“Looks like C*ntingham is at it again!”

Underneath was a picture of Harry kissing her as she was pressed against the car that had picked them up the night before.

“Harry, wake up!” She demanded, but when he simply responded with another grunt, she raised her voice. “Harry, wake the fuck up!”

Sensing something was wrong, Harry quickly sat up, his eyes glazed from sleep and his hair sticking up everywhere.

“What? What's going on?” He asked, concerned. “Are you okay?”

“No, I'm not okay!” Everly said as a tear rolled down her cheek. “They know! The press know, they took a picture of us outside the club last night when you kissed me. This is why I wanted to keep this between us! This is why I didn't want you to kiss me until we got in the damn car!”

“Everly, take a breath,” Harry instructed, relieved that no one had died. “We knew they would find out eventually, we can't hide from them forever.”

“It's going to ruin everything, Harry,” Every insisted, her lip quivering. “The press, and really most of England, hate me.”

“Why?” Harry furrowed his brow in confusion, his hungover brain not able to process things fast enough.

“Because I'm a rich, privileged white girl who acted like a brat because she wasn't getting enough of daddy's attention,” Everly reminded him. “People don't like those kinds of girls.”

“But you haven't had it easy,” Harry pointed out. “You've been through a lot.”

“They don't care! I got almost more hate than Adam did during in his trial!”

“What?”

Everly wiped away her tears and picked up her phone.

“Listen to this,” She said, scrolling down to the article. “Apparently now the attention she received from being a victim, and we use the term loosely, of domestic abuse has died down, Miss. Everly Cunningham has found a new way to get herself in the spotlight. Photographed outside of Makhiki nightclub late last night, it would appear she's got her claws in Prince Harry. After his tour in Afghanistan, the party Prince was thought to be turning over a new leaf and keeping away from the wild life he used to live, but it seems he's not finished with it yet. Hopefully he comes to his senses soon, we can only imagine what the Queen must think of his partnership with such a disgraceful young lady.”

A quiet sob fell from Everly's lips as she finished reading. She was embarrassed, they were so needlessly mean to her when they had no idea what her relationship with Harry was like. Harry sighed and pushed himself up so he was sitting next to her and pulled her into his arms.

“It's going to be fine,” He assured her, stroking her hair gently. “My family can control the press to some extent and I can release a statement telling them to leave you alone.”

“Then they'll just make horrible comments about me forcing you to come to my defence.”She sniffled, pulling herself out of his arms as her phone rang again. “I have to go, I need to talk to my dad.”

She scrambled out of the bed and started looking for her dress which had been frantically tossed aside the night before.

“You're leaving?” Harry asked, confused by her reaction. “Don't you want to talk about this and figure it out?”

“My dad is about to have a stroke, Harry,” She told him, gesturing to her phone that was vibrating loudly on his nightstand. “I have to deal with that before I can even think about anything else.”

Harry was about to protest, but as his phone started vibrating again as well he realized he probably had some people to talk to as well.

“Alright, I'll call a driver for you.” He sighed.

Everly mumbled her thanks as she struggled into her tight dress.

*

As the car pulled up outside Rupert Cunningham's house, Everly felt her chest tighten. There were so many thoughts rushing through her head about her relationship with Harry and how it's future might be affected now the press were involved that the thought of fighting with her dad on top of all that made her want to cry. But she knew it had to be done so she took a deep breath and got out of the car.

“Jesus, Everly. What on earth are you wearing?” Her father questioned her the second she appeared in his living room.

“Well, you seemed eager to talk to me, I didn't think you'd want to wait while I went home to change,” She explained. “So I came straight from Harry's.”

His eyes flashed with anger at the mention of his name.

“Why are you doing this?” He asked, cutting right to the chase.

“Doing what, dad?” Everly asked. “Being happy? Finally finding someone who treats me nicely?”

“Dragging our name through the papers again!” He clarified. “For God's sake Everly, all the good things I did for this country when I was Prime Minister have been completely over shadowed by how you behave.”

Everly felt the anger bubbling up inside her. They'd never, in all the years that she'd been acting out to get his attention, actually discussed it and she could feel it all coming out now.

“So the fact that Adam beat the shit out of me for three years is my fault?”She questioned. “I'm sorry my trauma reflects so badly on you.”

“No, that wasn't your fault,” Rupert shook his head. “But the fact that you started dating some low life drug dealer in the first place is!”

“I'll give you that,” Everly agreed. “I'll admit that I made a lot of bad, embarrassing choices when I was younger, but did you ever think for a second why I was behaving like that?”

“Because you wanted attention, just like you do now,” He informed her. “And I wasn't going to be the kind of parent that gave in to that kind of behaviour and gave you want whatever you wanted.”

“I'm not with Harry because I want attention. He makes me happy, we've been together for months and I didn't want the press to know about it,” Everly insisted. “And do you know why I wanted attention when I was younger?”

“Because you were e a spoiled brat who couldn't stand the fact that I was busy with my career and not giving you every ounce of my attention.”

Everly felt tears prick her eyes at her father's harsh view of her.

“I didn't want every ounce of your attention,” Everly said as she swallowed hard to keep the tears at bay. “I wanted a tiny bit of it. You threw yourself into the election when mom died and I had no one and no support and I wanted you to talk to me, pay attention to me and help me through it.”

Her father's angry, stern, scowl faltered slightly at her explanation.

“Everly, that's not fair,” He said quietly. “You can't hold that against me, I'd just lost my wife.”

“And I'd just lost my mother!” Everly cried as a tear fell down her cheek. “You were the only parent I had left and you weren't there for me.”

“I was there for you as much as I could be!” He insisted. “And you're an adult now, Everly. You need to take responsibility for your own actions instead of placing the blame on me.”

“I'm not putting the blame on you,” She choked out. “But if you've been there for me as much as you possibly could be, why weren't you at the trial?”

“What?” Rupert blinked, confused by the change of topic.

“Adam's trial, when I had to testify. You weren't there.”

“Why would I want to sit through that?” He asked her. “Why would I want to sit and listen to the hell that you went through for years without me noticing? I don't think I could have stood it.”

“Then don’t you dare claim you’ve been there for me as much as possible because it's not always about what you want,” Everly sniffled. “I needed you there, I needed support and to know that you were proud of me.”

“I'm not proud of you,” Rupert scoffed. “I'm glad you're out of that mess, but I'm not proud of how you've destroyed your life. And your mother wouldn't be either, your mother would be ashamed.”

Everly felt her heart clench at his words even if she knew they weren't true and just as a sob fell from her lips, a voice interrupted them.

“Rupie? I heard shouting, what's going on?”

A young, blonde woman who looked to be barely twenty-five walked into the room, assessing the situation.

“Who the fuck is this?” Everly asked, stunned by the scene in front of her as the mystery woman walked over to her father and slid her hand protectively into his.

“Who the fuck am I?” She asked, matching Everly's snarky tone. “Who the fuck are you?”

“I'm his daughter!”

The woman's attitude instantly switched as a smile broke on to her face.

“Oh my gosh, it's so nice to meet you! I'm Natasha, your father's girlfriend.”

She stuck out her hand for Everly to shake, but after a few awkward moments of Everly ignoring it, she lowered it again. Rupert looked incredibly uncomfortable and not at all like the angry, confident man he had been moments before as Everly looked at him with absolute disgust in her eyes.

“You think mom would be ashamed of me?” She questioned, her voice harsh and angry. “I think you need to take a long hard look in the mirror and reassess which of us you think she would find the most shameful right now.”

With that, she turned on her heels and stormed out of the house, ignoring Rupert calling her name as she ran out the door.

#prince harry fanfiction #prince harry fan fic #phff

[ph-piecebypiece-blog]

Chapter Nine

Authours note: I know it’s a few days late, but here’s the next chapter. I’ll post another one tomorrow probably to make up for the week long gap!

Everly stood in front of her mirror, where she'd been for the last half hour since she'd gotten dressed. She was wearing a tight, short blue dress and black heels that were higher than any she'd worn in years. She was going clubbing. Harry had invited her almost a two weeks earlier as she left his cottage after Mother's day for his cousin Eugenie's birthday. She had been reluctant, not only because it meant she would be meeting part of his family, but also because it was quite likely the press would be there in droves, but as usual she was powerless to resist Harry's puppy-dog pout. He'd been away on base doing military things for the last week and a half too and she'd missed him dreadfully so if going to this party was the quickest way to see him then she had decided she would suck it up and go. Harry had assured her that he would behave around the cameras in an effort to ease her concerns about the press finding out about them, but she was still nervous.

She hadn't been to a club since she was at least twenty-two and wasn't even sure what people wore to those kinds of places anymore, but Harry said it was quite a swanky place so she'd tried to find an outfit that would do. She had to admit that she looked good, but she wanted everything to be perfect the first time she met a member of Harry's family, especially since she knew he was close to his cousins.

A few moments later she was snapped away from her worries when her buzzer rang, signalling the car Harry had sent for her had arrived. He'd messaged her earlier to let her know that he was running late and would have to meet her at the club, but that one of his protection officers would meet her at the back door to let her in. She was almost relieved by the new plan because, as eager as she was to see Harry, at least this way they wouldn't be spotted arriving together.

*

“I'm here, where are you?”

She messaged him as soon as she'd arrived at the club and it took him less than a minute to pop up beside her.

“You made it!” He grinned, as his eyes ran up and down her body. “And wow, you look amazing...”

Everly felt her cheeks heat up, pleased with her clothing choice especially as she looked around the club and saw she had dressed appropriately.

“You don't think it's too much, you know...” She gestured to her chest where the strappy top half of her dress really outlined and lifted her breasts.

“Too much cleavage?” Harry questioned, stepping forward to put his arms around her waist. “Absolutely not. Even though it is a tad cruel showing up here looking so damn irresistible after I haven't had the chance to see you in over a week.”

Everly giggled and glanced over his shoulder and around the room. Once she was satisfied that there was no one watching or any cameras nearby, she stretched her neck and pressed her lips softly against his.

“Well,” She smiled when she pulled back, much too soon for Harry's liking. “I knew you'd be here looking effortlessly flawless as always so I had to at least try to beat you at your own game.”

Harry chuckled as he slid his hands up her waist, over her shoulders and down her arms to hold her hands.

“You absolutely beat me, love,” He assured her before leading her towards the bar. “Now, what would you like to drink?”

Once they had their beverages, Harry led her off again this time towards a table in a roped off VIP area. As they got closer, memories flashed through Everly's mind. Memories of a time when she frequently found herself sat in roped off lounge areas, paraded around like a trophy in short, much too sexy dresses while her boyfriend left to make shady deals in the back alley or bathroom. Her hand tightened on Harry's as she pushed the thoughts from her mind, something he instantly noticed.

“Are you okay?” He asked, sensing something was wrong.

“Yeah, I'm alright,” She told him as she glanced around. “I just, I think I've been here before. With Adam when he was at the height of his drug game.”

Harry frowned.

“Do you want to leave?” He asked.

His voice was so genuinely concerned for her, not annoyed that she was bringing them down or upset that she couldn't enjoy one single activity without being triggered by her past. He wanted her to be okay even if that meant ruining their night and ditching his cousin's birthday party and she felt her heart swell with affection for him.

“No,” She said, shaking her head and letting a smile slide on to her face. “I want to stay. I want to have a wonderful time with you and replace all the bad memories with happy ones.”

A grin slid back onto Harry's face and he squeezed her hand reassuringly.

“We can definitely do that,” He assured her before continuing to lead the way to the VIP area.

They apparently had a large booth for their group, but most people were off dancing or getting more drinks so it was just Eugenie and a man sitting there when they sat down.

“Oh, good, you found your friend!” Eugenie greeted them when she saw who sat down.

“Actually,” Harry paused, glancing at Everly who was still holding his hand for comfort. “This is my girlfriend, Everly. Everly, this is my cousin Eugenie and her boyfriend Jack.”

“Oh! I didn't even know you were seeing anyone!” Eugenie practically squealed, obviously more than a few drinks in to her celebrations. “It's so lovely to meet you!”

“It's lovely to meet you too,” Everly smiled. “And happy birthday!”

Eugenie opened her mouth to say thank you, but her boyfriend cut her off as he stared at Everly suspiciously.

“Wait, aren't you that girl who-”

“Jack,” Harry practically growled. “Don't.”

“It's alright,” Everly assured him, slightly relieved to get the awkwardness out of the way early on. “The girl who was the daughter of the prime minister then got the shit beat out of her by her boyfriend? Yep, that's me.”

“I thought you looked familiar,” Jack mumbled, embarrassed that he'd brought it up as Eugenie glared at him.

“Its fine,” Everly smiled. “Everyone figures it out eventually.”

“And can you two keep this quiet for now?” Harry asked. “We haven't really told any one yet.”

“Of course,” Eugenie assured them. “Your secret it safe with us.”

“Great, now if you'll excuse me for a moment I just have to run to the loo.” He tossed back the rest of his drink as Everly moved out of the way so he could slide out of the booth.

There was a slight awkward tension when Everly sat back down, one she was painfully familiar with. No one ever knew what to say to her once they realized who she was. They never knew if they should bring it up and offer their sympathy or just change the subject. Usually people just avoided her completely to get out of dealing with it. She quickly realized that wasn't how Harry's friends would be treating her though.

“So what happened to your last boyfriend?” Jack asked, trying to break the awkward silence any way he could earning another dirty look from his girlfriend.

“He's in jail,” Everly told them. The couple nodded and looked down at their drinks, obviously unsure what to say. However, Everly was determined to make a good impression on these people who she knew Harry cared about so she took a sip from her drink and spoke again. “I was really pushing for a beheading after everything he did, but it turns out you royals stopped doing that a few years ago.”

Jack stared at her for a moment as a snort of laughter came from Eugenie.

“Yeah, we've really gone soft on punishments these days,” She agreed. “But I'll speak with Gran the next time I see her, maybe she'll make an exception just this once.”

“Thanks, I really appreciate that,” Everly giggled.

“So how long have you and Harry been together?” Eugenie asked now the ice had been broken.

“About two months,” Everly smiled. “He's a really great guy.”

“He is great,” Eugenie agreed as Jack nodded beside her. “He seems very happy with you too.”

“Really?” Everly beamed, pleased that they thought so.

“Absolutely, he could barely sit still while he was waiting for you. He must have checked the door at least five times and he only got here half an hour before you.”

Everly blushed.

“I'm very happy with him too,” She confessed. “I got very lucky.”

Eugenie was about to say something else when a voice called out to them.

“Everly! Finish you drink,” Harry instructed from the other side of the red velvet rope. “I want to dance!”

“Harry, I'm not a good dancer!” Everly called back, but finishing her drink like he asked.

“It's fine, I have enough dancing skills for both of us.”

As if to demonstrate Harry started doing some strange crump style version of the running man as he backed away from the group.

“Oh god,” Eugenie groaned. “Please go and stop him before someone films him and he brings shame to our family.”

Everly giggled and quickly moved out of the booth before walking over to Harry.

“Your cousin is worried about you sullying the family name with your dance moves,” Everly said to Harry once she'd caught up to him.

He stopped his ridiculous dance and laughed.

“Oh please, I've sullied the family name already by doing much worse,” He reminded her. “And my plan worked so I don't even care.”

Harry slid his arms around her waist and pulled her close as he moved his hips to the beat of the song with much more rhythm than he was showcasing a moment ago.

“How much have you had to drink?” She asked, her arms sliding around his neck to balance herself and match his movements.

“More than you, I had a few drinks on the base with the lads earlier before I left,” He admitted, dropping his head to her neck. “But you look so good tonight, I just had to find a way to get my hands on you.”

Everly could feel his hot breath against her skin and bit her lip as he pressed a gentle kiss just under her jaw.

“I'm glad you think so,” Everly smiled, her heart rate speeding up as Harry's hands moved down over her bottom.

“You look gorgeous,” Harry assured her. “You always do.”

The song changed and Harry shifted his movements to match the new song, but Everly pulled away.

“Buy me another drink?” She asked, smiling up at him. “I think I need a little more liquid confidence if we're going to be dancing like this and those wandering hands of yours are getting me a little too worked up.”

Harry flashed her a smug smile, pleased with his efforts before leading her to the bar.

“What would you like?”

“Tequila shots?” Everly suggested with a mischievous grin. Harry looked back at her with one of his own before ordering and confusing her when three tequila shots were poured in front of them. “Who's the third one for?”

“You,” Harry grinned. “You have to catch up to me!”

Everly rolled her eyes, but quickly clinked her little shot glass against his and tossed the first one back before quickly following it with the second.

“Gross,” She coughed once she was finished. “I haven't had tequila in so long.”

“You chose it!”

“I know I did,” Everly giggled, moving her body a little closer to his. “So, you introduced me as your girlfriend.”

There was a soft smile on her face as she made the statement she'd been wanting to make since he'd used the term earlier, but even through the dark of the club she could see his cheeks go pink.

“I did,” He confirmed. “Sorry if you weren't comfortable with that, but I guess that's kind of how I see you now. If that's something you'd like?”

“Are you asking me to be your girlfriend?” Everly teased with a grin as Harry nodded. “Of course, Harry. I would love that.”

“Perfect,” Harry beamed before leaning down to kiss her. She was pushed even closer to him as someone tried to weasel their way up to the bar behind her so they took it as a sign to move and Harry led her back to the dance floor. He put his hands back on her waist, quickly finding the beat like he had before. “You know, every single guy in here is staring at you.”

Harry's breath was hot against her ear once again, but she rolled her eyes.

“Everyone is probably staring at me, not just the men,” She told him. “I'm dancing with Prince Harry. That's why.”

“No,” Harry moved his hands back down to her bottom and pressed her towards him. “It's because you look so amazing in this dress.”

Everly leaned in to him, enjoying the feel of his hands on her after their week apart, but also aware of the crowded room they were in.

“Harry,” She breathed against his neck where her head was buried. “Stop fondling me or someone's going to start taking photos.”

“Yeah, Harry!” A voice broke in. “Stop fondling your girlfriend and let her dance with us!”

Everly moved away and saw Eugenie standing right next to to them with her hand on her hip, a few other girls waiting for her a couple feet behind them.

“Fuck off, Eugenie!” Harry called back. “I can fondle her as much as I want!”

“No way, you can't introduce me to her then keep her to yourself all night, “ Eugenie insisted. “I want to get to know her. You can have her back later.”

“Go,” Harry sighed, reluctantly loosening his grip on her before leaning down to place a quick kiss on her lips. “Have fun and make some friends.”

*

And that was how the rest of the night went. Everly split her time between bonding with her new friend Eugenie and her more than affectionate boyfriend. It was the best night out she'd had in years and she was amazed by how quickly her and Eugenie had clicked. There was no awkwardness about what she'd been through, Eugenie treated her just like any other girl Harry would have introduced her to and they had lots in common. She was so pleased to have another woman to talk to and gossip with, it was like Harry had given her yet another part of her normal, pre-Adam life back.

As she gushed to him about that, very drunkenly, in the back alley at the end of the night a smug smirk slid on to his face and Everly realized what had happened.

“This was your plan all along, wasn't it?”

“What plan?” Harry asked, feigning innocence.

“To help me make a friend!” Everly elaborated. “You knew we'd get along so that's why you were so determined to get me to come out tonight.”

“Partially,” Harry admitted as he put out the cigarette they’d been sharing just as the car pulled up at the end of the alley for them. “I did know you would get along and I knew Eugenie would be welcoming to you. But it was also because I knew you would look absolutely stunning and I wanted to see you as soon as I could after my base training.”

Everly smiled and rolled her eyes as she started walking over to the range rover waiting for them.

“Gosh, you're horny tonight,” She teased him as they hurried to get out of the rain.

But just as she reached the car and went to open the door, Harry's hand appeared above hers, keeping it shut.

“I haven't seen you in almost two weeks and you show up wearing a dress like that,” Harry told her, turning her around before pressing her against the car. “Of course I'm horny, I've been hard practically since you walked through the door.”

Fuelled by the alcohol, giggles burst from Everly's lips as the thought of her working him up so much simply just by wearing a nice dress struck her as hysterical, but her laughter turned into a gasp as Harry pressed himself against her to show her he wasn't exaggerating.

“Do you feel that?” He asked with a smirk at her reaction. “Do you see how you've made me feel all night?”

“Y-yeah,” Everly stuttered out, her cheeks flushing from arousal. “Let's get in the car and get you home so we can do something about it.”

“I don't know if I can wait that long.”

Harry's words came out as a groan and her punctuated them by pressing his lips against hers. It was a kiss full of passion, built up from their time apart and their night of quick kisses and teasing dances. Everly melted into the kiss, practically held up just by the arm Harry had around her waist. He pressed his tongue against her lips, asking for entrance and she eagerly parted hers in response, the meeting of their tongues drawing a moan from Everly's lips, but as the soft drizzle of rain reminded her where they were, she pulled away.

“Harry, we should get in the car,” She instructed a bit more firmly this time. “There's loads of press around the front of the club and I don't want them to see me dropping to my knees and dealing with your little problem in this alley way, but I'm not sure I'll be able to resist if you keep kissing me like that.”

Harry's jaw dropped at how uncharacteristically bold her statement was, but he wasn't about to question it. He pulled his body away from hers and used his hand that had been braced against the car to open the door and let her inside, eager to get her home and have his way with her.

Little did they know, that just a few feet away, strategically hidden behind a lamppost, one camera man had already gotten all the photos he'd need.

#prince harry fanfiction #prince harry fan fic #phff

[ph-piecebypiece-blog]

Authors note!

Hey guys!

I know I said I was going to update as soon as I got back from my trip, but I had to jump right back into work and it has been a crazy, exhausting week.

But do not fear! I now have two days off and no plans! Which means I can edit the next chapter and update tomorrow morning then write like crazy to get back on a normal updating schedule.

Thanks for your patience and support as always :)

[ph-piecebypiece-blog]

Chapter Eight

Authors note: I’m going away for a few days so the next chapter won’t be up until Thursday or Friday. It’s already written though so I can post it as soon as I get a second when I’m back, just wanted to let you all know. Thanks so much for all the support so far, you guys are amazing! :)

March 10 2013

Mother's day.  For those who are fortunate to have their mothers still with them, it's a lovely day that gives you the perfect excuse to show your mother how much you love her and to spend some time with her. For those who aren't so lucky, it's a reminder of what you lost. Without fail every year it put Everly in a bad mood. She hated herself for feeling that way, for being jealous of those happy little families out for brunch or for a picnic if the weather was nice enough. It was a day that made her resentful towards everyone who paraded around with their mother who they probably didn't appreciate half as much as they should anyway and then she felt angry towards herself for being so petty. Overall it was just a stressful, horrible day and she wished it didn't exist. Especially since this year it shared the anniversary of her mother's death.

She was just finishing putting her makeup on for the day, contemplating that very thought when her phone buzzed next to her and Harry's named flashed on the screen.

“Thinking of you today, hope you're doing alright xx”

She smiled, her mood lifting just a touch.

“Thanks, Harry. I'm thinking of you too. Any plans? Xx”

“Just heading up to Althorp with Wills to visit mum, might see my uncle too if he's around. You?”

“About to have lunch with my grandmothers then going to visit my mum as well.”

“Try to have a good day, love. Still coming over tonight?”

Everly confirmed their plans before looking at the clock.

“Shit,” She mumbled to herself before throwing her phone into her purse. She was already running short on time and after being distracted by Harry she would now be slightly more than fashionably late.

*

“I'm sorry! I'm sorry!” She frantically apologized, trying to catch her breath as she ran up to the very fancy restaurant where she was meeting her grandmothers. It was unseasonably warm so she found them easily as they were seated on the patio in front of the building.

They both looked up, a slight look of shock on their faces.

“That's quite alright, dear,” Her grandma Evelyn, her mother's mother and Everly's namesake, assured her. “We're just glad you could make it this year.”

Her grandmothers had been organizing this mother's day brunch for the past four years now and every year Everly had cancelled on them at the last minute.

“Here, take a seat,” Her grandma Joyce instructed, pulling out a chair as Everly hopped over the rail of the restaurants patio, earning a stern look from both grandparents. “Would you like a drink? We've started with some mimosas.”

She smiled as the two elderly ladies giggled like naughty schoolgirls at the fact that they were drinking before noon. As much as she'd been tempted to cancel once again and spend the whole day moping about, she was already glad she came.

“A mimosa sounds perfect,” She decided. “I can't miss out on all the fun you two seem to be having.”

Joyce flagged down a waitress and ordered her granddaughter's drink before both of them turned their attention to her, staring at her intently.

“How are you, darling?” Evelyn asked. “You look, well, you actually look wonderful!”

A grin slid onto Everly's face as she realized the stark difference there must be in her since they last saw her, on the last day of Adam's trial and as she thought about the person who had helped her come so far in such a short time.

“I am wonderful,” Everly confessed. “Things are going very well for me at the moment. I feel...happy again. For the first time in a very long time.”

“Oh I am so pleased to hear that!” Joyce breathed a sigh of relief, but there was a twinge of sadness in her eyes and Everly's stomach twisted as she realized they might want to talk about what happened. “We are sorry, you know. We should have seen how unhappy you were, we should have noticed that you withdrew from us.”

“But we just thought you were a normal, young adult who didn't want to be bothered by her family all the time,” Evelyn piped in, defending their actions. “If we'd known what you were going through, we would have been there for you.”

“I know that,” Everly assured them. “I don't blame anyone, but myself. I was good at hiding what was happening because I didn't want anyone to know and get involved.”

They nodded, but before the conversation could continue the waitress came over with Everly's drink, ready to take their food orders and by the time she left, her grandmothers were ready to change the subject.

“So,” Joyce started, a cheeky grin on her face as she sipped her mimosa. “I know you went through a lot and might not be eager to get back into the dating scene, but is there anyone special in your life at the moment?”

Everly hesitated, not sure she wanted to open that can of worms just yet, but the soft smile that slid on her face as she thought of Harry and the pink twinge on her cheeks gave her away.

“Oh, I know that look!” Evelyn teased. “There is someone! What's his name?”

“His name is Harry,” She confessed, knowing she wouldn't easily get out of this conversation. She also knew neither of her grandmothers would tell anyone without her permission and, feeling like a high school girl with a crush, she was quite eager to talk about him.

“Does this 'Harry' have a last name?” Evelyn prodded.

“Um, not exactly...”

“Oh no,” Joyce sighed, a frown replacing the look of glee that had been on her face moments before. “He's not another sleezy drug dealing lunatic is he? What kind of respectable young man doesn't have a last name? Is he some kind of rapper thug?”

Everly giggled at the though of Harry trying to rap or act like a thug as she shook her head.

“No, no, he's definitely not,” She assured them. “And Harry would be a horrible name for a rapper, Grandma.”

“Well I don't know these things!” Joyce shrugged. “Why doesn't he have a last name then?”

Everly mulled over how to answer the question without setting off too much excitement.

“I guess Wales would be his last name,” She informed them, enjoying the look of puzzlement on their faces. “But Mountbatten-Windsor is probably the technical one even though I don't think it's ever used.”

The look of shock that slowly took over them as they worked out, almost in perfect synchronization, who she was talking about was priceless.

“What?!” Joyce shrieked, drawing a few glances of concern to the table. Much to Everly's relief though, everyone soon lost interest probably just assuming she'd had a few too many mimosas already.

“Are you trying to tell us that you are dating Prince Harry, the third in line to be king of England?!” Evelyn asked, thankfully in a much quieter tone than her counterpart.

“I am,” Everly confirmed, unable to hide her grin. “For almost two months now actually.”

“How on earth did that happen?”

“Well I've been working in Dave, my godfather's, bar and he came in one night looking for a quiet place to have a drink when he got back from Afghanistan,” She explained. “We met once at some event Dad dragged me too when we were young, but we never kept in touch so it was nice to catch up and once we started talking we just really hit it off.”

“How has he been with everything you went through?” Joyce asked, her concern evident in her voice. Everly really wished that not every conversation came back to this issue, but she knew how hard it had been for them to see her at the trial so she tried to be patient.

“He's been really wonderful,” Everly assured them. “He was, uh, actually the first person I really opened up to about it and he's been nothing, but kind and understanding about the whole thing and any boundaries I have. He's really been the positive influence I think I needed to pull my head away from what happened.”

“Excellent,” Joyce grinned, satisfied with her answer. “You do seem very happy, you practically glow when you talk about him.”

“I am happy,” Everly blushed. “I got very lucky finding him when I did. Please don't tell my dad though. It's still quite new and I don't want to deal with whatever complaints I'm sure he'll have.”

Joyce nodded, feeling slightly uncomfortable about keeping something from her son, but not wanting to interfere in their business.

“Have you heard from your dad lately?” Evelyn asked, having heard from Joyce how strained their relationship had become.

“Nope,” Everly sighed. “And I think it's better off that way for now.”

“He does love you very much you know,” Joyce said quietly, unable to not defend her child, but earning an eye roll from her granddaughter.

“He has a great way of showing it,” She snapped, bitterly. “Not even coming to one day of the trial or reaching out to me once when it was happening really screams 'I love you'.”

“He was the one who got you out of the situation though,” Evelyn reminded her, but was met with more snark.

“Only to save his own reputation!” Everly argued. “'Former Prime Minister's daughter beaten to death by crazy, drug addicted boyfriend while he stood by and did nothing' isn't the most flattering headline.”

Joyce frowned, frustrated that she felt that way.

“He did it because he loves you,” She insisted.

“Can we just not talk about this?” Everly asked. “It's mother's day, not father's day. Today isn't about him.”

Joyce opened her mouth to protest, wanting things to be okay within her family, but Evelyn spoke first.

“Alright, dear. We'll drop it for now.”

The rest of the lunch passed without any more tension. The three shared a few more mimosas and plenty of laughs, enjoying each others company and making up for the time they had lost the last few years. There was guilt felt all round, Everly for pushing her family away and her grandmothers for not stepping in sooner, but they didn't let it rise to the surface and focused on the future.

After their lunch, they said their goodbyes and Everly headed to her mother's grave. She hadn't been in years, since before she'd met Adam, and just the sight of her headstone brought tears to her eyes. She placed the bouquet she'd brought by the stone before sitting on the grass next to her. Before she even knew what was happening, she found herself pouring her heart out. She told her everything, about how Adam had treated her and how heartbroken she was that the first man she'd ever truly loved had turned out to be such a monster, how she feared for her life every day, how she thought her fate was just to stay with him until he accidentally killed her as if it was some kind of punishment for how she'd behaved after her mother died. She told her how angry she'd been at her for dying and how she sometimes had blamed her for what happened to her, knowing she wouldn't have ended up in that situation if her mother hadn't died, but how she instantly felt guilty for ever feeling that way. She told her how strained her relationship with her father had become, how he was such a different person than he was when she was alive and how she wasn't sure their relationship was repairable anymore.

And lastly, she told her about Harry. How he appeared just when she really needed someone and brought the light back into her life. How he'd been so incredibly patient with her and treated her so well. How he made her laugh and how much fun they had together and, of course, how insanely attractive he was.

She hadn't even realized how fast time had passed and two hours later, with her mascara smeared all down her cheeks from all the tears she'd shed, she stood up, brushed off her jeans and headed home to get ready to go to Harry's place.

*

When he opened the door it was instantly clear that he was as emotionally drained as she was.

“You don't have to knock, you know,” He told her his voice soft and tired. “Especially if I'm expecting you.”

“Okay, I'll just barge in next time,” She smiled, earning a chuckle from Harry. She stepped through the door and pulled him into the hug that they both needed. “How are you doing? How was your day?”

Harry sighed, wrapping his arms around her and burying his face in her hair.

“I'm alright,” He said a moment later. “It was a long, emotional day, but Mother's day always is. How was yours?”

“The same,” She admitted. “Lunch with my grandmothers was nice and so was visiting my mum, but it was draining all the same. I told her about you.”

“Oh did you now?” Harry smiled as he led her into the living room. Since he'd been out of town all day, they were meeting up later than usual and had both already eaten dinner. “Did you make sure to tell her how devastatingly handsome I am?”

Everly laughed.

“Yes, I did,” She assured him. “And how modest you are as well.”

Harry flopped down on the couch as soon as they reached it, desperate to put his feet up after the long day. He pulled Everly down next to him and put his arm around her as she snuggled into his side.

“How did your mother die?” Harry asked after a moment of silence. “I realized today that I never asked you that and I don't think I ever heard about it.”

“Cancer,” Everly told him, her voice wavering slightly. “Ovarian cancer. She got it young, usually it's more common in older women, but it's one of those cancers that doesn't really have any warning signs until it's too late to cure.”

“I'm sorry,” He squeezed her closer to him. “That must have been awful.”

“It all happened so fast, I think that was the hardest part.” Everly explained. “She was fine and then a few months later she was gone, it didn't seem real. And then when I accepted that it was real, I was so angry at her for not fighting it harder or catching it sooner. Now I know she did all that she could, but it was a tough time, yeah.”

“Will it increase your risk?” Harry asked, suddenly feeling a twinge of panic at the thought of the woman in his arms being taken away from him in that way.

“Slightly, but not as much as other cancers like breast cancer for example. And I get checked regularly so they'd probably catch it in time anyway,” She assured him. Harry nodded and they fell into a comfortable silence until Everly spoke again. “Did Kate go with you and Will today?”

“No, she went to visit her mum instead. She's been before, but it's something me and Will like to do on our own on Mother's day.” Harry explained.

“That makes sense,” Everly nodded as she stifled a yawn.

“She would have liked you, you know,” Harry said quietly after another moment of silence. “She would have admired your spunky little spirit and how strong you are.”

“I'm not that strong,” Everly said quietly after a moment of shock while she absorbed what he'd said. “I got myself into a bad situation then stayed until someone else got me out. From what I know of your mother, she wouldn't have admired that.”

“You're stronger than you give yourself credit for,” Harry insisted. “You went through a horrible ordeal and haven't let it hold you back. You're moving on with your life and have made yourself into an independent, self-sufficient woman and my mother would have found that as amazing as I do.”

Everly blushed at his compliments.

“I would have loved to meet her,” Everly confessed. “I always thought she seemed like such a lovely woman with such a big heart.”

“She was,” Harry agreed. “And you two would have gotten along very well. She would have loved your sense of humour and how you're not afraid to tease me mercilessly.”

“My mom would have liked you too,” Everly smiled, letting her eyes slide shut as the warmth of Harry's house and his embrace paired with the stress of the day suddenly made her very sleepy. “Especially how devastatingly handsome you are.”

She felt Harry's chest move as he chuckled and placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head before she slowly dozed off in his arms.

#prince harry fanfiction #prince harry fan fic #phff

[ph-piecebypiece-blog]

Meet The Characters: Felicity Jane Cunningham

The mother

Born: January 3rd 1962

Died: March 10th 2001

Passed away age 39

[ph-piecebypiece-blog]

Meet the Characters: Rupert James Cunningham

The father

Born: December 19th 1959

Occupation: Previous Prime Minister, currently still involved in politics

[ph-piecebypiece-blog]

Meet the Characters: Adam Jones

The abusive ex-boyfriend

Born: October 18th 1983

Occupation: Drug Dealer, currently in prison

[ph-piecebypiece-blog]

Meet the Character: Everly Georgina Cunningham

Born: July 9th 1987

Occupation: Bartender

The younger years (2007-2010):

Current time (2013):

[ph-piecebypiece-blog]

Question

I’m thinking about doing small character profiles for each important original character with a little info like their birthdays and a few pictures of who I imagine them to resemble. Obviously if you have a picture of them in your head already, you could ignore it. I just know I always like to see how other people imagine characters!

Is that something anyone would be interested in?

[ph-piecebypiece-blog]

Chapter Seven: Part Two

Authors note: This part is quite mature! But if that’s something that bothers anyone you can skip it without getting lost in the story. Enjoy ;)

Harry's jaw dropped in shock. Partially due to what she had said, but more so because wasn't expecting such a brazen confession. Everly's cheeks burned as he stared at her with a mixture of surprise and arousal on his face.

“I-I'm sorry, what?” Harry stuttered out after a few moments of silence. His mouth suddenly felt incredibly dry.

“I, uh, I've never had an orgasm before,” She repeated, less confidently this time.

Harry's movement on her leg had stopped, but his hand stayed just under her knee.

“But you're twenty-six!”

“Almost twenty-six,” Everly corrected. “And Adam never really cared about making that happen. Even before he turned into an arsehole, he must just have been shit in bed because it never happened.”

“What about guys before that?”

“There were none,” She confessed, her cheeks burning. “And before you ask, I've tried to do it myself, but it just never really worked I guess.”

Harry's alcohol fuelled mind was instantly filled with images of the woman on his couch touching herself and his pants suddenly felt a little tighter than they had a moment ago.

“I really can't believe that,” He said as he rested his shot glass on the arm of the couch and continued rubbing her leg with his hand. He let it venture a little higher, just slightly, knowing it was a bit of a risk, but unable to resist with the current topic of conversation. His voice had dropped to a huskier level and Everly felt a heat pool in her stomach at his tone.

“Well it's not really that uncommon,” She told him as she leaned over to put her own glass on the table before staying sat up instead of leaning back against the arm where she’d been before. “Apparently a lot of women have trouble orgasming.”

“Hmm, now do you have trouble orgasming or has no one with the right technique ever tried?” Harry's hand slid a tiny bit higher and his thumb rubbed gently on her thigh. Everly's heart began to race, but she swallowed hard and tried to clear her mind of anything other than Harry and how almost unbearably attractive he was.

“I don't know,” Everly said quietly, leaning in a bit closer to Harry. “Do y-you have a certain technique you would recommend?”

“I have a few I could test out,” Harry assured her. “But I can absolutely promise you that I could make you cum.”

Everly felt a shiver of anticipation at his words and stared at him for a moment. She was unsure what to say and could see Harry showing tremendous restraint, realizing that this conversation was taking things farther than they had yet and not wanting to push her too far. His sweet consideration of her feelings only made the heat in her stomach swell even more and she couldn't resist any longer, pressing her lips against his. Relieved that she had given him the okay, Harry instantly moved into action. His hand moved from her thigh to the back of her neck, pressing their lips even harder together, his other hand moving to her waist. Pushing himself further onto the couch, he gently lowered her down so she was laying on her back with him on top of her. Her hands instantly moved to his broad, strong shoulders as she breathed in his scent. A scent that was so wonderful to her already charged senses, a scent she was using to remind herself where she was and who she was with.

Shifting to get more comfortable, Everly adjusted her hips slightly allowing Harry to settle between them. Even through the layers of clothes she could feel him growing stiff and let out a quiet gasp as he pressed down against her. Taking the opportunity, Harry slipped his tongue into her mouth and gently rubbed it against hers. Every nerve in her body was tingling in anticipation as she knew where they were finally headed and she moved her legs up, locking her ankles around Harry's lower back and pressing down slightly as she moved her hips and rubbed against him.

Harry pulled his lips away from hers as a soft groan fell from them. They'd been in this position several times before, but Everly had always been reserved. Not on edge, but not proactive and she'd certain never started practically dry humping against him and the new movement was almost too much for him to handle after the weeks of build up with no release.

“Are you okay?” He asked, needing a moment to catch his breath.

“Yes,” Everly breathed out, her cheeks flushed.

“Are you,” Harry swallowed hard, trying to regain a smidgen of control. “Are you drunk?”

“A little bit,” Everly admitted. “But not too drunk to know how bad I want this, how bad I want you.”

Harry groaned and dropped his head to reconnect their lips. He only stayed there momentarily though before he moved them, slowly tracing kisses down her jaw until he reached her neck. He placed a gentle kiss against her pulse point before he paused again.

“Your heart is racing,” He told her, wanting to be absolutely sure she was okay.

“I know,” She assured him. “I'm nervous, but I'm fine. I swear.”

Harry nodded, his light stubble tickling her neck as he did so.

“Alright,” He whispered, his hot breath against her neck making her tilt her head back to give him better access. “Just relax, love. I'll make you feel good, I promise. And I'll stop anytime you want.”

“I don't want you to,” Everly practically moaned earning a chuckle from Harry as he resumed placing light kisses against her skin.

He kissed down her neck and over the little patch by her collar bone that wasn't covered by her t-shirt, but soon ran out of exposed skin. His hands toyed with the bottom of her shirt.

“Can we get this out of the way?” He asked softly, lifting it up slightly. At first Everly nodded, but as it was about to pass her bellybutton her hands shot down and grabbed his wrists.

“Wait,” She said, biting her bottom lip slightly. “Harry, I-I have scars.”

Harry felt a surge of anger pulse through him. Not at the woman beneath him by any means, but by the man who had caused such a beautiful, strong woman to have such insecurities.

“I don't care,” He assured her, placing a soft kiss against her lips. “You're beautiful just the way you are.”

“Okay,” Everly swallowed hard, not convinced he'd feel that way once he saw her, but nodded.

Harry slowly lifted her shirt over her head, the anticipation of seeing more of her skin almost killing him, but he once again exercised his control, desperate to not scare her. Once her shirt was over her head and tossed aside, he looked down at her. He couldn't even see them at first, but she saw his eyes searching for the aforementioned scars. They went from just under her armpit, over the side of her left breast and speckled on her rib cage. It happened one night when she'd taken a late shower interrupted by a very high Adam. He dragged her out, accused her of cheating on him, broke a glass in anger and then knocked her down causing the glass to scrape and embed it's self all in her side. It was luckily a place that was easy to hide, but it was making her feel even more vulnerable now than she had already been. She saw his eyes land on the part of the scar that was exposed before they flicked up to meet hers.

“So fucking beautiful,” He whispered before returning his lips to her skin. They traced their way along the top of her bra, lighting her skin on fire as they went. The way he was arousing her body was unfamiliar to her. She'd had sex, but she'd never been this worked up and desperate for it. Her body was begging him for more and he'd barely even started. Embarrassed by her eager reaction she tried to reign herself in, but she couldn't help the small moans that slipped from her lips. Emboldened by her response, Harry slid his arms underneath her, lifting her back off the couch just enough to expertly, and with only one hand, unhook her bra. As soon as it was out of the way, his lips went back to work, starting on the side of her left breast that was covered in small, deep scars. The sight of him worshipping a damaged part of her body mixed with the incredible arousal she was feeling was almost too much for her and as Harry's other hand found her right breast and began gently massaging it, she felt tears fill her eyes. Her breath hitched as she blinked them back and Harry's head shot up.

“Are you alright?” He asked once again, his lips swollen from all the work they'd been doing and his pupils dilated from arousal.

“I'm perfect,” Everly nodded. “You're perfect. I just-I want you so badly.”

A cheeky grin slid onto his face.

“We'll get there, love,” He assured her. “But for now we need to focus on you.”

His hands moved to the button of her jeans, watching her face for any sign she wanted him to stop and when there was none, he swiftly pulled them down her legs taking her panties with them. He let out a long breath as he looked back up at her, finally taking in the sight of her naked underneath him, feeling himself grow impossibly hard against his jeans. He was desperate to remove them and get some relief, but he was serious about focusing on her and knew it was safer to keep them where they were for now.

Everly looked up at him as his eyes traced over her body, a soft, nervous smile on her lips. Her eyes were heavy with arousal and Harry continued his path, needing to look away before he lost all control. He kissed his way down until he was settled right between her legs, lifting one over each shoulder. The kisses stopped for a moment and Everly could feel his breath against her making her shudder.

“You're so wet,” He murmured causing a whimper of need to fall from her lips.

Harry smiled, loving how she writhed beneath him, no doubt in his mind that he was about to make her feel a whole new world of pleasure. Without waiting another minute, he used his fingers to slowly open her up to him before he placed a gentle kiss right on the swollen bundle of nerves in front of him. She gasped in response, moving a hand to tangle in his hair. Spurred on by her reaction, he began gently licking and sucking the tiny little bud, causing feelings unlike none she'd ever felt to flow through her. Her hips pressed up against him almost on their own accord and Harry grinned against her, almost as desperate to feel her release as she was. His hands slid up and down her thighs before one finally slid underneath to join his mouth. He gently slid two fingers inside moaning as he felt how warm and wet she was, the vibrations mixed with the sensation of finally being filled drawing another moan from Everly. He continued his ministrations for a few moments longer, letting her adjust to the feel of his fingers before slowly twisting them into a 'come here' motion against just the right spot. Everly's back arched off the couch with a shout of pleasure and Harry waited for the big moment to happen, knowing she was close.

“H-Harry,” Everly's voice broke through his concentration. “I c-can't. I feel it, but I-I can't.”

The way she stuttered through her laboured breathing drew a moan from Harry as he pulled his mouth back slightly.

“You can,” He urged her. “Just relax, don't fight it. Go with it and let it go.”

He placed his mouth back against her, licking with a little more force, determined to get her there. Moments later, his efforts were rewarded as she tossed her head back with a guttural moan and her hips bucked up as her insides quivered around Harry's fingers.

“Oh my,” She said breathing heavy as she came down from her very first orgasm. “Oh my god. That was-that was amazing.”

Harry crawled back up over her body, a smug grin on his face.

“I told you I could do it,” He bragged. “Congratulations on your first orgasm.”

A blush filled Everly's already flushed cheeks.

“Thank you,” She smiled before leaning up to kiss him, tasting herself on his lips. “Now lets get you out of these clothes, Harry.”

She began unbuttoning his shirt, almost painfully slowly then slid her hands all the way back up his stomach and over his chest before pushing it off his shoulders and down his back. His head dropped to her neck, the sensation of her touching him too much for his already overly aroused body.

“You're killing me, love,” He groaned as he slipped his hands out the sleeves and tossed it aside.

“Payback,” Everly teased as her hands glided over the little happy trail leading towards his belt. She made quick work of unbuckling it before she undid his jeans as well. Sliding them down just enough, she slid her hand inside his boxers easily finding what she was looking for and as her hand wrapped around him a groan fell from his lips and a quiet gasp fell from hers. “Harry, you're so big.”

Her hand stoked up and down the length of him as she told him that in genuine shock. The length and girth was far more than what she'd experienced before and Adam wasn't necessarily classed as smaller than average.

Harry's breath was growing heavy against her neck as his arms strained to keep him lifted above her while her hand drove him wild.

“Everly,” He choked out. “I can't, I-I won't last long if you keep that up. I want you so fucking bad, I'm about to explode.”

Everly giggled, but pulled her hand away from him and allowed him to wiggle out of his jeans. Once he was back, settled between her legs, Everly took a deep breath.

“Go slow, okay?” Everly asked, looking down at what rested against her entrance nervously. “It's been a while.”

“Of course,” Harry smiled, resting his forehead against hers and connecting their lips. He stayed like that for a moment, just simply kissing her before slowly pressing forward and sliding inside. Everly groaned, half from pleasure and half from pain as Harry moved until he was buried all the way inside her. “Fuck,” He breathed out, shutting his eyes tightly as he savoured the sensation.

He stayed inside her, completely still for what felt like forever until he felt her body relax a bit. Then he gently rocked his hips testing the waters to see her reaction. A gasp of pleasure filled his ears and he grinned as he began to slowly and gently thrust inside her. He gradually picked up speed, spurred on by the loud moans falling from Everly's lips. Her hands ran up and down his back causing him to groan with pleasure and bite his lip, feeling ready to burst just a few moments in. The sensation only intensified as Everly threw her leg on the back of the couch trying to give him space to get deeper, to get the angle she needed him to hit and he slowed his movements slightly to save himself, earning a noise of disappointment from his lover.

“Everly,” He whispered hoarsely to get her attention. She forced open her eyes and was met with an intense look of self-restraint from Harry. “Do you think you can cum again?”

The question brought a flush of embarrassment to Everly's cheeks as she nodded.

“Yes,” She croaked out. “I can-I can feel it already.”

“Perfect,” Harry groaned, picking up his speed again making a satisfied cry fall from Everly's lips. He watched her for a second as he thrust into her before shifting his weight onto one arm and moving the other hand down to her core, knowing he needed to get her there fast. Her nails dug into his shoulder as he gently stroked the spot his tongue had played with earlier and her moans filled the room.

“Fuck, Harry,” She practically purred in his ear earning a groan from the very worked up prince on top of her. “I'm right there.”

Harry adjusted his footing, using the arm of his couch for leverage, not even caring that the shot glass he had placed their earlier tumbled to the floor and shattered. He thrust even harder into her, picking up speed as he lost the tiny bit of control he had been holding on to.

“Me too, baby,” He breathed against her neck as she dug her nails into his shoulder. “Go with me, cum with me.”

One last moan of pleasure exploded from her lips as her back arched and she clenched around him. The sensation was too much for Harry and with a few more hard, purposeful thrusts he let go, his whole body shuddering with his release before he collapsed on top of her.

They lay tangled up together for a few moments, just fighting to catch their breath before either of them could speak.

“That was amazing,” Harry told her, placing another gentle kiss on her lips.

Everly nodded, feeling her emotions all bubbling up under the surface. She was determined not to cry like some weird teenager who just lost her virginity, but she couldn't keep her feelings to herself.

“Thank you, Harry,” She whispered, blinking back tears.

“For your first ever orgasm?” He smirked. “You are welcome, it was my pleasure.”

“Not just for that,” She giggled, lacing her fingers with his as he propped himself up on one elbow, noticing the emotion in her voice. “For being so patient and gentle. And for taking the time to make sure I enjoyed it even after I made you wait so long.”

Harry's brow furrowed in confusion.

“You don't have to thank me for that, love,” He assured her. “Half the fun is making sure you enjoy it too, hearing and seeing your reactions makes it even more enjoyable for me. It's not a chore.”

“I know, but I've never experienced it like that before,” She reminded him. “And you've just been so wonderful with me every step of the way and I appreciate it. I just want you to know that.”

“Of course,” Harry smiled before placing one last kiss on her lips and pushing himself up off the couch. “Now, I have a bed that is much comfier than this couch if you would like to see it?” Everly nodded and Harry offered her a hand to help her stand up. “Just be careful on the floor, I think we broke something.”

Everly giggled, amused by the fact that they'd been so passionately tangled up in each other that they'd barely even noticed and followed Harry up the stairs to his bed that, as promised, was far more comfortable than the couch.

#prince harry fanfiction #prince harry fan fic #phff

[ph-piecebypiece-blog]

Chapter Seven: Part One

Authors note: I’ll post part two later this afternoon. I was writing and writing and it was getting super long so I figured I’d break it up a bit. Feedback is welcome as always!

“It is awful out there!” Everly told Harry the following Sunday as she burst in the door of his cottage. Her hair was all tangled from the wind and in the short run from the car to the cottage she was drenched.

“Ah yes, I heard we were supposed to get hit by a big storm tonight,” He told her as he took her coat and placed a kiss on her cheek. “Hundred kilometre an hour winds or something crazy like that.”

“It's ridiculous. I almost got blown away.”

Everly flashed him a dramatic pout.

“Awwe, my poor baby,” He teased as he pulled her close to him. “You're safe now.”

Everly smiled and stretched up to place a kiss on Harry's lips. She'd meant for it to be soft and short, but as she tried to move away, Harry's grip kept her in place and he deepened the kiss. Their tongues tangled together and she moved her hands to the back of his neck until a timer went off in the kitchen a few moments later, pulling them apart.

“Did you cook?” Everly asked surprised.

Harry shot her a cheeky grin as he moved away until he was only holding her hand.

“Of course not, just reheating the food as always.”

“We really should learn to cook for ourselves,” Everly giggled as she followed behind him.

“I'm not so sure of that,” Harry chuckled. “As much as there are some down sides to being a prince, having delicious food prepared for me instead of surviving solely on chicken nuggets is a perk I am happy to indulge in.”

“I suppose that's fair,” Everly smiled as she went to settle at the table while Harry grabbed the food.

Dinner passed by uneventfully. They caught up with what they'd been doing the last few days, Harry sharing stories of how painfully boring his meetings that week had been and Everly entertained him with stories of the wild antics of the many drunk customers she'd dealt with at the bar that weekend.

It was just as they moved to the living room that the storm seemed to intensify. They could hear the rain pouring and the wind was howling causing the lights to flicker. Everly looked nervously towards the window.

“Maybe I should go home early tonight,” She suggested even though she wasn't thrilled with the idea. “Just in case things get worse, the roads might get bad if traffic lights go out or trees fall.”

Harry frowned at the idea, not wanting to lose out on the one real night they got to spend together each week.

“Or you could,” He paused, looking almost nervous. “You could just stay here. That way you don't have to go back out there or worry about getting home. We can just curl up on my couch where it's dry and warm and have some wine.”

“That is very tempting...” Everly mulled over the decision.

It made her a little nervous, she'd never spent the night before and even though she knew Harry would never forced her into anything that made her uncomfortable, staying the night seemed to imply they would go farther than they had so far. But as much as that scared her, part of her thought it would possibly be a good thing. They'd spent the last month making out like horny teenagers and Harry had respectfully never even attempted to try anything else and while Everly was becoming more and more sexually frustrated by their kisses, she was too nervous to initiate. So maybe a stormy night with a bottle of wine was the perfect thing they needed.

“Nothing has to happen,” Harry said softly as if he could read her thoughts. “You can even sleep in the guest room if it makes you feel more comfortable.”

“Okay, I'll stay,” Everly smiled as she walked over to him. “But I don't want to sleep in the guest room. I might need your body heat if the power goes out.”

She flashed him a quick wink before walking past him and flopping on the couch.

“Excellent,” Harry grinned, pleased that their evening wasn't ruined and excited that he got to spend even more time with her. “Now would you like some more wine?”

*

They quickly fell into their usual comfortable conversation and before they knew it an hour had passed and their bottle of wine was quickly finished. Even though she was always safely driven home by one of the palace drivers, Everly was feeling a little more free and relaxed knowing she didn't have to get home.

“Do you have another?” She asked shyly.

“I think I can probably find one,” Harry smiled, enjoying the idea of continuing their little party. He pulled himself off the couch, gave her a quick kiss and disappeared into the kitchen. A few moments later he called out to her. “I don’t have any more wine, but I do have scotch if that's okay?”

“Perfect,” Everly called back, a smile on her face as an idea formed in her mind. “Can you bring some shot glasses?”

“Uh, okay,” Harry answered before appearing in the doorway. “Why do we need these?”

He put the bottle and the glasses on the table before lifting her feet from where she'd placed them after sprawling out when he moved and sat down before placing them in his lap.

“I thought maybe we could play a game,” Everly suggested.

Harry raised an eyebrow in confusion.

“Like Monopoly?”

Everly giggled at his suggestion, feeling the effect of the wine.

“No, silly,” She teased. “A drinking game! Like maybe 'never have I ever'?”

Harry grinned, liking the suggestion and the mischievous glint in her eyes.

“Alright,” He nodded, leaning over to pour them each a shot. “But, little miss wild child, you'll have to refresh my memory. I don't think I'm familiar with the rules.”

Everly dropped her jaw in mock awe.

“Really? The party prince never played 'never have I ever'?”

“I can't say that I have,” Harry chuckled. “You've probably managed to find the only drinking game I'm not a champion at.”

“Okay,” Everly smiled. “It's very simple. We take turns saying things that we've never done and if the other person has done it then they have to drink, but if the other person hasn't done it either than whoever said it has to drink. For example if I say 'never have I ever been a member of the royal family' then you would have to drink, but if I said 'never have I ever robbed a bank' and that wasn't something you'd done either then I would have to drink.”

“Alright, that sounds easy enough,” Harry nodded. “Who goes first?”

“You can,” Everly offered.

“Okay,” Harry paused, looking very deep in thought. “Never have I ever been related to the Prime Minister.”

Everly rolled her eyes.

“Oh please, you're related to the Queen of England, that's so much better.”

“Doesn't matter, it's not the same thing!” Harry pointed out. “Drink up!”

Everly took her shot before holding out the glass for a refill.

“Never have I ever,” She started as she tried to think of something. “Been in the army.”

“Fair enough,” Harry took his shot. “Never have I ever...been skinny dipping.”

“Really? I thought everyone had been skinny dipping,” Everly smirked. “And you did get naked in a room full of people, all you were missing was a pool.”

“Are you going to comment on every one I say?” Harry teased as she took her drink.

“I'm supposed to!” She giggled. “That's the whole point, to get to know each other better!”

“Is it? Or are you just being difficult?”

Harry moved his hand from her feet, which were still in his lap, up her shin. She was wearing jeans, but could still feel the warmth from his hand.

“Maybe a bit of both,” She smirked. “Never have I ever...been photographed naked.”

“Not even by yourself?” Harry asked, drawing patterns mindlessly on her leg with his fingers as he looked over at her.

“Nope, not even by myself. I figured that was one scandal I would save my father from,” Everly admitted. “So drink up!”

Harry did as she asked, feeling the alcohol hitting his system as they were tossing back the shots quite quickly now.

“Never have I ever kissed a boy,” Harry said as soon as he was done his drink, having thought a head this time.

“The party prince never went through an experimental phase?” Everly teased causing Harry to shake his head.

“I can't say that I did,” He confirmed. “Did you?”

Everly smirked, a blush on her cheek.

“I dabbled a little bit,” She confessed. “I think women are more open with sexuality than guys are, a little kissing here and there isn't so taboo.”

“Is that all you did?” Harry asked, a glint of something Everly couldn't quite place his eye. “Just kissing? Or did your experimenting go farther?”

“Just kissing, you perv!” Everly teased, nudging him with her foot.

Harry laughed, clearing the images of Everly tangled up with another woman from his mind before they got too much for him to resist.

“Take your shot and stop trying to distract me!”

Everly did as he asked, feeling the warmth of the alcohol spread through her body. She felt that wonderful warm kind of drunk when you're still very much aware, but your whole body feels light and your mind is a little fuzzy around the edges and your words are a little less reserved than they normally would be. It was probably due to this lowered inhibition that Everly's next confession slipped out.

“Never have I ever had an orgasm.”

#prince harry fanfiction #prince harry fan fic #phff

[ph-piecebypiece-blog]

Chapter Six

Authors note: This chapter is pretty heavy and deals with a lot of abuse, just a heads up if that’s something that might be upsetting for some people to read! I’ve been writing a ton this weekend and can’t wait to post it all. I hope you’re all enjoying reading this story as much as I’m enjoying writing it! :)

Harry arrived half an hour later, exactly when he said he would. Everly was waiting to buzz him up and greeted him at her door.

“Do you mind if Rob takes a look around?” He asked, referring to his protection officer who she'd met a few times. She knew he hated that they had to inspect all new places he went to so she flashed him a small smile.

“There aren't many places to look,” She said gesturing around her small studio apartment. “But if he wants to check the bathroom that's fine.”

“It looks nice,” Harry returned her smile as he looked around. “And so do you.”

He leaned in and kissed her cheek as it flushed at his compliment. Seeing him in his suit, looking rather dashing, she regretted staying in her pajamas which consisted simply of short shorts and an oversized sweater.

“You look very handsome,” She told him as Rob sent them a nod and left the apartment. “Important meeting?”

“They're all important,” Harry shrugged, leaning back against the wall next to the door.

Everly nodded as an uncomfortable silence settled between them.

“I'd, uh, offer you somewhere to sit, but there isn't really anywhere,” She pointed out. “You can sit on my bed though if you'd like, it's quite comfortable. It was new when I moved in here so it's still quite firm. I've been meaning to get a chair or something for when I have guests, but I don't really have guests so I thought it would be a waste of money.”

She was rambling and she knew it, but she didn't know what to say or how to start the conversation. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves as Harry watched her.

“I'm fine here.”

He crossed his arms, not giving her any indication what he was thinking. Everly couldn't read him at all, but she assumed he was annoyed with her behaviour the night before. Knowing the story she was about to tell was quite long, she jumped up to sit on the counter behind her, next to her stove so she faced Harry.

“I'm sorry about how I acted last night,” She started, looking down at her nails as she picked at them nervously. “I shouldn't have told you to leave like that, that wasn't cool. It's just a sensitive subject and my defence mechanism is to run away. I couldn't run away since I was at work so I pushed you away instead. Probably makes sense why I have no friends left, right?”

“I understand why you did it,” Harry offered her a small, sympathetic smile. “When you said you were ready to talk, did you mean about last night or about what you went through?”

Everly's heart was racing. She really wanted to back out and pretend she'd just wanted to talk about their disagreement, but she knew that would only cause more issues in the long run.

“Both, I guess,” She said softly. “But mostly about what I went through. You were right, it isn't fair of me not to share when you've been so open.”

“I didn't mean to push you into anything and if you don't want to tell me yet that is okay,” Harry assured her. “But I would really like to hear it if you feel like sharing.”

Everly cleared her throat, still staring down at her hands, knowing she couldn't look him in the eye and still have the strength to talk.

“I don't even know where to start...”

“At the beginning?” Harry's voice was soft and encouraging and despite the tense situation, it brought a soft smile to her face.

“Okay, well. The year I turned eighteen was the year my dad lost the election. Selfishly, I was actually quite relieved because I figured that now, finally, after five years of campaigns and politics being his main focus, I might get some of his attention. I thought he might actually want to deal with how I was acting out and we could work through it and be close again like we used to, but it had the opposite affect,” She paused to take a breath, feeling Harry's eyes on her. “He blamed me for losing the election. He thought my behaviour and bad reputation lost him favour with the public and he was probably right.”

“I wouldn't blame yourself for that,” Harry cut in, unable to resist. “The public tend to flip and flop between parties anyway, there's no guarantee he would have won again even if you were a perfect, well-behaved teenager.”

“I know that,” Everly admitted. “And I think he did too, but he was rightfully disappointed and upset and he needed somewhere to put the blame. So I continued acting out, I went out almost every night of the week and got invited to all sorts of a-list parties and talked my way into the ones I didn't have an invitation to just hoping he'd eventually start to pay attention. It was at one of those parties, right after I turned nineteen, where I met Adam.”

“Your ex-boyfriend?” Harry asked as Everly paused. She glanced up at him and nodded.

“I was drunk when we met, but I remember our first conversation so clearly. He stopped me as I was coming out of the bathroom, complimented me on my outfit and then offered me cocaine.”

“Sounds like a real winner,” Harry scoffed. Everly smiled slightly, feeling an odd sense of warmth at how Harry couldn't resist butting in to bring Adam down. Not many people thought he was a wonderful person, but seeing Harry's contempt for him made her feel protected.

“He was the farthest thing from a winner I could have found,” Everly agreed. “But that's why he was perfect. I thought that there was no way my father would resist getting involved once I started dating a drug dealer and at the time that we met Adam wasn't using so I figured it was pretty low risk. I wasn't getting involved with some low life, sketchy drug addict, he was just a business man who would happened to piss off my dad.”

“And did it work?”

“No, he didn't care. He wasn't even surprised. I think I could have told him I was selling myself to make some extra money and he wouldn't have tried to help at that point. He thought I was a lost cause.”

Her voice grew thick with emotion as she spoke and Harry watched as she wiped away a stray tear. He wanted to go to her, to comfort her and help her through it, but he needed to hear what she had to say and if he went to her now he feared she'd stop talking.

“So why did you stay?” He prompted, his voice still soft.

Everly sighed and looked up at Harry.

“I don't think I'm painting a very fair picture of the first part of our relationship,” She explained. “Yes, I may have been using Adam to make my father angry, but he was very handsome and charming as well. I was young and naive and I fell for him very quickly. Things were good for the first two years too. He treated me like, well, like a princess. He took good care of me and we were living quite a luxurious life because there's good money in drugs, but his drug empire started to grow very quickly. He was tired and overworked so he started using to give him the extra boost he needed. At first, it seemed okay. He didn't do it very often, just here and there, but I could see him becoming more reliant on it. He started changing, his personality I mean, he was agitated and aggressive when he was coming down from a high or itching for another fix and when he was high he was restless and paranoid and, like, super intense. Everything he felt, he felt in an extreme way whether it was happiness or anger. It was my twenty third birthday when he first hit me.”

“Your birthday?” Harry asked, incredulously.

“Yep,” Everly confirmed. “We were supposed to have dinner, but he got held up at some event and didn't come home until three in the morning. I waiting up for him and I'd been crying because I was so hurt, but instead of feeling bad he rolled his eyes and he called me some rude name. I broke down and started yelling at him about how he wasn't who he used to be and how he had a problem, but I didn't realize how high he was and he lost it. I don't even remember seeing him come towards me, he moved so fast, but he grabbed my hair and told me that I needed to learn my place or it would be his job to show me. I was shocked and said he was hurting me, but he just laughed and slapped me so hard I stumbled backwards, tripped over the chair I'd been sitting in and fell to the ground. He said that I didn't even know what pain was, but I'd soon learn if I kept speaking back to him then stormed out of our apartment.”

Harry stared at her, his lips pursed and his body tense. It was clear he was upset by her story so far, but he was unnervingly nonreactive. Usually people barely let her talk through their gasps and expressions of sympathy, but Harry had learnt to reign in his emotions over the years and was exercising that skill. But for the first time, Everly would have liked a response just so she knew where his head was at.

“So why didn't you leave?” He asked after a few moments of silence.

Everly winced slightly at the question. It was one that every one asked and very few people understood the answer to.

“Because I thought we were in love,” She answered honestly as another stray tear rolled down her cheek. “I thought he was just going through something and that he needed me. He called me the next day completely hysterical about what he'd done and I genuinely thought that it was a one time thing, that he realized his mistake and would get help. I know that's what everyone says, but being in that situation it really feels like it's true. Like you're the lucky one who only gets hit once.”

“I wouldn't call that lucky,” Harry scoffed. Everly blinked back more tears, hating this part of the conversation. She was ashamed that she hadn't packed up her things and left as soon as it happened. She, like almost every woman in the world, had always sworn that if a man ever laid a hand on her he wouldn't get a second chance, but it wasn't that easy. “Wait, so you put up with his abuse for almost three years?”

“Two and a half,” Everly clarified, her tears falling freely now. “I had no where else to go and no money. And it wasn't that bad at first. He'd only hit me when he was really high or coming down after a night of heavy drug use, but somewhere along the way it just became the way he was. He was controlling, he'd interrogate me constantly and needed to know where I was or who I was with at all times, he checked my phone every day and make me provide receipts to back up my stories about where I’d been and how much I'd spent. If I didn't follow his rules then there were punishments, if I didn't act exactly like he thought I should or if I spoke back then I'd get a beating. He had this way of justifying it too. He'd apologize after or even sometimes while he was doing it, saying things like 'if you hadn't embarrassed me like that then this wouldn't have to happen' or 'you just make me so angry sometimes that I can't help it' and I believed him. I really started to think that if I could just change my behaviour and stop letting him down then he wouldn't have to treat me like that.”

Everly's voice broke at the end of her sentence and a sob fell from her lips as she covered it with her hand. Harry instantly stepped towards her. His movements were gentle, aware that the memories she was dragging up may make her more on edge, but as he tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and brushed his thumb across her cheek to wipe away her tears, he did the opposite. He made her feel safe.

“It wasn't your fault,” He told her, his voice barely above a whisper. “Nothing you could have done would have changed how he treated you.”

“I know,” She sniffled, moving her hand to hold the one of his that wasn't on her cheek. “But that's how he made me feel. Like I was this awful person who couldn't do anything right. I felt so small and alone and I thought that he was all had. That no one else could ever love me and he was doing me such a favour by putting up with all my flaws.”

Harry brought the hand that was laced with his up to his lips and gently kissed it, knowing there was nothing he could say to that. He knew she must have heard it all before, all the comforting 'no way, you're the best. You could get any guy' cliches that there were and he knew that wasn't what she needed from him. She needed to know he was there for her. That he was that guy she deserved who would treat her well and that he wasn't going anywhere.

“So what made you decide to leave?”

“I didn't,” Everly laughed bitterly. “I probably would have stayed with him forever, I'd kind of just accepted that was my fate. But back in August, I went to my grandmother's on her birthday and she saw that I had a black eye and a limp and figured it out. Adam never used to hit my face or anywhere that people could see, but the night before he'd been particularly high and out of it and I don't think he even knew what he was doing. I was just going to leave flowers on the doorstep because I didn't want anyone to see, but my grandmother saw me through the window and came out to invite me in. As soon as she saw the state I was in I ran away, but then my dad started calling me all the time. She must have told him what was going on. A few days later, Adam threw some big party and we argued. I just remember being in a room full of people completely ignoring what he was doing as he beat the shit out of me and then the door was knocked down and I passed out. Apparently, my dad called in some favours from his time as Prime Minister. He was already on the police radar so they made the bust early and they arrested him for drug trafficking.”

“And now he's in jail.”

“And now he's in jail.” Everly repeated firmly almost as if she was reminding herself it was true. “Not really for drug trafficking though. He'd sold or used too much of his supply that night by the time the police got there for them to charge him with anything more than possession. However, they found me half dead on the floor and charged him with attempted murder. The two charges combined got him twenty five to life.”

“He deserves worse than that,” Harry practically growled. Everly could feel the animosity towards her ex-boyfriend radiating from him. “He deserves a taste of his own medicine.”

Everly offered him a small smile in an attempt to reassure him as she used the sleeve of her sweater to wipe away the last of her tears.

“He's probably getting worse than that in prison, at least I like to think so.” She assured him. “Do you have any more questions?”

“No, uh, I mean, well,” Harry looked down at the emotionally drained woman in front him. There was one more question he wanted to know the answer to, but he wasn't sure he could bear to hear it. He could probably draw his own conclusions based on what she'd already shared, but the whole point of this was to help him understand how she felt instead of acting based on assumptions.

“Just spit it out,” Everly urged him softly. “I won't be upset, I promise.”

“Did he rape you?” The words left Harry's mouth before he could stop them and her eyes widened slightly.

“No, not really,” Everly confessed after a moment of hesitation. “There were times when we had sex that I didn't want to, but it was easier just to go with it than to fight him. It was unpleasant though and those memories are why I got scared the first time you tried to touch me.” Everly paused to take a breath, her cheeks tinged with a hint of pink from the awkward topic. “The worst was when he, um, he'd come home high sometimes and start having sex with me while I was asleep, but even when I woke up I didn't say no or try to stop him. It would have just made things worse.”

So he did rape you, Harry thought to himself as his jaw clenched with hatred towards this man that he'd never met.

“That doesn't make it okay for him to do that to you,” He told her as his own eyes glossed over. “Everly, I promise you, I swear to you, that I will never ever treat you that way.”

“Oh, Harry. I know you won't.” Everly reached up and stroked his cheek. He closed his eyes for a moment as if he was savouring her touch.

“I just needed to say that,” He insisted. “If we fight, if I get angry or annoyed with you which I'm sure I will at some point, I would never ever lay a finger on you or do anything to you without your complete permission.”

“I know that,” Everly nodded. “Just don't let this change things between us, okay? It happened, I'm getting over it. I don't need you to walk on eggshells around me, don't treat me like I'm going to break if you raise your voice. I'll tell you if I'm getting in my head and starting to get upset, but I want to move forward.”

“I won't do that, I know you're not made of glass,” Harry assured her. “You're stronger than anyone I know.”

With a small smile Everly leaned forward and pressed her lips softly against his.

“Thank you for listening,” She said as she pulled away. “Don't tell my therapist, but I do feel better now I got that off my chest.”

Harry laughed and, unable to resist any more, wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against his chest.

“I knew you would,” He admitted. “And I feel better too. I've learnt not to trust the press and I wanted to hear it from you so I knew the truth.”

“That's fair,” She mumbled against him before pulling back slightly. “Now, I don't know about you, but I didn't sleep very well last night and could really use a nap before work.”

“I didn't sleep well either,” Harry agreed. “But how would you feel about calling in sick today? That way we could nap then maybe order some take away food and watch a movie?”

“Harry, I'm the only person there on Thursday nights. If I call in sick, we don't open.”

“So you'll be saving your boss some money,” Harry shrugged with a smirk causing Everly to playfully swat his shoulder. “You know it's true, he loses money by paying you when you're there alone.”

“You're so rude,” Everly teased. “But alright, I'll call him and ask if it's okay.”

Of course, her godfather had no issue with her needing a night off so Everly and Harry moved to her bed for a much needed nap and spent the rest of the afternoon wrapped in each others arms.

#prince harry fanfiction #prince harry fan fic #phff

[ph-piecebypiece-blog]

Chapter Five

Authours Note: This one is a bit shorter than usual, but it’s leading up to some big stuff. Enjoy and thanks again for all the support!

By the time Everly went home from Harry's after their first little date it was safe to say they were both quite smitten. They were eager to see each other again and quickly fell into a routine. Harry would come to the bar to keep Everly company every Tuesday and Wednesday night as it was a pretty safe bet no one would be around to spot them and on Sunday night she would go to his place for dinner.

The next few weeks flew by and Everly was happier than she'd been in years. The excitement she felt on the days she knew she would get to see him made her realize just how long it had been since she'd actually felt happy. She still had plenty of issues and baggage from what she'd been though, but Harry was helping her see the good things in life again and showing her how wonderful it is to have relationships with people, friendly or otherwise. She felt so much lighter. Every day wasn't filled with doom and gloom even if it still lurked around the edges and crept in more than she would have liked, he was brightening up her life in a way she hadn't expected.

He was finding their blossoming relationship quite refreshing as well. There was something about her that made him relax and his evenings at the bar quite often consisted of him bearing his soul. He'd told her about his mother, the aftermath of her death and how difficult it had been mourning in such a public way. He told her about his frustrations of not being allowed to go to Iraq after all his training and how proud he was now that he'd been given the chance to serve his country. He talked endlessly about his soon to be niece or nephew and how excited he was to be an uncle. And he talked about his reputation and how he was trying to turn himself around and dedicate himself to more charity work to honour his mother and continue what she started.

Every night when they parted ways they felt closer from their deep conversations, but Harry realized after almost a month of their little liaisons that he'd really been doing all the talking. She gave the odd anecdote here and there and loved to share fond memories of her mother, but she never opened up about her recent past or anything after she'd turned eighteen.

So, on his fourth week of keeping her company at the bar, he decided to try and get her to open up.

“I know you want to keep things mostly between us,” He started as he sipped his second scotch of the night. “But I'd be more than happy to meet your friends if you want to bring them round to mine one weekend.”

“That's very sweet of you,” Everly smiled. “But I don't have any friends to introduce you to.”

“Oh come on,” Harry wrinkled his brow in disbelief. “You have to have at least one.”

Everly shrugged and twisted a strand of her hair, something Harry had noticed she did when she felt awkward or uncomfortable.

“No, I really don't have anyone.” She insisted. “It's my own fault, I pushed them away during my last relationship, but it was hard to have them around with what was going on.”

Harry nodded, realizing it did make sense and it explained why he'd never heard her mention any friends before.

“Have you ever thought about some kind of group therapy?” He suggested cautiously, knowing he was venturing in to delicate territory. “It might be a good way for you to make some friends who understand what you've been through.”

“No, I'm not interested in that,” She said, shaking her head. “I don't need to sit in a room with other battered women, cry over what happened to us and feel sorry for ourselves.”

Harry didn't quite agree with her impression of what would happen at that kind of meeting, but could sense from her tone that it wasn't up for debate. He did have another idea though.

“What if I introduced you to Kate?”

“Your sister-in-law?” Everly raised an eyebrow.

“Yeah, she's been looking into a lot of mental health charities lately and really educating herself on the topic. She might be a good friend for you to have,” He explained. “Plus, she's really sweet and a wonderful person.”

“I'm sure she is, but no. I'm not interested. I don't need any mental health help.” Her tone was harsh and her eyes were flashing with annoyance, but softened slightly when she saw Harry's face. He was just trying to help and looked disappointed. “I don't mean that I'm not interested in meeting her, but when I meet your sister-in-law or any member of your family I want them to see me as your girlfriend or uh, whatever this is that we are, not some wounded stray you've picked up on the street that needs help.”

“That's understandable,” Harry nodded, taking another swig of his scotch as he worked up the courage to say what he wanted to say next. There was a moment of silence before he spoke again. “Will you talk about it with me?”

His question brought a deep frown to Everly's face and he realized this conversation was going the way he had expected it to, but not the way he'd hoped it would.

“Harry, I don't want to talk about it to anyone.”

“I know. I just think it would be helpful,” He continued, not wanting to drop the subject without explaining himself since he knew he wouldn't be allowed to bring it up again any time soon. “It would help me to know what you went through, so I know what might upset you. Where to tread lightly and what might be okay and all that.”

“You know what I've been through, you said so yourself.” Everly reminded him. “And if there are any gaps in your memory then you can Google it. It's all over the fucking internet!”

“But I want to hear it from you,” Harry said softly, trying to keep the situation calm despite Everly's rising temper. “Don't you trust me?”

“It's not about that! It's just-” Everly stopped talking as the door swung open and a crowd of drunk university students stumbled inside. She sighed, slightly relieved by their interruption as Harry put on his baseball cap, pulling it low to hide his identity. “I think you should go.”

“What?” Harry asked, stunned that she expected him to leave half way through such an important conversation.

“I have to work, Harry. I can't talk about this right now.”

“So I'll wait until they leave and we can continue,” He suggested. “The place is dead, they won't stick around long.”

Everly bit her lip, knowing that she was testing Harry's patience, but she stood firm.

“You should go.”

Her tone was certain and steadier than it had been the first time and Harry knew there was no point in arguing. He watched her for a moment, giving her chance to change her mind, but when she stayed silent he reluctantly rose from his seat. He leaned across the bar to place a kiss on her cheek before slipping on his coat and heading to the door without another word.

*

Harry was right, the university students didn't stay more than an hour. Unfortunately that meant Everly had plenty of time to be alone with her thoughts which, while she knew it was something she needed, was the last thing she wanted.

She felt bad for sending Harry away after he asked her to share what she'd been through especially when she knew he'd been so open with her the last few weeks and realistically she knew that if they were to continue seeing each other she would have to open up to him eventually. But the thought of telling him what happened to her, opening up that wound and going through the pain again in front of someone else made her stomach knot up so bad that she felt like she was going to be sick. Especially when that someone had started to mean so much to her.

She knew deep down that Harry wouldn't run away, he wouldn't judge her like so many had or blame her for anything she went through, but she couldn't be so sure that it wouldn't change how he saw her. Other than the fact that he never ventured to put his hands under her clothing while they were kissing and had never tried to initiate anything more, Harry didn't treat her like a victim. He didn't act like she would break at any moment if he said the wrong thing, he'd tease her and make fun of her just as much as she did with him. He treated her like he would treat any girl he was seeing regardless of her issues and she didn't want that to change. She didn't want him to associate her with her past, she just wanted him to see her for who she was now.

But she also knew that he was right. If she could tell her story to a jury full of strangers then Harry deserved to hear it as well. Whatever his reasons were for wanting to know, he did have a right to hear what she'd been through. She didn't think it would necessarily help him figure out what areas to tread lightly around since even she didn't know what might set her off, but whatever his motive was, it was probably fair.

She anxiously checked her phone every two minutes for the rest of the night, hoping that by some miracle Harry would message her and let her off the hook by saying to just forget the whole thing, but when she woke up the next morning to an empty inbox she knew the ball was in her court. He knew he'd upset her, she'd asked him to leave and it was up to her to make contact when she was ready. Her stress and nerves over the whole situation had woken her up a lot earlier that usual, around nine o'clock, but it took her until eleven to work up the courage to text him. She'd written out a million different messages, ranging from novel length to a few words, but eventually settled on something short and concise.

“I'm sorry about last night. You were right, I'm ready to talk. Can you come over?”

She'd expected an instant reply, assuming Harry was just as distraught as her and also checking his phone every thirty seconds, but when an hour had past she was practically a wreck. Just as she'd jumped to the conclusion that her lack of trust and closed off behaviour had driven him away already, her phone buzzed.

“Sorry love, had a meeting this morning. I'll be there in half an hour.”

Everly quickly answered him before resting her head in her hands, dreading the conversation to come.

#prince harry fanfiction #prince harry fan fic #phff

[ph-piecebypiece-blog]

Chapter Four

Authors Note: I meant to post this last night, but I was so caught up in writing that I didn’t have time. Lots of big things on the horizon and I’m looking forward to writing it all out! Thanks again for the support, let me know what you think!

By the time Sunday rolled around, Everly was filled with nerves. What would they talk about? Would it be weird and uncomfortable? What if she panicked again and made things awkward? Would he try something since they'd be alone in the privacy of his home? What if the press saw her going into his house and started harassing her again? The thought of cancelling crossed her mind more than once, but after ignoring his messages last time, she didn't have the heart to bail on him again.

Her anxious pacing was interrupted late in the afternoon by the sound of her buzzer.

“Hello?” She asked, already knowing who it was.

“I've been sent to collect you for his royal highness,” The unfamiliar voice answered her. She cringed at the open use of his title and hoped no one was walking by to hear it.

“Okay, I'll be right down.”

She gathered her purse and scurried out the door before she could convince herself not to.

The ride to the palace wasn't far from her apartment, but it was uncomfortable. The driver spent most of the time glancing at her in the rear view mirror probably, as most people do, trying to puzzle out why she looked familiar or, if he already figured out who she was, trying to work out what kind of pitying comfort to extend to her. Luckily he kept his mouth shut, but Everly was still quick to leave the car as soon as they arrived before he had the chance to make a parting comment.

She walked slowly towards the cottage next to the palace where Harry lived and saw the door open as she got closer.

“Hello, love,” Harry greeted her with a grin, the smile on his face turning to a smirk as he noticed her bare legs and the way she had her cardigan wrapped around herself for warmth. “I have to ask, just based off what you've been wearing the last few times we've met, you are aware that you live in England and it's the end of January, right?”

Everly playfully rolled her eyes, relaxing at the instant comfortableness between them. She looked down at the simple wine red t-shirt dress she was wearing covered by a grey cardigan and black ballet flats on her feet.

“I wasn't sure what to wear for an evening with a Prince,” She explained. “And it was warmer when I was out earlier.”

“Ah, yes. The strange phenomenon of the temperature dropping at night. Such an unusual occurrence,” He teased, stepping aside as she stuck her tongue out at him. “Come inside where it's warm.”

Everly stepped by him and looked around.

“Wow, nice place you have here,” She said nodding in approval.

“Thanks,” Harry smiled. “I haven't been here long. It used to be Will and Kate's, but they moved into the palace now to get ready for the baby.”

“Oh yeah, you're going to be an uncle!” Everly exclaimed, remembering hearing about it just before Christmas. “When is she due?”

“Early summer,” He told her, the prideful grin on his face conveying his excitement. “I really can't wait.”

“That is very exciting,” Everly smiled.

Harry led her into the kitchen where she was met with what looked like a scene out of a fairy tale. The light in the kitchen area was dimmed and off to the side was a large dining table littered with candles.

“Can I get you a drink?” Harry asked, snapping her out of her awe. “I have red or white wine and probably a beer or two lying around if you'd prefer that?”

“White wine would be lovely,” Everly smiled. “This is so cute Harry, very romantic.”

“I'm glad you like it,” Harry beamed proudly as he poured their wine. “You can take a seat. The food is ready, it's just in the oven keeping warm.”

Everly took her glass and wandered over to the table. She placed down her wine and slid off her cardigan, draping it over the back of the chair before taking a seat. A few moments later Harry followed carrying two plates piled with chicken, vegetables and mashed potatoes.

“Wow, Harry. That looks amazing. Did you make it?” She asked as he placed a plate in front of her.

He grinned sheepishly.

“Unfortunately, I'm not much of a cook.” He admitted. “I didn't want to give you food poisoning on our first date so I had the palace chefs whip something up for us.”

Everly laughed as little butterflies fluttered in her stomach at the word 'date'.

“That's okay, I'm not much of a cook either.”

Harry gave her a quick wink before rushing back to the kitchen to grab his wine before returning and settling in across from her.

“Cheers,” He said holding up his glass. Everly raised her own and gently clinked it against his before taking a sip. “You look lovely tonight.”

It was such a simple comment, but it made her heart swell. It had been a long time since she'd received that kind of praise from a man and the way he looked at her so genuinely as he said it almost brought tears to her eyes.

“Thank you,” She said quietly, hoping it wasn't obvious how much his comment had effected her. “You look very handsome too.”

“Thanks, it was a tough adjustment getting back into daily showers, cologne and other perks of civilian life, but I think I'm getting there.”

“I thought I noticed a weird smell that first night you came to the bar,” Everly teased, wrinkling her nose playfully causing Harry to toss his head back with laughter.

“And yet, you kissed me anyway.”

Everly giggled, lifting her shoulders in a shrug as she took a bite of her food.

They fell into a comfortable silence as they ate and a sense of relief washed over Everly. Even though she'd barely even been there for half an hour, she was already feeling confident in her decision to continue seeing Harry. She needed this, she needed to get back out there and have new, positive experiences, to see that things can and will be different than before. Harry wanted to spend time with her, he thought she looked nice and took the time to set up a lovely evening for them. She deserved this and as their eyes met across the table she knew this was something she wanted.

*

“Shall we move into the living room?” Harry asked about half an hour later when they'd finished eating and he'd put their plates in the dishwasher before refilling their wine.

Everly nodded and followed him down a hallway, but stopped briefly when she saw a framed picture on the wall of Harry, William and their mother. Harry looked to be about ten and they were all sitting on a log flume, soaking wet with huge smiles on their faces.

“She was so beautiful,” Everly said quietly.

Harry turned to see what she was talking about and smiled fondly when he saw the picture.

“She was,” He agreed. “And she was honestly the sweetest woman. I couldn't have asked for a better mother.”

“Do you miss her?” Everly asked, her eyes still fixed on the photo.

“Of course, as I'm sure you miss your mother as well.”

“Very much so,” Everly nodded, taking a sip of her wine.

Harry watched her, sensing the emotions that were swirling through Everly's mind and stepped a little closer.

“It took me ages to talk about how her death made me feel,” He admitted. “I bottled everything up for a long time and I realize now what a mistake that was.”

“I did the same,” Everly nodded. “But I didn't have much choice really, my father was a wreck and threw himself into the election as a distraction and left me to muddle through on my own.

Harry's heart twinged with sympathy for her, knowing exactly how she must have felt.

“Well it really does help to talk it over,” He told her, reiterating what he'd said a moment ago. “I'm always here if you want to chat.”

“Thanks,” Everly smiled, turning to face him. “But I think right now what I'd like to talk about is what a weird looking child you were.”

A shout of laughter fell from Harry's lips as their somber moment was sufficiently ruined. He loved her sense of humour and how she was always surprising him with some hysterical offhand comment. He took her hand and continued to lead her towards the living room.

“I was rather ugly, wasn't?”

“Ugly is a bit harsh!” Everly insisted. “Just slightly odd, but in an endearing way. You were cute.”

Harry raised his eyebrow at her sceptically as they settled on his large, plush couch.

“Yeah, right. I don't remember you dying to kiss me back then.”

“We only met once!” Everly defended herself. “And I shared my drugs with you, what more can you ask of me?”

“Hmm, I think seventeen year old, hormone fuelled me would have much preferred a kiss from a beautiful young lady than a toke of her marijuana.”

Now it was Everly's turn to be sceptical.

“Then you definitely wouldn't have wanted a kiss from me because beautiful is not the word I would use to describe how I looked back then.”

“You'd be surprised,” Harry said with a smug smirk on his face. “I had quite the crush on you.”

“No way!” Everly protested, her jaw dropping in shock. “I was so chubby and had such horrible skin and whoever told me those bangs were a good idea really owes me an apology.”

Harry chuckled even though he was unable to deny that her current hairstyle was much more flattering.

“I did!” He insisted. “You were so cute and feisty. You seemed like you weren't afraid of anything or anyone even though you were what, five foot nothing back then?”

“I had a late growth spurt,” Everly nodded in agreement, an amused smile on her face. “But I still can't believe this. Who knew I made such an impression on a Prince.”

“You absolutely did, I even tried to get your number or email or whatever it was back then, but my father found out I'd been asking around and put a stop to it.”

“Prince Charles wasn't so charmed by my bad hair and acne?”

“Unfortunately not,” Harry admitted. “He thought you were a bad influence and would lead me down a bad path with your wild ways.”

“He probably wasn't wrong, but what does he think about you seeing me now?”

Everly took a sip of her wine as Harry shot her another of his cheeky smirks.

“Well fortunately, I am now an adult and it's much harder for my father to find out who I'm speaking to so he doesn't know,” Harry informed her. “But I think by now he's realized that I can get into trouble perfectly fine by myself and that I'm responsible for my own choices.”

“Ooh, look at you disobeying Daddy's orders,” Everly teased causing Harry to roll his eyes. “Awwe, don't feel bad. Bad boys are sexy.”

Her voice dropped slightly and Harry noticed how she was gently biting her bottom lip and looking at him in a way that made his heart rate increase just a touch. He was dying to kiss her again, but remembered his promise to take things slow and decided to let Everly take the lead. He was a solider after all, he should be able to show some restraint.

“Really now?” He asked, dropping his voice to match her tone.

“Yeah,” Everly nodded, moving slightly closer towards Harry. “Especially when they can kiss as well as you.”

Taking her comment as an invitation, Harry gently took her wine glass from her hand before placing with on the table with his own.

“No one can kiss as well as me,” Harry smirked, shifting so he was facing his guest.

“Prove it,”

Everly's voice was barely above a whisper, but Harry heard her loud and clear. He immediately leaned forward and pressed his lips against hers. This kiss was much like the first one they shared, it was passionate and fierce and sent tingles through Everly's body. Their lips moulded together perfectly and as Everly parted hers ever so slightly, Harry took advantage and slid his tongue in to meet hers. She sighed against his mouth and he felt his restraint slipping. He could taste the feint hint of wine on her tongue and the smell of her vanilla perfume was sending his senses into over drive. Unable to keep his hands off of her a moment longer, he gently moved one to the side of her face while the other tangled in her long, brown hair, helping him to deepen the kiss. He was aching to touch her body which was painfully close to his own, but the memory of what happened last time was fresh in his mind and he respectably kept them above her shoulders.

After a few minutes Everly pulled away. Her breath was heavy, her lips were red and plump and her cheeks were flushed from their previous activity.

“Okay,” She said quietly, trying to catch her breath. “I believe you. No one can kiss as well as you.”

Harry chuckled as he took in her appearance. He moved the hand from her cheek and used the one that had been tangled in her hair to tuck a stray strand behind her ear before moving it to hold her hand.

“You're beautiful,” He whispered, causing the flush in her cheeks to deepen with embarrassment as she felt a flutter in her heart. They basked in the afterglow of their kiss for a few more moments before Harry spoke up again. “Would you like to watch a movie? I have Netflix.”

Everly smiled and nodded as she reached forward to grab her wine glass from the table.

“That sounds lovely,” She agreed. “Pick whatever you want.”

Harry returned her smile and moved to set up his television, appreciating the warmth that filled his chest as he thought of how much he was enjoying such a simple night at home.

#prince harry fanfiction #prince harry fan fic #phff

[ph-piecebypiece-blog]

Chapter Three

Authors Note: Thank you for all the support after the last chapter :) It’s great to know people are liking the story so far especially since I’m really enjoying writing it! I’ve been writing and brainstorming a ton over the last few days so there should be more chapters soon. Let me know what you think :)

Everly spent her entire shift that night distracted by her puzzling dilemma. She wrote out answers to Harry's messages several times, but always found herself deleting them. Eventually she decided that it had been too long, answering him a week late would just make her look silly and she had missed her chance.

The next day, in her usual fashion, she slept until she had just enough time to get ready for work. Knowing it was going to be a big night since it was a Friday and there was a football game on, she put a little more effort into her look. She picked out a short faux leather skirt that cinched around her waist and paired it with a black, low cut crop top. It showed off a little more cleavage than would usually be appropriate, but in her industry if she wanted tips, she had to show a little skin. After finishing off her look with her standard fishnets and converse, she put on a touch of makeup, straightened her hair and headed out the door.

She was starting a little later since one of the other staff were responsible for opening on weekends and by the time she got there the place was already packed. She managed to squeeze through the crowd and as soon as she made it behind the bar she was put to work. All thoughts of Harry were finally pushed from her mind as she threw herself into things. She was in her element, firing out beers left and right and charming the tips from almost every single customer. Not that it took much charm to get tips from men considering what she was wearing, but she preferred to think it was her talent. Which she definitely had. It helped that the team they had worked flawlessly well together, but her boss always joked that she'd be perfectly capable of handling even the busiest of nights by herself and the other staff were just to keep her ego at bay.

Five hours flew by in no time and it was around ten o'clock, just as she was returning from a bathroom break, that the night got interesting.

“Next!” She shouted, signalling she was free to help another customer as she wiped up a beer spill on the bar top.

“You didn't answer my messages.”

The deep voice caused Everly's hand to freeze. Her eyes shot up and met with the ginger prince standing in front of her. He was wearing a baseball cap pulled low on his head to cover his face and had the collar of his jacket popped up, but Everly instantly recognised him. She stared momentarily, shocked to the point where her brain seemed to have stopped working completely and he simply watched her with a soft smirk on his face until she finally remembered how to speak.

“Oh, uh, yeah. Sorry about that,” She finally replied, her cheeks flushing a delicate pink colour.

“So you did get them?” Harry teased. “I was starting to think you gave me a fake number.”

“No, it was my real number, I promise,” Everly assured him with a small smile. “Can I get you a drink?”

Harry glanced down the bar at the large number of other customers waiting to order.

“I was actually hoping we could have a chat,” He admitted. “I didn't expect it to be this busy after how empty it was the other day.”

“Weekends are a whole different story,” Everly laughed. “Especially when there's a football game on. I should be able to sneak away though, as long as we're quick.”

Harry nodded and Everly gestured for him to come behind the bar before turning to one of the young men working with her. She told him she was going to run for a quick 'cig break' before leading Harry through a narrow hallway filled with empty kegs and out to the back alley where they were allowed to smoke.

Harry quickly reached into his pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes, handing one to Everly before taking one for himself and pulling out his lighter. They smoked in silence for a few minutes before Everly worked up the nerve to talk.

“So, what did you want to chat about?” She asked quietly.

Harry shifted awkwardly, having lost some of the confidence he had in the bar now it was just the two of them.

“I just, uh, thought we really hit it off last week so I won't lie, I was a little surprised when you didn't answer me,” He explained. “But I realize I may have pushed you too far with that kiss and I would like to apologize for that.”

“You don't need to apologize. I haven't been kissed like that in ages, it was nice,” Everly blurted out before she could stop herself causing her cheeks to go red once again. “And I shouldn't have ignored you. I just had a lot of thinking to do.”

“And where did that thinking lead you?” Harry asked as he stomped out his finished cigarette.

“Round and round in circles,” Everly admitted earning a chuckle from Harry, but when he didn't speak she continued. “I have a lot of baggage, more than you probably realize, and I don't want to push that on to anyone else.”

“I have baggage too,” Harry shrugged. “I thought maybe it would be nice for us both to have someone to talk to about it.”

“I don't want to talk about it,” Everly said firmly. “I want to push it from my mind and move on.”

“Alright, that's fine too,” Harry nodded, knowing full well her strategy would break down eventually. “We can distract each other from our problems then if you'd prefer.”

Everly bit her lip, mulling over his words as a shiver ran threw her. Harry instantly moved into action, shrugging off his coat and moving to drape it over her shoulders.

“But now you'll be cold,” She protested, somewhat halfheartedly.

“I'm still wearing far more than you,” Harry chuckled. “I'll be okay for a few minutes.”

Everly reluctantly nodded, enjoying the warmth around her. It smelt distinctly like him and she took in a deep breath, memories of the last time he was close to her filling her mind.

“What exactly are you looking for?” She asked, pulling the coat around herself as if she was trying to hide from the awkward conversation.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I don't think I'd be very good at a casual or uh, friends with benefits type of relationship at this point,” Everly elaborated. “It'll take me a while to trust you and I don't know how long it'll take for me to feel comfortable having...”

“Sex?” Harry suggested, a slight smirk on his face as her cheeks burned. She nodded. “That's really alright. I'm not looking to rush into anything. I won't even kiss you again if you want to keep things friendly.”

“Well I didn't say that. I thought I already told you how much I enjoyed that kiss?”

Everly forced up some confidence and flashed him a cheeky grin causing Harry to laugh with a smug smile of his own on his face.

“Then we can kiss as much as you like,” He offered. “But seriously, we can take things as slow as you need. I'm past the point of wanting to mess around with silly flings anyway.”

“Really? The party prince is looking to settle down?”

It was meant as a joke, but Harry's face twisted in to a slight scowl and she instantly felt bad.

“I don't want to be the party prince that everyone thinks I am,” He admitted. “I want people to start taking me seriously. I do want to settle down, I want to get married and have kids. I'm ready to grow up.”

“Whoa, slow down, your highness! Just because I don't want casual doesn't mean I'm ready to marry you,” She teased, putting the smile back on Harry's face. “But I understand. I'd like to be taken more seriously too.”

“So can I see you again?” Harry asked, nervous for her answer.

“Yes,” Everly nodded. “If you're willing to start this thing with the intention of it being something more than a fling then I would love to see you again.”

“Excellent,” Harry practically cheered, unable to hide the grin on his face. “Maybe we could go out for tea this weekend if you're free?”

“We're closed on Sunday and Monday,” She informed him with a smile. His enthusiasm was contagious. “But could we maybe keep things a bit more private for a while? Away from the press, I mean. Just for now.”

“Of course. You're welcome to come over to mine on Sunday for dinner if you're comfortable with that?”

Harry watched her reaction, hoping he wasn't being too forward again and was relieved when she nodded.

“That sounds lovely,” She agreed..

“Wonderful, text me your address and I'll send a car for you, but for now I should probably let you get back to work,” He said as he moved towards her to take back his coat. He was standing right in front of her as he slid it from her shoulders and she stared up at him, unable to stop herself from glancing at his lips. Noticing the movement he took a risk. “Would it be alright if I kissed you again? Just to seal whatever deal we just made out here.”

Everly giggled at the cheeky glint in his eye and nodded. Not hesitating for a moment, Harry leaned down and pressed his lips against hers. It wasn't the same wild, passionate kiss they had shared the week before, but it still made Everly's head spin. His lips were soft and gentle as they moved against hers and she felt a warmth spread through her body, suddenly not feeling the cold despite no longer having Harry's jacket. After a few moments she reluctantly pulled away, knowing she really did need to get back to work.

“I'll see you on Sunday?” She asked quietly as Harry stepped away from her with a smile on his face.

“Looking forward to it.”

Everly gave a slight wave and opened the door. Once Harry was sure she was safely inside, he headed off down the alley to find his protection officers who were waiting by the car.

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