Heartbeat
Epilogue
The strobe lights harshly flashing against my skin, the bass from the speakers ringing in my ears, I sway my hips in sync to the music. Laughing with Kayla, we both sing loudly to the current song the DJ is playing. Yesterday she flew down with Harry and the other boys to Hawaii. They're having a concert next week and the boys wanted to see the town, so we decided to go to the club tonight.
Looking around, I see Niall at the bar with Louis, Eleanor, Liam, and Harry. The seat Zayn previously occupied now empty. I scan the room looking for my boyfriend of 7 months, Marcus. After the wedding, when I came back home to Hawaii, I met Marcus on a blind date. We didn't have much in common, actually, we had nothing in common. He mostly came out to drink every weekend while I stayed at home. I was never really the party girl type, only on occasion, like tonight. I'm not sure why we were together, all we constantly did was fight about little things. But my parents and friends loved him, and told me I was lucky to be dating him so I never really could muster up the courage to end it.
As the song changes, I feel Marcus harshly grab my forearm dragging me through the crowd of dancing bodies with the strong scent of sweat and alcohol. He pushes me up against the wall, I gasp as my lower back comes in contact with the metal railing.
"What the FUCK is your problem?!" I yell, shoving his chest.
"Did you fuck him?!"
I flinch, as his face comes in close contact with mine, "Fuck who?! What are you even talking about?!"
"Zayn! Did you fuck him?!"
I am quickly taken aback by the question. I had told no one about that night in London besides Kayla. Not willingly, she pressured me into confessing after she spotted a few love bites on my neck. And knowing her, she probably told Harry also.
"How did you know?" I quietly answer, not sure if he heard me over the loud music.
He chuckles darkly, "I fucking knew it! I could tell by the way you two looked at each other tonight something was going on. You're such a fucking slut! But to answer your question, pretty boy told me all about it."
Zayn. Zayn told him?!
"You know what, Riana we're fucking done! I can't even look at you. We're over. This shit is over. Have fun with your popstar." He looks at me with disgust as he heads towards the exit.
Still standing there in shock, thankful no one heard or saw our fight, rage takes over me. I need to find Zayn and tell him to fuck off. I'm not even sure why he felt it was necessary to tell Marcus about something that happened years ago.
I quickly make my way over to the bar where Kayla and Harry have joined the others.
"Where is Zayn?!" I ask, interrupting their current conversation.
"He left awhile ago after he had a drink with Marcus. Why?" Eleanor asks, taking a sip of her cosmopolitan.
"I need to talk to him about something. Where is he staying?"
"He's staying at this house in Kahala, on the ridge of Diamond Head." Niall answers. "What's the matter?"
"Can I have the address?" I ask, hurriedly.
"Is Marcus okay with you paying a visit to Zayn?" Kayla questions.
"Me and Marcus are done. I just need Zayn's address."
Everyone stares at me with wide eyes. "Wait, what?! Why?!" Kayla asks.
"That doesn't matter. I just need to find Zayn, please. If not, I'll try to find him myself."
Everyone looks at each other, knowing my visit wouldn't result in something nice. I could feel the vein on my forehead actually pulsing.
"I'll text it to you." Niall finally says.
"Thank you. I'll see you guys later, sorry about this." I say, walking out of the club.
As soon as I open the club doors, I can feel the cool fall breeze hit my skin. I immediately hail a cab and tell him the address. I settle into the leather seat, bouncing my knee uncontrollably, something I always did when I was angry. I wasn't mad at the fact that he had broken up my relationship. Actually, he did me a favor. What upset me was how he could be so immature and share such an intimate moment we once shared. At one time, I really loved him and I thought he loved me too. But the fact that he would gloat about it and treat it like it meant nothing really fucking hurt. For the first time since that night in London, I actually regretted what we did.
*****
Around 15 minutes later the cab pulls in front of the house. It's actually quite incredible. Beautiful view, lovely lanterns lighting up the walkway, you can hear the waves crashing against the sand, and smell the ocean air. I snap out of my thoughts, anger once again taking over me. I quickly pay the cab driver and storm my way up the driveway, immediately pounding my fists against the big wooden door while ringing the doorbell.
The door quickly opens and I push my way past Zayn and make my way inside.
"Well, hello to you too, love." He sarcastically says, shutting the door.
"I can't fucking believe you!" I shout, walking towards him as his bare back meets the door.
"Did that night in London mean NOTHING to you?! I would have never thought in a million years you would be like every typical guy, bragging about the fact that you had sex. You're so immature, I have no idea how I could have ever actually been in love with you!" I shove his chest and make my way into the living room, Zayn following closely behind. I stop dead in my tracks, taking in the sight of over 20 dimly lit candles scattered around the room. The beautiful aroma of sweet pea fill my nostrils, my favorite scent. I silently scoff, knowing he probably set this up for some other girl.
"So, what whore of the night did you set this up for? She must be real classy if you went through all of this trouble. Sorry to have interrupted your precious-"
As soon as I turn around he pushes me up against the wall and kisses me, hard. I surprisingly kiss back immediately. Tangling my hands in his hair, as places his hands on my ass signaling for me to jump, I oblige. Our kiss is hungry, full of passion and anger. He walks us backwards, we trip and fall over the plush rug but we don't even notice. I straddle him as he takes off my denim jacket and pulls the zipper of my dress down. He flips us over, letting his dominance show. He attaches his lips to my neck, finding my sweet spot instantly. I let out a loud moan and I can feel him smirk against my skin.
*****
We both lay on the floor, legs tangled together, my head against his chest as his arm lazily drapes over my waist. Our skin clammy, as we take deep shallow breaths. His hair matted to his forehead, small beads of sweat on my back. I start tracing his tattoos, seeing goosebumps rise on his skin from my touch. I remember this is exactly what happened last time we were together. Pressed against each other, no space between us. Limbs tangled together, the room filled with heaving chests trying to regain our steady breathing. I snap out of my flashback as I see one of the candles go out.
"So, what are all these candles for?"
"You." He replies, grabbing my hand from his chest and placing a chaste kiss on my hand.
Blushing at his action, I lift my head, facing him. "For me? How did you know I was coming?"
He laughs. "A little bird warned me."
I sigh. "Oh God, Niall."
"Wrong." He chuckles. "It was Kayla and Harry. They told me to be prepared for you."
I laugh. Those two were always trying to get us together, bless them for it.
The room falls silent for a few minutes. Not an awkward silence, but a good silence. Just us wrapped up in one another, feeling safe laying beside each other. I shiver as a cool gust blows through the house. Zayn grabs a blanket from the couch and places it over both of our bodies.
"Babe?" He asks. My heart flutters at that word. God, I missed his voice.
"Mhm?"
"I'm sorry." He plops up onto his elbow, facing me.
"It's okay. I'm glad it happened." I smile, turning towards him, repeating his action.
"Please tell me, this isn't going to end like the last time." He takes my hand and laces our fingers together, "I can't stand to lose you again, Riana. I-I love you." Zayn says, looking at me intently. His eyes will always be the death of me. The way he looks at me is like he's staring into my soul. He searches my facial expression, and I can feel my eyes start to burn, hot tears threatening to roll onto my flushed cheeks.
I quickly attach our lips. The kiss is sweet, and gentle, unlike before. "I love you too. It's always been you, Zayn. Always." I murmur against his lips, our foreheads pressed together. He smiles showing his gorgeous pearly white teeth, and a bit of his tongue showing as well, I giggle at the sight.
"God, I missed your laugh." He states, pulling me even closer to him.
"God, I missed you." I smile, emphasizing my last word.
"Is this new?" He asks, tracing my recent tattoo on my rib cage.
"Not really, I've had it for about a year now."
"It's nice, it suits you." He smiles.
"That's quite a compliment coming from the body art king, himself." We both laugh.
He pecks my lips and gets up, throwing on a pair of boxers.
"Hey, where are you going? And why are you putting clothes on?" I whine.
Zayn laughs, "I have to get something. Here, put this on." He winks, throwing me his t-shirt and my lace panties.
*****
After a few minutes, Zayn walks back into the room carrying his iPod dock and his iPhone. He places both on the nearest table, and once he turns the volume up I know what song it is.
" ♫ Lately you've been, questioning, if I still see you the same way. ♫ "
I smile as he walks towards me, extending his hand.
"May I have this dance?"
I blush, nodding my head.
" ♫ Now don't you know you'll always be the most beautiful woman, I know. ♫ "
Zayn takes both of my hands and drapes it around his neck as he places his hands around my waist, holding me close against his chest.
"You are quite the dancer, Mr. Malik." I mumble against the skin on his chest, smiling. Taking in the scent of the candles and his Gucci cologne. The smell intoxicating me as he gently rubs his hands up and down my lower back.
"Thank you, I take pride in my dancing skills." I laugh as he suddenly wiggles his hips.
" ♫ See, I'll love you when your hair turns gray, girl. I'll still want you if you gain a little weight, yeah. ♫ "
Zayn sweetly sings the chorus in his angelic voice. Our foreheads rest upon each other, he looks at me in my eyes and I swear I feel my knees go weak. For the first time in my life, I can actually feel myself falling in love.
"Please don't leave." Vulnerability in my voice. I hate sounding so needy, but I need him.
"I wasn't planning on it." He kisses me, cupping my cheek in his hand. I run my fingertips up and down the nape of his neck.
In this moment, I couldn't be more happier. I knew that I was his, and he was mine. Mine. I smiled at the thought of it.
"I love you." Zayn whispers in my ear.
"I love you."
" ♫ I was meant for you and you were meant for me, yeah. And I'll make sure that I'll be everything you need, yeah. Girl the way we are is how its gonna be, just as long as your love don't change. ♫ "
Looking around, I see Niall at the bar with Louis, Eleanor, Liam, and Harry. The seat Zayn previously occupied now empty. I scan the room looking for my boyfriend of 7 months, Marcus. After the wedding, when I came back home to Hawaii, I met Marcus on a blind date. We didn't have much in common, actually, we had nothing in common. He mostly came out to drink every weekend while I stayed at home. I was never really the party girl type, only on occasion, like tonight. I'm not sure why we were together, all we constantly did was fight about little things. But my parents and friends loved him, and told me I was lucky to be dating him so I never really could muster up the courage to end it.
As the song changes, I feel Marcus harshly grab my forearm dragging me through the crowd of dancing bodies with the strong scent of sweat and alcohol. He pushes me up against the wall, I gasp as my lower back comes in contact with the metal railing.
"What the FUCK is your problem?!" I yell, shoving his chest.
"Did you fuck him?!"
I flinch, as his face comes in close contact with mine, "Fuck who?! What are you even talking about?!"
"Zayn! Did you fuck him?!"
I am quickly taken aback by the question. I had told no one about that night in London besides Kayla. Not willingly, she pressured me into confessing after she spotted a few love bites on my neck. And knowing her, she probably told Harry also.
"How did you know?" I quietly answer, not sure if he heard me over the loud music.
He chuckles darkly, "I fucking knew it! I could tell by the way you two looked at each other tonight something was going on. You're such a fucking slut! But to answer your question, pretty boy told me all about it."
Zayn. Zayn told him?!
"You know what, Riana we're fucking done! I can't even look at you. We're over. This shit is over. Have fun with your popstar." He looks at me with disgust as he heads towards the exit.
Still standing there in shock, thankful no one heard or saw our fight, rage takes over me. I need to find Zayn and tell him to fuck off. I'm not even sure why he felt it was necessary to tell Marcus about something that happened years ago.
I quickly make my way over to the bar where Kayla and Harry have joined the others.
"Where is Zayn?!" I ask, interrupting their current conversation.
"He left awhile ago after he had a drink with Marcus. Why?" Eleanor asks, taking a sip of her cosmopolitan.
"I need to talk to him about something. Where is he staying?"
"He's staying at this house in Kahala, on the ridge of Diamond Head." Niall answers. "What's the matter?"
"Can I have the address?" I ask, hurriedly.
"Is Marcus okay with you paying a visit to Zayn?" Kayla questions.
"Me and Marcus are done. I just need Zayn's address."
Everyone stares at me with wide eyes. "Wait, what?! Why?!" Kayla asks.
"That doesn't matter. I just need to find Zayn, please. If not, I'll try to find him myself."
Everyone looks at each other, knowing my visit wouldn't result in something nice. I could feel the vein on my forehead actually pulsing.
"I'll text it to you." Niall finally says.
"Thank you. I'll see you guys later, sorry about this." I say, walking out of the club.
As soon as I open the club doors, I can feel the cool fall breeze hit my skin. I immediately hail a cab and tell him the address. I settle into the leather seat, bouncing my knee uncontrollably, something I always did when I was angry. I wasn't mad at the fact that he had broken up my relationship. Actually, he did me a favor. What upset me was how he could be so immature and share such an intimate moment we once shared. At one time, I really loved him and I thought he loved me too. But the fact that he would gloat about it and treat it like it meant nothing really fucking hurt. For the first time since that night in London, I actually regretted what we did.
*****
Around 15 minutes later the cab pulls in front of the house. It's actually quite incredible. Beautiful view, lovely lanterns lighting up the walkway, you can hear the waves crashing against the sand, and smell the ocean air. I snap out of my thoughts, anger once again taking over me. I quickly pay the cab driver and storm my way up the driveway, immediately pounding my fists against the big wooden door while ringing the doorbell.
The door quickly opens and I push my way past Zayn and make my way inside.
"Well, hello to you too, love." He sarcastically says, shutting the door.
"I can't fucking believe you!" I shout, walking towards him as his bare back meets the door.
"Did that night in London mean NOTHING to you?! I would have never thought in a million years you would be like every typical guy, bragging about the fact that you had sex. You're so immature, I have no idea how I could have ever actually been in love with you!" I shove his chest and make my way into the living room, Zayn following closely behind. I stop dead in my tracks, taking in the sight of over 20 dimly lit candles scattered around the room. The beautiful aroma of sweet pea fill my nostrils, my favorite scent. I silently scoff, knowing he probably set this up for some other girl.
"So, what whore of the night did you set this up for? She must be real classy if you went through all of this trouble. Sorry to have interrupted your precious-"
As soon as I turn around he pushes me up against the wall and kisses me, hard. I surprisingly kiss back immediately. Tangling my hands in his hair, as places his hands on my ass signaling for me to jump, I oblige. Our kiss is hungry, full of passion and anger. He walks us backwards, we trip and fall over the plush rug but we don't even notice. I straddle him as he takes off my denim jacket and pulls the zipper of my dress down. He flips us over, letting his dominance show. He attaches his lips to my neck, finding my sweet spot instantly. I let out a loud moan and I can feel him smirk against my skin.
*****
We both lay on the floor, legs tangled together, my head against his chest as his arm lazily drapes over my waist. Our skin clammy, as we take deep shallow breaths. His hair matted to his forehead, small beads of sweat on my back. I start tracing his tattoos, seeing goosebumps rise on his skin from my touch. I remember this is exactly what happened last time we were together. Pressed against each other, no space between us. Limbs tangled together, the room filled with heaving chests trying to regain our steady breathing. I snap out of my flashback as I see one of the candles go out.
"So, what are all these candles for?"
"You." He replies, grabbing my hand from his chest and placing a chaste kiss on my hand.
Blushing at his action, I lift my head, facing him. "For me? How did you know I was coming?"
He laughs. "A little bird warned me."
I sigh. "Oh God, Niall."
"Wrong." He chuckles. "It was Kayla and Harry. They told me to be prepared for you."
I laugh. Those two were always trying to get us together, bless them for it.
The room falls silent for a few minutes. Not an awkward silence, but a good silence. Just us wrapped up in one another, feeling safe laying beside each other. I shiver as a cool gust blows through the house. Zayn grabs a blanket from the couch and places it over both of our bodies.
"Babe?" He asks. My heart flutters at that word. God, I missed his voice.
"Mhm?"
"I'm sorry." He plops up onto his elbow, facing me.
"It's okay. I'm glad it happened." I smile, turning towards him, repeating his action.
"Please tell me, this isn't going to end like the last time." He takes my hand and laces our fingers together, "I can't stand to lose you again, Riana. I-I love you." Zayn says, looking at me intently. His eyes will always be the death of me. The way he looks at me is like he's staring into my soul. He searches my facial expression, and I can feel my eyes start to burn, hot tears threatening to roll onto my flushed cheeks.
I quickly attach our lips. The kiss is sweet, and gentle, unlike before. "I love you too. It's always been you, Zayn. Always." I murmur against his lips, our foreheads pressed together. He smiles showing his gorgeous pearly white teeth, and a bit of his tongue showing as well, I giggle at the sight.
"God, I missed your laugh." He states, pulling me even closer to him.
"God, I missed you." I smile, emphasizing my last word.
"Is this new?" He asks, tracing my recent tattoo on my rib cage.
"Not really, I've had it for about a year now."
"It's nice, it suits you." He smiles.
"That's quite a compliment coming from the body art king, himself." We both laugh.
He pecks my lips and gets up, throwing on a pair of boxers.
"Hey, where are you going? And why are you putting clothes on?" I whine.
Zayn laughs, "I have to get something. Here, put this on." He winks, throwing me his t-shirt and my lace panties.
*****
After a few minutes, Zayn walks back into the room carrying his iPod dock and his iPhone. He places both on the nearest table, and once he turns the volume up I know what song it is.
" ♫ Lately you've been, questioning, if I still see you the same way. ♫ "
I smile as he walks towards me, extending his hand.
"May I have this dance?"
I blush, nodding my head.
" ♫ Now don't you know you'll always be the most beautiful woman, I know. ♫ "
Zayn takes both of my hands and drapes it around his neck as he places his hands around my waist, holding me close against his chest.
"You are quite the dancer, Mr. Malik." I mumble against the skin on his chest, smiling. Taking in the scent of the candles and his Gucci cologne. The smell intoxicating me as he gently rubs his hands up and down my lower back.
"Thank you, I take pride in my dancing skills." I laugh as he suddenly wiggles his hips.
" ♫ See, I'll love you when your hair turns gray, girl. I'll still want you if you gain a little weight, yeah. ♫ "
Zayn sweetly sings the chorus in his angelic voice. Our foreheads rest upon each other, he looks at me in my eyes and I swear I feel my knees go weak. For the first time in my life, I can actually feel myself falling in love.
"Please don't leave." Vulnerability in my voice. I hate sounding so needy, but I need him.
"I wasn't planning on it." He kisses me, cupping my cheek in his hand. I run my fingertips up and down the nape of his neck.
In this moment, I couldn't be more happier. I knew that I was his, and he was mine. Mine. I smiled at the thought of it.
"I love you." Zayn whispers in my ear.
"I love you."
" ♫ I was meant for you and you were meant for me, yeah. And I'll make sure that I'll be everything you need, yeah. Girl the way we are is how its gonna be, just as long as your love don't change. ♫ "
