Behind the Velvet Curtain

*Lilly's POV*

"Please?" I asked watching his eyes carefully.

"Ah, of course" He stood, retreating from the small room. There was no fighting the smile that appeared as I slid on a pair of yoga pants and a grey button up.

Bracing myself I took a deep breath before deciding to face him again. I grabbed a spare blanket and my other pillow before going back into the living room.

"Here, the sun will be up in a few hours. Try to get some sleep till then." I smiled handing over the items.

"Night, love." he agreed.

Laying in bed I tried my hardest to sleep. Though it seemed like the hardest thing to achieve.

*Harry's Pov*

I sighed at the sweet smell coming from her pillow. I knew it smelled directly like her, but I'd never gotten close enough to catch the scent first hand. I decided to make it my mission to do just that. The blue numbers glowing in the dark room changing faster than I'd liked. Every time I closed my eyes I immediately saw her standing in just that white towel. Her smooth skin glistening as the left over water drops caught the light. Her sweet perfume over taking my senses as I imagined that towel pooling at her feet. God, these thoughts are going to be the death of me. Toned legs from nights of performing, figure hidden from sight leaving room for my imagination, fingers tightly grasping the towel defensively shielding herself from me, collar bones glistening, long dark waves still dripping. These lovely images entertaining my draw to sleep.

Loud banging on the door interrupting the climax of my dream. Grumbling I pulled myself off her couch ignoring my lack of a short. I swung the door open obviously shocking the person on the other side with my aggression. A guy in grey jeans and a pink vest and tie returned my glare of confusion and immediate hate.

"Forget your shirt?" I asked mentally judging the terrible outfit.

"I was going to ask you the same." he glared.

"Danny?" her melodic voice drew me to look back at her.

"Did I leave my work shirt here the other night?" he asked trying to move past me, though that wasn't going to happen.

"Oh, yeah." she mumbled disappearing back into her bedroom. "Right here," I heard her before she was in front of me shortly holding a grey button up out to Mills. It took me a moment before I realized it was the same button up she had worn to bed the night before.

"Do you want a ride to work since we're both going there?" he asked her.

"I've got it covered, mate." I answered wrapping my arms around her waist from behind.

"Don't think I was asking you." the edge in his voice showing he didn't recognize me. Resting my chin on her shoulder I gave him my best fake pout.

"Doesn't matter who your asking. I'm answering." I sent a knowing smirk.

"Who the hell do you think you are?" he demanded his glare hardening. I could tell Lilly felt my arms tense around her in annoyance. The feeling of her small hand grasping one relaxing me slightly.

"Harry Styles." I stated firmly, watching as his glare faltered lightly before becoming harder. At least now he'd know exactly who he was dealing with.

"I'll see you at work Danny," Lilly interrupted our small war.

"Yeah. See you there." He finally broke and looked at her. He bent, placing a kiss to her cheek. The nerve of this bastard didn't seem to end.

"Who is he?" I demanded as soon as the door was finally shut.

"Coworker"

"Where else do you work? I know he's sure as hell not on my payroll."

"The Glass Menagerie," she shrugged, bending over to pick up my shirt off the floor.

"Isn't that a sex shop?" Honestly I wasn't a fan of the thought of that.

"No, it's a specialty shop." She chuckled slapping my are playfully.

"What's the difference?" I teased, slightly lifting the end of her dress.

"We don't sell porn." she chuckled moving passed me again.

"Still sounds like a sex shop." I grumbled

"Oh shut up, Styles."

"That's Mr. Styles to you."

"Only when I'm on the clock, which I'm not."

"Don't mock me."

"But I enjoy it," even I knew there was no good comeback to that. "Now shut up and let me finish getting ready."

Sitting on her bed I silently watched her put some barely there makeup on. The calm feeling surrounding us was one I wanted to hold onto. It scared me to think that I wanted to be sitting in this exact same spot even a month from now doing the same exact thing. What spell had this pretty little witch cast on me? I've never been a relationship type of guy, so how was this damn showgirl pulling me into the deep end of this shark infested thought wave? I know I need to pull myself out of this growing hole before I drown.

Walking away from her was the last thought on my mind when I saw 'Danny' twenty minutes later. I knew I was intimidating any customer that walked in the door and saw me sitting on the counter, but that wasn't anything new. I kept my eye on her as she helped woman after woman find 'bridal shower' and 'bachelorette party' shit. I knew that half of the items would never see a gift bag or expecting friend, rather they would be stuffed in a nightstand drawer along side lube and flavored condoms. Though each woman's 'story' was interesting to hear, none wanting to admit the toys were actually for them. I noticed a girl walk in, dragging her boyfriend in behind her. She looked young and innocent, but hell half the customers who've come in have been in their early thirties. Lilly left her spot behind the register as she walked up to the pair.

"Hi, I'm Lilly, is there anything I can help you find?" The girl looked hesitant before answering.

"Um, I'm looking for some new lingerie." the girl's voice came out shy, I smirked as a slight blush crept onto her face

"Do you have a favorite style?"Lilly asked, ignoring the obvious embarrassment the poor girl was displaying.

"Not really, but I want something comfortable." Lilly nodded before leading the pair out of my eyesight and earshot. I followed, there was no way I was missing this show.

"Well we recently got in a shipment of a designer brand."

"Who?"

"Symone Landing"

"I've heard of her."

"I love her new line. It's all about comfort. Oversized see through button up sets, some burned screened to leave even less to the imagination, and her famous silk baby-dolls." Hearing her explain the collection inspired my imagination to take in those images.

I watched as she pulled some pieces off of a near by rack. The first piece was a see through grey button up with a white lace back, then a light blue silk 'babydoll', and finally a white lace slip thing. None of the pieces looked like any other lingerie I'd seen before, they weren't very sexy on the hangers. As the girl took them into one of the changing stalls I silently hoped to see how'd they looked on her, not to be creepy or rude but I was honestly curious as to how those things were supposed to be sexy.

"I'm not sure I have this on right," the girls small voice shyly came from behind the door.

"Do you mind showing me how you have it on?"Lilly asked sweetly. There was a moment of hesitation before the door opened and the girl stood there in the grey button up. Looking at it in person it still didn't look like something I'd be dying to rip off. "Do you still have a bra on?" Lilly asked moving to stand in front of the girl.

"Yeah, should I not have one on?" the girl joked finally loosening up a little.

"I just wanted to make sure before I started to fix it." Lilly chuckled as she started to unbutton the shirt fully. "I like this piece because you can wear it three ways. If you only button this middle button you can wear his favorite bra, he can see it but still have something more teasing on." her words calm as she stood aside so the girl could see how it looked.

"Still not a big fan of it," the guy stated. I noticed how the girls smile faltered slightly.

"Well the second thing you can do is leave the middle one buttoned and tie up the ends. If you wear your favorite panties with it you'll give a nice show." Lilly chuckled stepping aside again. I had to admit this look was extremely hot. "What do you think?" Lilly asked them both.

"I really lov-"

"You look cheap." the guy cut her off. His attitude toward her was really pissing me off.

"Oh," the sadness in the girls voice pushed me off the edge.

"That's complete bullshit. She looks hot in it." the girl blushed, smiling at my words.

"She's my girlfriend, so I know when she looks good, and that isn't it."

"Well if she was wearing that for me, it would look just as sexy on my floor as it does on her."

"Don't you dare speak about her like that."

"Too bad mate, she's fit and if you can't see it then I might as well take her off your hands. Show her how a man shows his attraction." I smirked, checking her out for good measure. The girl's blush grew, her smile still apparent. Though Lilly was giving me a look that could kill.

"Let's go Kate."

"I'll meet you outside Travis."

"Whatever," he huffed, storming out of the store.

"You should buy that one, it really does look good on you." I said to the girl. "But I'd suggest finding someone better to wear it for. Oh, and tell Travis that Harry Styles from Dalton's wants to see him."

"Thanks, I will."

"I can't believe you said that," Lilly practically growled as the girl left.

"Hey I made you a sell, or are you just jealous?" I teased.

"You're such a pig." she huffed, walking away.

"When do you get off work?"

"After 3."

The day seemed to drag on after that, all I did was sit behind the counter watching her and Danny work. She seemed happy doing this job, who knew a showgirl would love retail? I watched as Lilly strolled to the toy section of the shop before I rushed over to the lingerie area. I searched for the grey button up, finally finding it. What size is she? Rushing I pulled a small and medium off the rack.

"Who are you buying these for?" Danny asked as I placed them on the counter. I simply nodded my head toward her. "The medium it is." he chuckled.

"So what are you to her?"

"Her best friend,"

"And?"

"Look, I'm not going to stand in your way if you want to date her. Well unless you hurt her." I must have shown my shock when he continued. "Dude, I have a boyfriend."

"Well I just clocked out, do you want me to bring you anything Danny?" I stuffed the bag into my jacket before she could see it.

"Nah, you run along. Be careful and get some sleep princess." Watching him kiss her forehead wasn't as annoying anymore.

"Do you want me to give you a ride to the club later?" I asked as I started the range rover.

"I don't work tonight." her words shocked me.

"What?"

"I'm not scheduled to work tonight."

"It's Thursday, of course you're working."

"What's the big deal about Thursdays?"

"Normally it's the night that detectives and officers come in to enjoy the shows. So you barmaids get to keep them happy."

"Why do they need to be 'kept' happy?"

"This isn't a club run by some little businessman or bar owner, you're talking about the Daton gang."

"Gang?"

"London's own hardcore mafia," I chuckled thinking of the words Daton had told me when I began working for him. "We don't need trouble from the law on a good day."

"Alright."

"So do you want a ride?"

"No, I have something to do before."

"Don't be late Jinx." I smirked as we arrived at her building.

Walking into my building I grabbed my mail before making my way into the elevator.

"Well look who finally decided to show up." I groaned at the annoyed voice that became loud.

"Sorry Gem, I had other shit to do."

"And you couldn't answer my calls or texts so I could at least enter the damn flat."

"Shut up Gem you know where the extra key is."

"Too bad it's not there anymore."

"Did you really stand out here all night?"

"Where else would I go? None of your 'boys' would answer their phones either."

"What about Liam?"

"Nada."

"Nevermind, I have to get ready to go to the club."

"Why? Don't you just show up before opening?"

"I'm working the bar tonight so I need to get the bar stocked." without another word I escaped into my bathroom. Turning on the shower my thoughts drifted back to Lilly. The way she blushed last night in her room, but yet has the confidence to sell sex toys and lingerie constantly. I may never fully understand her, but trying might just be worth my time.

"Your phone is ringing."

"Who is it?" I yelled, annoyed with being interrupted.

"Marie."

"Shit," I cursed rushing to opening the door.

"At least put a towel on next time." Gem complained as she handed over the phone. I chuckled as I answered the call.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"So who were you shagging this time?" Louis teased as I wiped down the bar.
"I didn't shag anyone," I shrugged.

"Yeah right and I'm German. Gemma called me last night, you had to be shagging some bimbo to ignore your own sister."

"Shut up Louis, even you didn't answer her call."

"Come on mate, at least tell me if she was any good."

"I didn't have sex with her."

"So you admit you were with someone?"

"Yes."

"And she's female."

"Yes."

"And you didn't have sex?"

"Yes."

"Who is she?"

"A girl."

"Come one Styles."

"No,"

"How could you not tell me."

"This is a situation I have very little control in."

"You always have full control."

"Not with her."

"Sounds like you actually fancy this one."

"Just shut up and let me work." I sighed as people started to fill the club. Shot after shot, martini after martini was served. I watched over all four of the barmaids. Perrie accepted tips with a cold shoulder as Zayn sat close to the stage, his eyes glued to what was his. Marie smiled kindly at everyone whether she was pouring drinks or serving tables. Adore flirted with everyone, receiving large tips. Gemma greeted people as she took orders and handed them to me. Lilly was smiling at regulars as she made her way to the bar. I did a double take, figuring she simply wasn't going to show up.

"You're an hour and a half late." I confronted her as her body leaned against the bar.

"Considering I'm not scheduled and this is simply overtime, I don't think it matters." This girl was going to get herself into trouble around here if she kept talking like that.

"Go change and start working the VIP booths, we got detectives packed in each one."

"Alright Mr. Styles." For some reason the way she said that made my heart beat pick up.

"Order up." Perrie called to me.

"Same here." Gemma added.

"Add mine handsome." Adore winked.

Knowing this process was getting boring I decided to pull out my old tricks. I flipped glasses over onto the bar, pouring three different liquors at once. Making a true show out of it all. Woman around the club focused their attention to my acts. Too soon my orders were filled and Lilly was walking back to the bar with pad in hand. I watched her smirk as she handed me the slip, no words escaping either of our lips."You like her." Marie's words caught my attention as Lilly served her drinks.
"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Yes you do."

"Mar-"

"You haven't pulled out those moves in a few years."

"So? It gets boring back here."

"The last time you did that show was for Jass."

"Don't ever mention her to me again." Anger raced through my blood. How dare that woman bring up that bitch? God, I never want to see or hear of her name again.

"Just admit it, you like Jinx."

"May-"

"Styles, I need an old fashioned quick." Lilly's voice was smooth and calming, how did she have this affect on me?

Notes

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