Secrets / Black & White / Playing for Keeps

It was hard to get that kiss out of her mind, her thoughts constantly returning to the memory. He had left early the next morning after they had spent the night in each other’s arms, leaving an empty spot in her bed.

That night, Harry had to attend a record company dinner, but instead he ended up ay Lara’s door.

“Aren’t you meant to be going out tonight?” She asked, but he shook his head with a smile as he backed her into the living room. Instead they ordered takeout and sprawled on the couch watching movies, just like the old days. Only this time, Harry’s phone was on silent, allowing them to relax with no interruptions.

Lara had been watching the screen so intently, that she did not notice that Harry’s eyes were just as intently focussed on her. She looked at him from the corner of her eye and smiled as he grew closer. Soon they were exchanging long kisses, leaving her breathless and with a deep desire for more.

When he called the next day, Lara tried to hide her pleasure. She had not been able to get Harry out of her mind and had been feeling restless all day, trying and failing at concentrating on her school work.

“Are you coming over?” She asked.

There was a pause and she cringed at her inability to hide her eagerness.

“Do you want me to come over?” He asked and she could sense he was smirking.

“You’ve been coming over every single night… so I figured tonight wouldn’t be any different.”
She replied, trying not to sound too defensive.

“Hm.”

“Look Harry… I don’t want to play games anymore.”

“Neither do I.”

The knock on the door soon after was enough to make her heart skip a beat. She tentatively answered it to see Harry looking back at her, just as tentative.

“No more games?” Lara asked.

“No more games.” He responded.

She led him into the apartment and he glanced around nervously.

“Are we alone?”

Lara nodded and they were the last words spoken as she reached out to take off his jacket. Soon her hands were running over his warm skin as she helped unbutton his shirt. Harry wasted no time in reciprocating, until she stood before him only in her underwear. He removed the elastic holding her hair in a ponytail, allowing her long hair to frame her face. His hands circled her waist, pulling her close as they slipped into her underwear and sliding them down her legs. By now, Lara took control, taking Harry by surprise as she backed him onto her bed.

He lay back onto the covers and looked up her expectantly, a small smile playing on his lips as her mouth lowered onto his bare chest. He watched her as she trailed her lips over him, her tongue momentarily flicking over his nipple, causing him to shudder with pleasure.

She imprisoned his hands in hers and placed them above his head, covering his body with kisses, her tongue licking its way over his sensitive spots, his responsive moans ringing in her ears. When she finally straddled him, she looked down to see him staring up at her, his green eyes heavily lidded and his lips gently parted. He stretched his arm out, his hand closing over her breast and tenderly caressing it. Lara could feel how hard he was as his length pressed against her, leaving her wet with desire. She could not help but slowly move her hips against him in response, aching for him to take her. She enjoyed his caress for a few moments more before Harry grabbed and switched their positions… holding her down by the wrists before gently beginning to touch her body. She arched her back as his hands travelled over her breast and down between her legs where they paused, his fingers slowly rubbing her soft folds. She involuntarily squeezed her thighs together at the pleasurable sensation, before relaxing and allowing Harry to continue. She could feel the pleasure building within her, as his lips lightly nibbled and kissed her exposed neck, tenderly making their way down to her breasts.

“I can’t wait anymore.” He murmured and she nodded in response as his hands gently spread her thighs. The room was silent except for the heavy breathing and low moans that escaped their lips. They slowly made love, savouring the sensation as he withdrew and entered her, taking his time as they began to reach their high. His thrusts soon became harder and faster as they succumbed to the overpowering desire to come in an explosion of pleasure that lingered as he rocked into her.


“You’re mine.” Harry whispered.

“No, you’re mine.” Lara whispered back and they both laughed. His arms embraced her close as they lay in bed, in a warm tangle of limbs.

X

When Lara received a phone call from a private number the next day, she answered it immediately. Harry had told her in passing that he was changing his phone number (something he did often due to privacy concerns) and she was eager to speak to him.

“Hello?”

Silence greeted her and she hung on for a moment waiting for a response.

“Harry?”

“Lara, it’s me.”

Her blood ran cold when she recognised the familiar voice.

“What do you want?”

“C’mon Lara… is that any way to talk to an old friend?”

Ben’s easy going tone invaded her space and she found herself leaning against the front door of her apartment, as though using it as a shield from the outside world.

“What do you want?” She repeated, trying to keep her voice firm.

“I have news.” He said.

“News?”

“News about Harry.”

Lara paused for so long, that Ben continued to speak.

“Meet up with me.” He told her. “Please. It’s do with Harry and it’s important.”

“What’s Harry life got to do with me?” Lara finally spoke. “We don’t even keep in touch-”

“Bullshit.” Ben laughed. “We know you’re still in touch. Hell, I know he’s been holing up at your place every night this week.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because it’s my fucking job to know where he is and what’s he doing.” He replied bluntly.

“And trust me when I say, things are not looking good for him. So if you want to help him, you’ll meet up with me.”

Ben rattled off the time and place, choosing a café Lara knew he liked. They had been there numerous times before during their past dysfunctional relationship.
And it looks like it was going continue, Lara thought miserably, as she hung up and checked the time.

Later that afternoon, she walked into the café and almost felt a sense of déjà vu when she spotted Ben sitting at a table, his head bowed as he studied the menu. Taking a deep breath, she approached the table and eased herself into the chair opposite.

“Lara.” He said with a smile. “I’m glad you made it.”

“I can’t stay long.” She said bluntly.

“That’s fine… but I couldn’t help but order a couple of appetisers…”

“Ben-”

“Relax.”

They were interrupted by a waitress who placed a large carafe of mineral water. A far cry from the bottles of wine they would usually consume or the customary vodka Ben would order. Lara took a sip of her water and looked up to see Ben admiring her.

“You look great.” He told her. “You look so nice with long hair.”
Her honey blonde hair now hung halfway down her back and she self-consciously shifted in her chair and her eyes momentarily clouded as she recalled a long ago memory. It was during the time she had been living with Ben, when her life was a blur of cocaine and alcohol.

“I got me a little something tonight.” Ben had said and she looked over to the pile of white powder on the table. She couldn’t help but eagerly take a step toward it, instantly regretting her actions when he said.

“Are you going to give me a little something first?”

Lara froze as their eyes met, and he smiled at her.

“Take your shoes off.”

She paused for a moment before kicking off her Converse sneakers, not bothering to unlace them.

“Take your shirt off.” He said.

Lara slipped her top over her head and dropped it on the floor. She watched as his eyes travelled from her face, down to her white cotton bra.

“You can take the jeans off too.” He added as an afterthought.

“Ben-“

“Take your jeans off.” He repeated evenly. She sighed softly before unzipping her jeans and bending over to pull them off.

The cold air prickled her skin, as she stood before him in her underwear. His hot stare seared her skin as he watched her approvingly, his eyes raking over her body. She felt her gaze wander to the cocaine on the table, and she could feel the urge build up within her.

“Come here.” Ben said and she jumped slightly at his voice. She slowly made her way toward him aware of the shift of energy in the room, and it all seemed to weigh in favour of Ben who motioned for her to kneel before him. He leant back on the couch with a contented sigh, his mouth curled up in a half smile.

Lara now blinked, as Ben came back into focus, the look of admiration still evident in his eyes. She opened her mouth to speak, but was interrupted by the waitress who returned with a couple of plates of appetisers. A pang of hunger hit her and ignoring her misgivings, she slowly began to eat.

“What have you been doing to him?” Ben suddenly asked, catching her off guard.

“What are you talking about?”

“Harry’s a fucking mess. He’s been missing in action for the past week. I don’t know what you’re doing, but it’s not hard to guess.”

Lara frowned at the smirk on Ben’s face before his face grew serious.

“It’s been downhill since Skye died.” He said. “The boys weren’t doing too well even before that, but now… well let’s just say that was a scandal they didn’t need.”

He listed a few other reasons, such as Zayn’s descent into drugs and Louis’ disinterest in the band. Even Liam and Niall had been affected by the whirlwind, citing exhaustion and pleading for time off.

“But Harry’s the golden boy. And even he’s been fucking up.” Ben said. “Julian’s just about given up. And I know the boys think they want this… but I’m sure when it hits home, our golden boy ain’t gonna be too happy.”

“Why?” Lara asked confused.

“One Direction are no more.”

“Sorry?”

“One Direction.” Ben said slowly. “Julian’s breaking them up.”

Notes

It's been a while... hope you liked it... let me know what you think :)