Secrets / Black & White / Playing for Keeps

Lara sat transfixed despite the screams that erupted around her. It was proving to be a bit of an eye opener watching One Direction perform live in concert. She had never really given their music a chance in the past, but she caught herself enjoying a couple of the songs. It was even more impressive to watch Harry strut around on stage, looking as though he were completely in his element.

When he caught her eye during ‘Story of My Life’ and smiled cheekily, she found herself unable to keep her eyes off him. She realised that maybe she was making it obvious because she caught Liam whisper to Niall motioning toward her. She wasn’t sure how they had picked her out from the sea of faces in the audience, but somehow they knew exactly where to look. A few moments later they were whispering to Harry who just shook his head with a grin on his face. He playfully punched Niall in the shoulder, which sparked a mock fight.

At the end of the show she finally joined the group along with the rest of the entourage. Niall approached her with a smile.

“What did you think?”

Before she could answer Harry interrupted.

“Didn’t you know Niall? Young Lara here isn’t a fan of our music.” He walked by sticking his tongue out at her. She watched as he slung an arm around Louis’ shoulder and spoke in his ear.

“I enjoyed it.” Lara mumbled embarrassed.

“Aw I believe her.” Niall said with an understanding wink.

The group were still on a high from their performance and were promptly moved to a different
venue to continue the party. Modest rounded up everyone and they made their way to a bar. It was a low lit bar with couches and a cordoned off area especially reserved for the group.

Lara began to regret tagging along, wishing she could return to the safety of the hotel. None of the girlfriends had accompanied them. Perrie had promotional duties with Little Mix, Sophie had family commitments and she had no idea why Eleanor had not joined them.

There were a few Modest employees accompanying them, along with a few other people.

Lara hovered near the bar, feeling a little at a loss. Ben had not accompanied them to the States, for reasons she was even unsure of, so she didn’t have him to turn to either. Not that she usually did; he drank so much at these kinds of social gatherings that it was impossible to get a coherent sentence out of him.

“You want a drink?” Harry asked. She jumped slightly not having notice him approach her.

“I’m not much of a drinker.”

“I think you should have a drink.” He said. “It’ll loosen you up.”

Lara watched as he ordered her a Vodka Cruiser and handed it to her, waiting for her to taste it. She took a swig of the berry flavoured drink and made a face.

“It’s sweet.” She said.

“Just like lolly water.” He said, with a smile.

They had wandered over to the pool table, and Harry grabbed a cue stick. Lara sipped her drink, noticing how his eyes kept darting back the bar where the rest of the boys were sitting.

He appeared to be deep in thought before he offered Lara a cue stick.

“Wanna play?”

She placed her drink down and accepted it.

“I’m actually pretty good.” She said, “A friend of mine had one at home and we used to play all the time.”

“Can you pretend you don’t know how to play?”

“Why? So you can win?” She asked confused.

“No...” He placed his hands on her hips and turned her to face the table. “So I can do this.”

The intimate position made her gasp softly, as she felt him press up against her. He guided the cue stick and lined it up with the ball. With a swift movement they hit the ball and watched as if it fell into the pocket. He was close to her now, his mouth in her hair, and she realised with surprise that she could feel him going hard.

“Is this turning you on?” She asked without thinking. She half turned her head to see him laugh, the scent of alcohol on his breath. Before they could line up the next ball, Lara noticed Louis saunter toward them.

“Is there something wrong with her arms?” Louis asked sarcastically and Lara looked up at him quizzically. “Can’t you hit the ball on your own?”

“Just ignore him.” Harry murmured.

Louis looked around the room.

“So who are you trying to convince?” He asked.

“What?” Lara asked.

“There’s no press around, nobody’s paying attention, why pretend?”

“You know what Louis? Why don’t you concentrate on your own girlfriend?” Harry said annoyed.

“She’s not here Harry.” He shot back. The two boys stared at each other for a moment.

“Can you let me go?” Lara asked in a small voice. Harry loosened his grip and she stood awkwardly. Louis walked away in a huff, leaving Harry to glance uncomfortably at Lara.

“Don’t worry about Louis, he gets a bit funny when he drinks.”

She could see Louis angrily talking to Liam, and then not long after leave the bar. Harry pretended nothing was bothering him as he ordered another drink.

That night Harry crawled into the bed next to her.

“You don’t mind, do you?” He asked.

“I’ll be back in a moment.” She said. But she didn’t go back. Instead she curled up on the couch and promptly fell asleep.

*********************************************************

“What was that about last night?” He asked her on the way to the airport. “Did you think I was going to take advantage of you or something?”

She gave him a look, ignoring his question. She didn’t know what his agenda was, and she was too tired to try and figure it out. When they boarded the airplane, Lara opted to sit with the Modest employees. Liam and Louis sat together, whilst Zayn was asleep before take-off. Harry and Niall sat at the back.

“Lara, there’s room here if you want to sit with us.” Harry called out in a sing song voice.

“I’m fine where I am.” She replied haughtily, not bothering to look back.

She could hear them laugh to themselves like two little naughty kids and she rolled her eyes. She didn’t know why she was annoyed with him, but she did know she wanted space.

As the plane headed to London, she vowed she’d return to New York. As soon as this whole Harry thing finished, she’d be back.

Notes

Hope you enjoyed it :)