If only you saw what I can see
You'd understand why I want you so desperately

“You awake?” He mumbled into her hair.

Lara curled up in bed as she felt Harry’s arms wrap around her.

“Mmm.” She responded stretching her body and feeling his hands descend to her hips. It was the night of the charity event and Lara could not help but feel a sense of dread.

She wondered if she belonged in Harry’s world, where a camera tracked their every move.

She worried about fitting in with his friends and even facing the other boys in the band. She strangely was not overly worried about facing Julian. Louis had sent her several messages in recent days about the fallout that followed his fake sick day. Apparently Julian had threatened him with all sorts of things and had attempted to coax Eleanor back to Louis. She had refused, Louis had laughed in his face, and this all made Lara finally realise that maybe just maybe Julian wasn’t as powerful as she had made him out to be.

“Are you ready for tonight?” Harry asked, lying on his back and pulling her close so her head now rested on his bare chest.

“I think so.”

“You picked up the dress, didn’t you?” Harry said. “And you made the hairdresser appointment?”

Harry had bought her a beautiful long white evening dress with a plunging neckline. Lara had paled at the price tag, but he had insisted she wear it.

“Yes… everything’s done. I guess I’m just feeling a little nervous.” Lara confessed.

“Nervous about what? You’re going to be with me.” Harry said, placing his hand under her pyjama top and caressing her back. “You’re not scared of Julian are you?”

“No-“

“I don’t care what he thinks or wants… and I told him that. So you’ve got nothing to worry about, okay? I just want you to be by my side.”

Lara smiled at his words and snuggled closer to his chest. She still worried, but knowing that
Harry would be there for her made all the difference.

Lara could not help but stare at her reflection in the mirror. She had just had her hair and make-up done by one of Harry’s friends. Her long honey blonde hair now tumbled down in gentle waves, her makeup was subtle except for the hot pink lipstick and the little jewels sewn into her backless white dress sparkled in the light.

“Nobody will be able to take their eyes off you.” The hairstylist smiled at her.

Lara could feel her stomach tie up in knots. She wanted a fix and she wanted one now.

Maybe that would help settle her nerves. It felt like forever since she and Louis had spent the day getting high and she was finding it hard to get through the day without a little pick me up.
She took a deep breath to bring herself back in the moment.

It wasn’t long before Harry arrived and she could not help but beam when his face broke into a smile and he took her the arms.

“You look gorgeous.” He said proudly. “I knew this dress was the right one for you.”

He hugged her close as he whispered in her ear.

“I’m so glad you’re going to be with me tonight.”
X

Lara peered out the window as they pulled up to the gala event.

“Take a deep breath.” Harry said. “You’re with me, remember?”

They pulled up to a side door and Lara saw a confused look cross Harry’s face.

“Why are we stopping here?” He asked the driver.

“Those were my instructions.” The driver replied.

Harry was distracted by the sight of Julian standing outside and he quickly stepped out of the car to confront him.

“Why weren’t we let out at the red carpet?” He demanded.

“You can both enter from here.” Julian said dismissively.

“Why?” Harry asked although it was obvious from the grim expression on Julian’s face. He had thrown a glance at Lara but had not bothered to acknowledge her.

“You’re performing, so I thought it was best if you prepared. It’s easier if you just enter here than get caught up on the red carpet.”

Harry regarded him for a moment and it was not hard to see his irritation.

“We’re here for a charity, yeah?” He seethed. “If we’re here for a charity then I want everyone to know I’m here.”

“They already know you’re here.” Julian pointed out impatiently.

“If I’m gonna get papped, I want it to be here.” Harry ignored him. “I’m here to support a charity and that’s what I’m going to do.”

Harry ducked into the car next to Lara and motioned to the driver.

“Take us to the front.” He ordered.

Lara glanced at him, secretly surprised. She was so used to Harry giving in to Julian’s demands that seeing him stand up for himself made her cheer on the inside.

“I didn’t mind going in through the side door.” She leaned over to whisper in his ear.

“Nope. You deserve to be seen.” Harry smiled back.

Despite the chaos, they were still met by Julian and a couple of PR types who inconspicuously shadowed them as they prepared to make their way down the red carpet.

“Where are the others?” Harry wondered aloud.

“Inside.” Julian said without even looking at him.

Harry shot him a dark look before firmly taking Lara by the arm and leading her away without a backward glance.

“Let’s go.” Harry mumbled. Lara took in the scene before her; a red carpet lined with reporters and fans and forced her feet to take a step forward instead of heading the opposite way.

The walk would have lasted a few minutes but it felt like hours for Lara. Harry seemed to turn on the charm like a tap as he greeted the reporters he was familiar with and paused to pose for a couple of photos with eager fans. Lara stood smiling on the sidelines, trying to feel as though she fit in, but feeling decidedly out of place. A reporter chose that moment to sidle up and ask about her recent hospital stay. As Lara opened her mouth to reply, Harry returned to her side and firmly led her away. Lara was too relieved to be annoyed by the interruption; after all Harry had once warned her about how easy it was to have your words twisted by the media. When a female reporter asked if he could confirm the new relationship, Harry merely winked at her.

Once inside they were ushered toward a large candlelit round table. Lara saw the boys of the band before they saw her, standing around chatting before being seated.

Harry seemed to forget she was there for a moment as he let go of her arm to greet them. Lara hung back, her fingers fumbling with her clutch as she self-consciously waited for him to return to her side. He gave her an apologetic smile as Niall approached to hug her.

“You okay?” He asked cheerfully. Liam greeted her politely along with Sophie who gave her a warm hug.

Zayn stood with Perrie, who Lara had not seen for a long time. They greeted each other with a smile and brief hug, and Lara caught Zayn exchanging a meaningful glance with Louis. Her eyes finally locked with Louis who looked her up and down and raised his eyebrows in appreciation. It took a few moments for her to realise his arm was linked with a tall, willowy blonde. He stepped forward to greet with her a hug and she tried not to laugh when she saw Niall and Liam. They were so used to the hostility between the two, that the sight of Louis and Lara being friendly caught them off guard as they stood there with a surprised expression on their faces.

“Lara this is Jade.” Louis said.

“Nice to meet you.” Jade smiled and they shook hands politely. Before long they were seated at the table. Lara secretly hoped Louis would sit beside her but he was led to the opposite side of the table. Harry sat beside her and Zayn somehow got lost in the shuffle and ended up next to Lara. From the corner of her eye Lara could see him trying to swap with Perrie, but she was so immersed in her conversation with Sophie, that she waved him away.

Lara was thankful for Harry by her side. He included her in the conversation and would lean over to whisper in her ear and tenderly kiss her cheek.

After dinner, Harry’s attention was taken by people table hopping, eager to have his attention. He was eventually led away to meet other people with a reluctant look on his face.

Lara sipped her water and studied Louis’ pretty and poised date unable to figure out why he wasn’t paying any attention to her. Instead, he would catch Lara’s eye every now and then and roll his eyes or make a funny face. She was lost in her own thoughts when she accidentally bumped arms with Zayn.

“Sorry.” She quickly said.

“S’okay.” Zayn mumbled back only to notice Lara giggle. “What’s so funny?”

He followed her gaze to see Louis laughing at their awkward exchange. Zayn shook his head at the two and turned his attention to Perrie beside him. Harry returned to the table and apologised to Lara when he was approached yet again. This time it was Julian who led him away and Lara could not help but sigh as she sat there and fidgeted with her napkin. She looked up to see Louis discreetly trying to get her attention. He nodded toward one of the exits and then leaned in to say something to his date. Lara waited a minute or so before leaving the table and following Louis to the outdoor section.

“Wanna get out of here?”

Lara looked around to finally see Louis standing in the dim light.

“What about your date?” Lara asked nervously.

“Her?” Louis made a face. “I don’t even know her name.”

Lara gave him an unconvinced look but let him take her hand and lead her away. She quickly withdrew it and glanced around, hoping nobody spotted them. They climbed a staircase which led them to a lounge area filled with big booths. A few couples sat around, engrossed in each other and barely paid attention as Louis pulled her by the hand. He sat her down on an overstuffed booth and then took his place next to her. Lara squeezed further in until she was sitting against the wall, and then turned to him with an expectant look.

“You do know her name.” Lara said pointedly.

“Who’s name?”

“Your date’s name.”

“Oh her.” Louis rolled his eyes. “So what? She’s just someone I had to bring along.”

“Uh huh.” Lara said, still not convinced.

“Did I say how pretty I think you look tonight?” Louis said suddenly. “Because you do.”

He awkwardly looked away before pulling out the cocaine. Lara’s eyes widened in response and it took all her strength to not kiss him in appreciation. All her anxiety seemed to disappear at the sight of the white powder, knowing that her next fix was only moments away. Lara glanced around the room before indulging herself.

“I needed this so much.” She said, closing her eyes and breathing easier now than she had all night.

“Fuck yeah.” Louis replied as he watched her. They were almost through the stash when a shadow fell across the table. Their heads snapped up to see Harry standing over them. Lara guiltily glanced at Louis before returning her gaze to Harry.

“So.” He said. “Aren’t you guys going to share or not?”

Notes

Sorry for not posting in a while: I forgot to mention in the last chapter, that you guys have finally caught up with me. All the previous chapters had been pre-written, which is why I updated so often. This won't be the case anymore, because right now I have yet to start the next chapter!

So please bear with me and please continue to leave your comments.

Also, if you feel like reading another story by me, please read 'The Wrong Woman' (A Harry AU) which I hope you'll also like.