Secrets / Black & White / Playing for Keeps

Lara’s first instinct was to walk away but before she could, Harry’s hand closed over her wrist and she was made to face the camera. She could see Julian watching from the sea of faces before her and it was clear from his expression that she was to get through the next few photos without causing a scene.

She allowed a small smile and could feel Harry’s grip loosen before his arm went around her shoulders. They posed for a string of photos until the endless camera flashes made Lara see white spots. Finally Harry dropped his arm and Lara wasted no time stalking over to Julian, ignoring Ben who stood beside him.

“If Harry speaks to me that way again, then the deal is off.” She seethed.

“What did he say?” Julian asked calmly

“I-it doesn’t matter what he said.” Lara stuttered. “He was rude to me and I’m not going to keep doing this if this is how it’s going to be.”

“Okay, okay.” Julian said with a wave of his hand. “I’ll speak to Harry and remind him to use his manners.”

Lara did not miss the amused look Julian cast in Ben’s direction and she felt a surge of anger.

“I mean it Julian.”

“I will speak to him.” Julian said in measured tones.Lara glared at him before spinning on her heel and walking away. Jessica tentatively approached her and managed to discreetly remove her from the outdoor area and into the venue.

“How about a drink?” Jessica suggested cheerfully.

“I don’t drink.” Lara replied tensely. She could see a look of realisation cross Jessica’s face and she felt embarrassed.

“Oh. Sorry, I forgot-” Jessica apologised.

It seemed like everyone knew about her past problems and although she had made a valiant effort to put it all behind her, it seemed like she was unable to escape it. She relented and ordered a mineral water, but she almost missed the feeling of drowning her sorrows with a glass of wine.

As the night wore on, the boys were mingling with the crowd and Lara was seated alone after Jessica disappeared to grab a drink and catch up with her co-workers. Lara was contemplating on whether she could escape the party without being caught when she spotted Louis standing in the distance.

She had been avoiding him for a long time and although she by all rights she should avoid him, she could not help but return his gaze. A figure suddenly obscured her vision and she looked up in horror to see Ben approaching her with a tentative smile. The feeling of being trapped engulfed her and she quickly glanced around for an escape. She saw Louis gesture toward an alcove and she quickly stumbled her way through to the entrance.

“Glad you got away?” Louis suddenly appeared beside her and she could not help but gasp in surprise.

“Yeah.” She said breathlessly, ignoring the amused look on his face.

“So am I.” He said with a smile.

An awkward silence followed and Lara could tell he wanted to say something. His blue eyes searched her face as if he was gauging her mood and she could not help but look away shyly.

“I’ve missed you.” He finally said. “I keep calling and you never answer.”

“I know… I’m sorry. I’ve just been laying low… just trying to figure out some things.” She told him and was relieved when he nodded as though he understood.

“I’ve kinda been doing the same.” He said. “So everything is good now?”

“Things were good. But now…” Lara trailed off, gesturing helplessly to surroundings.

“It’s like you’re back where you started.” Louis finished for her. They both shared a meaningful look before Louis’ face grew serious.

“Keep away from Ben… you don’t want him to drag you down again.”

“I’ll keep out of his way.” Lara nodded, before taking a deep breath. “I better go… I don’t want Julian to catch us talking.”

Lara turned to leave, only to feel Louis’ hand touch her arm.

“Lara.” He said. “Sorry about what happened.”

“It’s okay.” Lara said instantly, not wanting to dwell on it. But as she walked away, she could not help but recall the look on Louis’ face as he kissed her and then the entire scene flashed in her mind.

They had been sitting together on the couch going through swatches of fabric and Lara had been deep in thought as she held up a plain and pattered turquoise square.

“Are you hungry?” She had blurted. “I’m starving.”

She looked up to see Louis watching her closely with an affectionate smile.

His blue eyes were intense as he leant forward and kissed her firmly on the lips. It was a forceful gesture which made her freeze in response, unable to pull away when his hand rested on her thigh.

The memory was now interrupted by the sight of Harry having a heated conversation with Julian. She watched as Harry argued with him before they both simultaneously turned to look at her. Lara blinked back, aware that she must have looked like a deer in headlights as she watched Harry steadily approach her. Before she could think of anything to say, he had taken her by the arm and led her to a secluded seating area.

“Let’s sit.” He said gruffly and they bumped hips as they sat side by side. Lara skittishly shifted over, but he grabbed her by the wrist. “Not too far away. Let’s make this good, otherwise they’ll make us do it again.”

He loosened his grip but did not let go as he glanced to his left. Lara followed his gaze to see him eyeing a photographer wielding a camera. Harry bit his bottom lip nervously before he squeezed her arm.

“Look at me.” He said, and Lara realised she had automatically bowed her head at the sight of the photographer. She tentatively looked up into his eyes. Although they were still the same shade of emerald green she could not help but focus on how bleary they looked; a tell-tale sign of his drinking. He held her gaze and she could tell he was studying her face closely.

“I think you look better without makeup.” He said with a slight slur.

“Well, it doesn’t really matter what you think.” Lara shot back. “Not anymore.”

“Take it easy.” He frowned. “It was meant to be a compliment.”

Lara rolled her eyes and pulled her hand away from him only for him to promptly grab it again.

“Can you at least smile? Then maybe we can get this over with quickly.” He said.

“Only if you don’t start up with me again.” Lara retorted.

“Start up?” Harry said confused before he realised what she meant. “Well you can hardly blame me… after what you did.”

“I didn’t do anything.” She said through gritted teeth. A quick glance to the side and she could see the photographer examining his camera before resuming with the picture taking. How many photos do they need, she couldn’t help but bitterly think.

“Hmm.” Harry said unconvinced and a look of hurt briefly crossed his face. “So what does your boyfriend think about you being here tonight?”

“He’s fine with it.” Lara said stiffly as Harry gently played with her fingers. It was a strangely intimate gesture and she resisted the temptation to pull away. “He’s very understanding actually.”

“Not the jealous type then?” Harry asked.

“No. He’s not like that. He knows it’s all for show.”

“Wow. How big of him. You’ve really got a keeper there.”

“Yeah, I think I do.” Lara said, ignoring his sarcastic tone.

He still held one hand as he slowly inched his way closer to her, his other hand reaching up to tenderly touch her cheek.

“Can I have my hand back?” Lara asked, only for him to ignore her. “What are you doing?”

“Just testing.” He finally said.

“Testing what?” Lara said uncertainly as he caressed her.

“Just how much your boyfriend loves you.”

Without warning he lightly pressed his lips under her ear and she could not help but breathe in sharply at the sensation.

“Okay, show’s over.” He breathed.

Harry lifted himself from the couch and she stared incredulously as he walked away without a backward glance.

Lara left the venue not long after, successfully avoiding Ben and Julian who were involved in an intense conversation. As she quickly made her way through the crowd, she momentarily paused when she spotted Harry. His arms were wrapped around a blonde and they were brazenly kissing. She could not help but let her gaze linger on the way his hands grabbed her ass as he deepened the kiss. She shook her head as she walked out and hailed the very first taxi she saw.

X

The headline screamed out at her as Lara scrolled through the news site.

Harry Gets Cosy With Ex

Lara quickly scanned the article until she found her name.

Harry was spotted having an intimate conversation with his ex-girlfriend, Lara Ballantyne. The couple seemed to only have eyes for each other, sealing it all with a kiss.

Lara studied the photos and was surprised only to see four photos accompanying the article. The first photo depicted the two in their formal pose, Harry smiling broadly contrasting with Lara’s small smile. The caption below read: Lara lends her support to Harry at the movie premiere.

The other three photos showed them seated on the couch. Harry was holding her hand and they were both staring in each other’s eyes. She could not help but sigh deeply at the third photo of Harry kissing her. Lara could recognise the tension she felt at the time, but to the rest of the world, they appeared to be engaged in an intimate conversation.

“How was last night?” The sound of Tony’s voice made her jump. Before she could close her laptop, Tony was looking over her shoulder and she could not help but hold her breath as he silently looked at the photos.

“Hmm…” Tony hummed.

“It was just for the camera.”

“Lara, you don’t have to explain it…” Tony began.

“So you’re not angry.”

“No, I’m not angry.” He said. “I’m not happy about it… but I’m not angry about it.”

Lara put her arms around his neck and kissed him. Tony may not have been angry, but Julian more than made up for that.

“I personally went through all of the photos before they went to the press and would you believe I only found four that were okay for publication?” He seethed over the phone. “You looked like you didn’t even want to be there. I was lucky to approve any of them!”

Lara sat through the entire tirade in silence, only to hear Julian calling her name.

“Lara, are you listening?” He asked.

“Yes I am listening.” She said in a slow measured tone. “And now it’s your turn to listen up. The next time you speak to Harry Styles, you tell him to keep his hands to himself…
otherwise I quit.”

A familiar laugh was heard and Lara bristled in response.

“Harry’s right here.” Julian said. “I have you on speaker phone.”

“Did I make your boyfriend all sad?” Harry spoke up.

“Julian.” Lara said in a warning tone.

“Harry shut up and Lara read the fine print.” Julian snapped and Lara promptly hung up in response.

Why did you have to have to tell on me?

Lara stared at the message Harry sent not long after. She knew that this whole thing was not going to be easy. But she had not realised it was going to be so hard.

Notes

I freaked out today because this site changed the way I logged in and I thought I lost my account! :/
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Anyway, hope you enjoyed the chapter- your comments honestly keep me writing, so keep them coming! Let me know what you'd like to happen, or whatever's on your mind.