Illusion

Chapter 5

Avery's POV

My head spins as I move my hips to the beat. The music blares through the speakers as I feel countless sweaty bodies grind up against me. The dim red lights flicker around the dance floor, highlighting people mid-indiscretion.

My eyes skim over Ivy, who's dancing seductively with Niall, and Maddie, who's making out with Zayn off to the side. Well, at least they're having more fun than me.

I feel the last effects of alcohol buzzing through my bloodstream while I dance. My hands find my hair and I flip the sweaty mess of my neck, turning around as I do so. God it's hot. I really just want a drink of water and to sit down for a bit, but I don't really feel like sitting alone in a crowded club.

I spot Louis off to the side, sipping his beer while on his phone and decide to weave my way through the crowd before I can think twice, approaching him on only slightly wobbly legs.

His eyes stay glued to his phone as I wrap my hand around his forearm, feeling the muscles tense under his leather jacket. 'Come dance with me, Maddie and Ivy are busy.' I say probably too whiny, but I don't care, I'm bored and need to hang out with someone if I'm going to spend any more time here.

Louis looks up and gives me a million-dollar smile, his eyes crinkling on the sides. 'Alright, but only if you buy me a drink first.' I give him a cheeky smile, and take his hand to lead him to the bar.

My head feels like it's thumping with the music as we weave through the crowd. Ugh, I really just want to go home. We reach the bar and Louis hails a bartender, ordering another beer.

He turns his head towards me and steps closer, the noise being extremely loud. Louis' hand finds my lower back and he gently pulls me into him, speaking clearly into my ear so I could hear him.

'Do you want anything love?'

I open my lips to tell him my drink, but right as the words are about to leave my mouth, a low growl emits from behind me.

'I think she's had enough, don't you Lou?'

My body tenses up as I feel Harry press him chest up against my back, his warm body leaning down into my ear for the second time that night. 'Now, what did I say about you behaving tonight?' His breath washes over my neck, making me taste mint and a hint of cigarettes.

I swallow harshly as my throat becomes dry. I try to piece together a logical answer, but my brain is too fuzzy to connect words into an articulate sentence. His lips are pursed lightly against my skin, causing goosebumps to raise all over my body.

'Answer me Avery.' Harry's suddenly harsh tone makes me jump.

'I, um, need to be good?' I respond timidly.

I can feel Harry smirk into my neck, his chest still pressing against my back. 'Uh huh. And did you do what you were told?' I begin to shake my head. 'Words Avery.'

'N-no.' I sputter out

Harry's breath pours over my tingling skin as a low laugh emits from his smirking lips. 'Careful baby, you don't want to see my bad side.' My breath is stuck in my throat, my lungs not moving.

Harry suddenly steps away from me and walks over to Louis, making my body run cold from no longer having his warm form pressed up behind me.

His black leather jacket stretches under his broad shoulder muscles, his arms flexing slightly in the tight sleeves. Harry turns around, seeking out my gaze until I'm locked in his unwavering green stare.

Louis looks up from where he's been staring at his phone, unfazed by this whole interaction. Harry doesn't break my eye contact as he slowly leans down and whispers something into Louis' ear, causing Louis to nod once and say, 'I'll be here if you need me.'