Illusion

Chapter 19

Harry's POV

I follow Avery silently up to our room, not knowing what to think.

What the hell just happened?

I know I initiated it, deliberately so, in order to see how she'd take it. I need to gain her trust if I'm going to find out what she knows. She doesn't seem like the type of person who'll just reveal all her secrets the first chance she gets. She's too clever for that.

But what ended up happening, I wasn't prepared for. It felt like my body moved on its own accord, without my permission, my mind submissively following, completely mesmerised by my actions.

My throat constricts remembering how she felt wrapped around me, her chest pressed up against mine, breathing heavily. Her neck, oh God, her neck. The way she tilted her head, arching her porcelain skin and allowing me access, her beautiful eyes closing as her parted lips breathed shakily.

My body drew towards hers without meaning to, almost as if a magnet was pulling us together. But why? All she does is vex me with her mysteriousness. Something that I can't afford to play with if I'm going to succeed in this mission.

'I'm going to have a shower, okay?' Her quiet voice pulls me out of my thoughts and I shake my head slightly, looking up at her hesitating demeanour.

I give a quick nod, waiting as she unlocks the door and walks through, following shortly after.

She quickly steps over to her duffle bag, fumbling with the zipper until she slides it open. I watch as she tugs out a pair of pajamas, not really seeing what they look like, and then stalk over to the bathroom, shutting the door behind her without looking back.

I exhale a long breath, hating how thick the air felt with her in the room. I amble over to the bed, collapsing backwards so my feet dangled over one side. My hands find my hair as I listen to the running water coming from the bathroom, my eyes closing as I concentrate on nothing but the constant spray of water hitting the tiles.

My phone buzzes in my jean pocket and I groan out loud, reaching for the incessant device. I tug it out of my tight pocket and hit the answer button, carelessly placing it next to my ear, not being bothered to hold it properly.

'Harry?' Louis' voice rings through the other end.

'Yeah.' I answer defeatedly. I really just want to sleep right now. I've had a shit of a day and don't want to focus on anything work related. Especially the girl currently showering.

'How's it going? Did you find the warehouse?'

'Yeah, it's close by. I'll send you the address. What time are you getting here?'

'Around 9 tomorrow. We're leaving early. I take it she's staying there?'

I roll my eyes at the thought of having to leave her here. She'll probably cause some problem that I have to solve, despite being completely alone. 'Yeah, she's going to be a nuisance either way.'

'You know, you didn't have to bring her?' I hear Louis' smirk through the phone, causing me to clench my jaw.

'I need answers. I can't get them if she's back in London.'

'Obviously.' Louis' voice mocks sincerity, but you'd have to be deaf not to hear his sarcasm.

I narrow my eyes, pissed off with his insinuating tone. 'I'll see you tomorrow. Don't be late.' The line clicks as I hang up the phone, not waiting for a reply.

Louis always has a way of getting on my nerves. But I guess that's just what happens when you work with your best friend.

I stay immobilized on the bed, waiting for her to get out of the shower, my bare chest still covered in water droplets from the hot tub.