Illusion

Chapter 30

Harry's POV

I push the random girl off me, my eyes staying locked on Avery's retreating form.

My body feels overly hot, my jaw hurting from how tightly I've been clenching it. I didn't expect her to ask me about a plus one. That was the last thing I thought she'd say. But I couldn't help notice the way she asked it, as if she was waiting for me to say something.

What would I say?

What did she want me to say?

I don't know why I felt so strongly about her not bringing someone. But the second she raised the question, all reasoning went out the window. And then when she invited him... Smith or Simon, or whatever his name is, of all people. Can't she see how obsessed he is with her? It's painful how obvious it is.

And then she shows up in that stupid fucking jacket. His jacket.

Fine. If she wants to act like this, then I'll just show her just how wrong that move was.

I push through the kitchen, not bothering to cast so much as a glance in Smith's direction. I walk around the crowded island, purposefully moving towards the door she left through.

God, why did she have to turn away from me when she left. My mouth nearly unhinged when I saw her at the front door. Her insanely tight jeans hugging her form seductively, while the sequined cloth that was supposedly a top strategically only concealed her chest. But when she turned around... A silent groan left my lips seeing her bare back, decorated with only two thin straps, her jeans so sculpting that they made my mouth water.

I'd half hoped that she'd take back her offer from Smith and just show up by herself. But what did I expect really? I gave her a motive to be stubborn, and God knows she can't back down. But I guess I'm not one to talk, especially since by bringing him, it just gives me incentive to prove why she shouldn't have.

I move out into the hallway, the music dimming slightly through the thick walls. I scan my eyes down the dark hallway, until my gaze lands on her concealed form. Her back is pressed against the wall, her head tilted back with her eyes closed.

I pause for a moment. Is she okay? Is she that affected by the little show I just put on? My stomach flips suddenly. Is she jealous?

Before I even work out what I plan on doing, a gust of air blows past me as fucking Smith moves towards Avery, our arms brushing annoyingly in the process. I scowl at his movements, feeling an overwhelming sense of anger towards the fucking barista. My eyes roll uncontrollably as I watch him place an arm around her shoulders, pulling her against him.

My jaw tenses as I watch her be ensconced in his form. But my breath freezes uncharacteristically in my lungs as I focus on her stiff arms, the way she isn't actually hugging him back. My eyes widen a fraction, taking in her stand-off-ish demeanour. But before I can process what her reluctance means, she gives in to his embrace, encircling her arms around his waist.

I watch as his head turns to the side, his lips almost touching her skin as he mouths something into her ear. I feel my skin alight in heat, the veins in my neck straining as I watch them. My blood boils as he pushes the hair off her neck, his mouth moving slowly with words I can't hear.

Her head suddenly shifts to the crook of his neck and her eyes peak open, widening dramatically when she spots me.

I feel all my features darken, my jaw straining heavily. My hands that have subconsciously formed fists move behind my back so she can't see. Instead of sending her a glare, or walking towards her, I do the next best thing. Smirk.