Secret Lovers // N.H.

Chapter Eight

Back at the flats, everyone was already here and ready to go. The lads were all wearing button down shirts except for Liam who wore a black V-neck shirt instead. Luckily Eleanor had helped me out by letting me borrow one of her black party dresses to go out since mine resembled more of the gowns worn by women in the 18th century than anything popular nowadays. I was a little hesitant in taking the dress at first because of it’s short length and how tight the material stuck to my body but I was later convinced when she explained that I could use it for the ‘sexy’ plan which I had not followed much lately. She also managed to make my hair into curly waves that fell down my back; a load of make-up, which she said was classy but daring and red heels to match my red lipstick.

The whole way to the club I was too afraid to look Niall in the eyes and it didn’t help that he was staring at me like he’s never seen me before, especially when we first came out into the room to announce that El and I were ready to leave. Even stranger was the moment when we got back into the van and he pushed me into his lap a little more harshly than necessary, like it was his impulse to do so. My dress covered a little higher than mid-thigh so I was being super conscious about it. It didn’t help by the way his hand was clutching the hem of the dress and when I tried to push it away, the hand came back into it’s spot, every time. His breathing was also hovering over my neck dangerously, the big knot in my stomach screaming every time he breathed out.

When we finally arrived at the club, the small nerves that lingered inside me became stronger. As soon as I stepped out of the van, the chilly night air hit my bones in every direction, the little black dress not helping in any way possible. Niall’s arm was still draped around me, his hand guiding me to the door by being placed on my lower back.

There was a really big amount of people waiting by the door, girls in dresses that resembled mine, others with dresses that were even smaller than the one I was wearing, which was not much. The boys were wearing dress up shoes; hair gelled up, big smiles. But even though there were many good-looking lads here, no one compared to our boys. They really did live up to their labels as teen heartthrobs.

Since the boys were exclusive VIP guests, we were able to go straight to the front without waiting in line. We got some angry stares but most of the people knew whom they were so they didn’t hesitate to yell out their names or try and catch their attention.

The bodyguard from up front let us in pretty quickly, his eyes only staying on us for a second as we approached him before he let us through.

The chilly night air was soon replaced with humid body heat as we went through the doors. Niall’s grip on my hips tightened and his body was very close to mine as we made way through the bodies of people into our VIP booth which consisted of a huge round table with a mini bar and a bartender behind us. There was even a small disco ball to go along with it.

Soon enough Harry called the bartender behind the table over to us and a minute later he handed every one of us a shot glass with clear liquid inside of it.

“Cheers?” Harry asked as he lifted his glass into the air. Everyone, except myself, lifted their glass in response.

“Come on Claire, live it up!” Louis exclaims from the opposite side of the booth.

“Uhm, I’m not much of a drinker really.” I respond.

Suddenly, pair of lips are softly grazing my ear as they fumble words that come as “Chicken.”

I look back at Niall to see him giving me a mischievous glint with his eyes and I frown. He is the main person in this table who should know that alcohol is something I don’t find very appealing, especially the after effects that I have seen, Niall included. The sour and harsh taste of it also makes me feel queasy.