Error. [H.S.]

5.

Viridescent eyes burned into me from across the conference room table, lips formed into a subtle leer. He leaned back in his rolling chair, inked art peeking out from underneath the white fabric, trailing aimlessly down his arms.

The B-team was faced with Harry Styles and his management personnel, heavily engaged in expectations, tactics, and ideas on how to transition us onto the tour so seamlessly, while still keeping protection within arms lengths at all times.

"You reckon this guy's default is set on dick mode?" Niall propped his head down near my ear, whispering his thoughts with a smile audible in his tone.

Minimal words were uttered from Harry during the duration of the meeting, only breaking his vow of silence for a brief introduction - far less talkative than when he was one-on-one. Instead of engaging, he sat with an intimidating smolder puckered on his lips.

Sure, Harry, like you could intimidate the guys with the guns.

I crack a small smile, tilting my head towards Niall, only an inch between us. "He's not terrible when it's just you and him." A faint burn coats my cheeks, my mind viciously reminding me of our encounter. "He's not so keen on respecting boundaries, though."

A scowl replaced his lighthearted grin, hand falling to rest over the hemline of my skirt - a gentle act of concern. My eyes flicker down at his compassionate gesture briefly before reuniting eye contact. "What does that mean?" Niall's luscious accent growled into my ear, switching on his protective side.

Four years ago, I was guilted into volunteering with the NYPD recruitment department to help check in potential new officer candidates. My dad taunted me with a reminder of what my guidance counselor had told me about getting community service hours on my application, convincing me that a letter from the New York City Police Commissioner would add the flare my application needed. What better way you to spend my fall break? At the time, I could think of dozens.

Fresh out of the police academy, Niall Horan stormed the competition that day to be signed on as an NYPD Officer, earning the highest scores in every section of the recruitment process out of the rival fifty-four applicants. To this day, Niall credits his dedication to the academy, but I can't help but credit his charm. From the moment he signed in at the front table with me, there was instant chemistry; not only just between the two of us, but with everyone. Niall knew this was where he belonged the moment he stepped foot through the door, and everyone within the evaluation team knew it, too.

Three years working as a K-9 officer eventually lead him to the Emergency Service Unit, and the team has been better ever since.

That day ignited the craziest, most unlikely friendship between us, the sparks between us acting as a contagious wildfire. Despite the age gap, we understood each other. Truly, it felt like we had meant something to one another in a past lifetime, brought together again to look after one another.

Platonically.

"Nothing, nothing." I quickly defend, dropping my hand over his for reassurance. "I was just in my dad's office and he wandered in and started talking to me."

Yeah, talking...

"He's just kind of demanding." I continue, shrugging off the altered story I was telling.

After another longing stare, Niall finally softened his gaze, nodding slowly. "Learned it the hard way that you can't trust people like him." His eyes wandered over to Harry, who held a clenched jaw and annoyed expression directed our way. It's like he knew we were talking about him. "I don't wanna see you get fucked around by him." Niall shook his head in disgust.