Should We Just Keep Driving? [Zarry Stylik AU]©️

Chapter 4

The call came early the next morning with Niall alerting Zayn that the mystery team had finished the initial report and wanted to meet both of them at headquarters as soon as possible Niall was already on his way.

Looking at the clock, the CEO noticed it was shortly after 07h00am. He fell against the pillows, feeling destroyed. Another night with him working late and not getting enough hours of sleep. He dozed off as the sun peeked through the dark sky, but it wasn't enough and now up he was again. Sitting on the bed, Zayn rolled his neck from side to side, battling to keep his eyes open.

Perhaps, tomorrow he'd sleep better when he had a clear path ahead.

Tossing his sheets aside, the businessman found the strength within himself to shower and get dressed, before coming down the steps.

The cold shower had helped awake him and now he was moving on pure energy. He wondered what they had found and how they could fix it.

Zayn entered the kitchen, finding Zora making breakfast for the family and Safira standing with her going over the grocery list.

"Mr Malik?" The governess was surprised to see him up so early. "Up so soon?"

"Yes, I need to go to the office. Is Jonathan here?"

"Not yet. He only comes around 08h30.

"Blast..." Another question popped into his mind. "Is the Bentley here?"

"Yes,"

"Okay. I'd like the keys, please."

The Governess paused for a moment unsure of what to do, but in the end, Safira went to the drawer to find the keys to the Bentley.

"Are you sure you want to drive? Harry is here, he can drive you and Rob is coming any moment now-"

"No need, Safira. Thank you."

Zayn grabbed the car keys and an apple, heading out the kitchen door.

****

He made sure to think about it as little as possible, so the anxiety of driving wouldn't hit him too hard. He kept at a steady speed, within his lane, respecting other drivers. His muscle memory came into play, touching the pedals at the right moment and assessing danger on all sides.

Ever since Ben, Zayn didn't drive anymore - getting behind the wheel was too triggering. The trick was to keep his mind busy before the intrusive thoughts gave way and sent him on a spiral.

At his hour, most of the city was still asleep so it was easy to navigate through. He realized it had been a good time since he last drove in London streets, but he pushed the thought before it came too prevalent in his mind.

Zayn got the Innov and parked the car in his designated seat (which once belonged to his father) It was only when he turned off the engine, that he noticed how hard his heart was beating and how intensely he had gripped the wheel.

Then, he rushed to the elevator, pressed his floor, and rode up. As soon as he got to the floor, he found Niall standing by his door.

"Morning,"

"They finished rather quickly, didn't they?"

"Yeah. Coffee?"

Niall handed him his cup and Zayn frowned, not taking it. "No. Let's go."

"Hey, hey wait..." Niall begged to stand in front of him. "Breathe."

"What?"

"Breathe. Come on. You and me."