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

Chapter 22

At night, The Velvet would come alive with energy. The lights, the music, and the vibe were all right and it was impossible to not feel the energy coursing through your veins. It was like entering a new realm, where women were beautiful, and drinks were amazing. The tables were full, money was thrown on stage and beautiful women navigated the room wearing sexy underwear. Even the bartenders were gorgeous with revealing dresses that hugged their figures and perked their breasts. It was a Playboy catalogue in live motion.

Niall and Zayn walked ahead, while Harry lingered a little behind looking around. He was on high alert, making sure no surprises came unexpectedly. Louis had assured them that they didn't even have to wait in line, just come around it and the velvet rope would open for them. Harry noticed the patrons outside were mostly executives, coming out of a day's work, with beers in hand and pockets full – they were loud, already swaying and could be problematic as the night carried.

The driver counted a few fools holding bouquets to hand to some of the girls – idiots in love thinking they had a chance. He recognized some of the regulars from the old days, whose stare didn't linger – there would spend their entire salary there, wanting to escape their boring lives. A few women in small groups looking for a suitable time on a Monday night, some of them already under the influence. He saw a few others powdering their nose or the scent of something familiar in the air. The Velvet was on every day of the week, and, on every single day, there was a line to get in.

They arrived at the front of the line, Niall gave their names and the bodyguard stepped aside. He locked eyes with Harry and the driver lingered for a moment. He couldn't help himself.

"Watch out for the suits, they have been drinking and counted four already with something in their system."

The bouncer nodded. "Cheers."

Harry padded him on the chest and followed into The Velvet. The music had a deep base, echoing inside his body. The lights were purple, red, and blue – all dark to help create the right mood.

The driver feared the worst: being recognized, called out by his name or that his entire presence would be outed before he could reach Zayn first. He recognized some of the old staff from the old days, who watched him closely; he raised his chin at them discreetly and they responded with a quick shake of the head. He also noticed a lot of unfamiliar faces he hadn't seen before.

It was like he had gone back in time.

Harry remembered the first day Louis opened the joint and how it had been a shitty club in the beginning with suspicious people and even more suspicious dancers.

"How old is she?" Harry asked while looking at a girl - too young - to be on a pole rolling around with little grace and enthusiasm.

"19," Louis responded with a shrug. "I think."

Back then, the club would be dead on a Monday night. The girls weren't as pretty or as of age as they seemed, with Liam using the rooms for obvious prostitution. It was a seedy place, which made Harry uncomfortable.

"You think?"

"Yeah. Michael said she was."

"Who's Michael?"

"Some geezer." Louis shrugged. "Used to work with the Old Man. Has a car company with drivers, but never really left the life, you know? He told me he had this girl who wanted to dance, so...here she is."

"For fucks sake..." Harry got up from his seat and headed down to the stage. There were a couple of gentlemen sitting around with one of them with a hand on himself. "Can you not?" The man put his hand away, in shame.