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

Chapter 29

Zayn couldn't help the nervousness that came to him about what could be waiting for him at the office. He fought the urge to bite his nails, tremble his knees or bite the inside of his lip.

He wanted all of this to be over and to find some peace, but the prospect of all of it seemed so distant.

Next to him, Xander drove through the city in that ridiculous red car, as if he were in a video game. For a while, they didn't say anything - there wasn't much to say. Zayn kept to himself, looking out the window, trying to keep away from the man sent by Louis. The palms of his hands were sweaty, and his heart drummed with anxiety.

Xander was reckless with his driving, taking both lanes and flipping people off when they honked at him. He would overpass dangerously, nearly avoiding a bus and laughing at the situation. It didn't take long for Zayn to understand that this was the wild card. Xander was the rogue agent inside a very controlled organisation.

"I'm sure this is awkward," Xander commented, rushing past the red light. Zayn looked to the side, seeing the man tap the steering wheel absentmindedly. "But I promise you...I had no idea who you were before this job."

"Seems to be a common thread."

"Yeah," Xander chuckled at his side. "Let me tell you...this entire thing has been a sweet surprise. I honestly thought you'd put up more of a fight. It would be an awful thing to hurt you. Don't think your sister would forgive me. How is she by the way?"

"Fine." Xander overpassed another car, swerving back to his lane at the last minute. Zayn had a tight grip on the door - as if it would save him from anything. "I'm sure Louis wants me to get to the office alive."

"Oh, will you relax? I'm an excellent driver." The engine was suffering from his mismanagement of the clutch and it made Zayn wince at the sound. "Louis was adamant about getting you to the office today. He's not having a good morning."

"Problems in paradise?"

"Oh yeah...Comes from time to time. That's why I'm out of exile." Xander proceeded with a raised chin. "I'm...you know, the third one in charge. So, they need me here. Someone to eliminate all the bullshit and just...pull the trigger, if necessary. I'm the only one who can do it."

Zayn looked at him with a questioning look. Ever since seeing Xander for the first time he had gotten a weird feeling from him. Like his smile wasn't genuine, he wasn't warm or kind. Xander seemed a man of extremes, a man who would snap in a moment. It made Zayn incredibly careful of his words and actions.

"You seem like a man of action."

"I am the man." Xander chuckled with pride. "So, knowing that, please don't make me hurt you."

"I'll keep that in mind." Zayn noticed his jaw clench for a moment before a chuckle left his lips. It wasn't a genuine chuckle. "Where were you?"

"Took a break." Xander let out softly. "A moment to cool my jets. I can get intense, you know? So, Louis called me back. He's very insistent on people doing their jobs and being at their posts today."

It was the second reference to Louis having a dreadful day. Zayn wondered if it had anything to do with the information Roman had shared earlier.

"What happened?"

Xander licked his lips, then sniffed. "Someone broke the number 1 rule when you're in the life: no snitching. Rest in peace...or pieces, Roman."

Zayn felt his stomach dip at the comment. "What?"

"Oh, yeah." The man responded. "Dead as can be by now. Cool kid. Big mouth."

"Dead?"

"Of course. We don't fuck about with snitches. If he's not dead he will soon be, and everyone who messed with him."