Criminal VS. Criminal || мαℓιк

21. Business

21.  Business

   The room went dead silent the moment he stepped in. I think Louis and Niall were shocked that he actually came back and visited. As for Liam and Harry, I think they were just in awe of seeing one of the richest men of our time standing in my art room. As for myself, I was pretty pissed that the fucker didn't even knock. We may not be best friends anymore, but, bitch, you still have to knock to come in. It's like one of the understated rules of the universe. 

   He had two buff guys standing behind him. Both wore black suits with ear pieces. Bodyguards. Who the hell does he need protecting from? Just to annoy him and get him back for not knocking, I picked up one of the prop hats I left for the kids to play with, slipping it over my head. It was a top hat; a replica of Lincoln's. I strutted over to him. He smirked, probably expecting me to scream at the sight of him and cry my eyeballs out. Hahahaha - NO.

   "May I take your hat, sir? May I take your hat, sit?" I said, trying to sound like Patrick Star from Spongebob. In a nanosecond, his arrogant smirk was replaced by a pissed off frown. Behind me, the boys cracked up, trying what seemed to be their hardest to not laugh at the situation we were in. And if he didn't just barge into my house like that, ignore me for the past year, and basically break our bond, I would have been glad to see him. "Nice knowing you're still alive." I threw him a sarcastic smile before closing the door on him. 

   "Yeah, you go girlfriend!" Louis shouted from the couches. I suppressed a smile, soon letting it slip out. A knock at the door ripped that smile off my face and through it on the floor. I sighed, opening the door again. This time, Louis and Niall were at my sides, wanting to take a look at the problem with me. Zayn and his bodyguards stood there again, this time trying to look apologetic. Apologetic my ass. Since Niall had become faithful to all of us, he knew the drill. He wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me closer. Niall's hobby was to pretend to be our fake boyfriend/girlfriend. It was wonderful. But we both knew it wouldn't fool Zayn. 

   "What do you want?" Louis spat, getting straight to the point. Zayn raised an eyebrow, basically daring Louis to be rude to him again. Louis caught his drift and did the only thing possible. "Oh, sorry, give me a moment." He shut the door only to open it ten seconds later. "Mr. Malik, what are you doing in a place like this? Your rich ass should be in France! Let me me help you with the bags you aren't carrying. Max, be a doll and show this kind man around!" Louis shouted, walking around with the imaginary suitcases.

   I exhale out a long breath, watching as Louis yells orders at everyone to do something for Zayn. I check my wrist watch, seeing it's already four forty-five. Oh shit! I have to get to work in fifteen minutes! I pull away from Niall's friendly cuddle, rushing to one of the storage closets I used to store my work things. I pulled the clothes out, shutting the door and slipping it on. Damn these tight dresses. Once I finally managed to slip on the dress and heels, I stumbled out and into the open. 

   "Hey, boys, I have to get to a meeting," I announced, tugging the ends of my dress down. The boys all nodded, understanding my position as manager at three of the Charlotte Russe's in town. I fixed my hair, looking at my reflection on my cell phone. I heard Zayn smirk as I pulled out my Z-Phone. Calm yourself, I'm only using it 'cause I don't feel like upgrading it. After I stepped out from behind one of the tall shelves of paint, Zayn's eyes widened, taking in my appearance. "Bye, boys," I said, kissing each on the cheek. I strut past Zayn, ignoring the grin on his face. "I'll be home around eight!" I called back, stepping into the elevator. Zayn stepped in with me, leaving his bodyguards outside. No matter how I wore it, the dress would show too much cleavage or too much leg. It was a white strapless dress with thin layers and a black belt around the waist. I accompanied it with black heels with a gold chain hanging off. I shoved my phone, keys, and wallet into my white bag. The old, bad ass, goth-ish Max was gone.