Revenge - English Version

Chapter 8 - Take My Bestie Name...

ZAYN POV

Didn't Liam say Louis usually stayed calm?

— Me? I'm just enjoying myself. — I'm not sure if it's the alcohol or pent-up anger, but all I want is to see little Louis Tomlinson explode. To provoke him, I wrap my arm around Alexa's waist and pull her in.

— Let her go, you...

— She doesn't seem bothered by it at all. — I kiss her neck, and her pleased giggle confirms it. — In fact, she seems to be enjoying it. — I taunt, as everyone looks at me like I've lost my mind.

I expected Louis to last longer. Liam assured me he was the type to stay calm and strike at the least expected moment. Maybe it's Alexa's presence or the tension of the past few weeks, but it looks like he's reached his limit. His pride isn't as tough as I thought.

He walks up to me, grabbing my unbuttoned shirt by the collar, pushing me against a nearby wall. Me? I let him. Why resist? It's like I'm doing him a favour, giving him a moment to feel superior. The boys watch, not out of concern for me, but for what I might do to Louis. Tomlinson is as red as a beetroot, and I'm completely calm. A fight? Not today. I know what happens when I lose control, and I'm not about to give them that card to play against me.

— Calm down, Tomlinson. — I say with a mocking tone I can't hide, raising my hands in surrender.

He tightens his grip on my shirt, in a frustrated attempt to intimidate me. If I wanted to, I could turn the tables in seconds.

— Listen, you idiot, never touch her again, got it? Or else...

— Or else what? — I step forward, freeing myself from the wall, still with his hands on my shirt. He's surprised at how easily I moved, but quickly tries to regain composure.

— I'll remind you why you ran off with your tail between your legs a few years ago. — He says with a triumphant smile.

I glance at the boys, and they're barely holding in their laughter. Louis' threat is pathetic. The others watching seem torn between fear and excitement, eager to see a fight. I simply pull his hands off my shirt and adjust it.

— Piss off, Tomlinson.

I turn my back and walk towards Alexa, who's staring at me in shock. Maybe she's trying to figure out how I had the guts to stand up to him, since most people here are too cowardly to do it. I give her a smile and kiss her cheek goodbye; for me, this party's given all it had to give. But I notice her gaze is fixed on something behind me.

Everything happens quickly. Instinctively, I turn and see a fist coming towards me. Effortlessly, I catch it with my hand. For a second, the noise around me fades; I can hear the collective gasp. Even Louis seems momentarily taken aback. Across the room, Nate and a few of the other lads are watching closely. Niall and Harry are also watching us carefully, we've trained together for years—they know how bad this could get.

— You're not worth the fight. — I say, releasing his fist and patting his shoulder. Adrenaline surges through my body. I need to leave before it takes over. If it does, he won't like the outcome.

— What's the matter, Malik? So brave, and now you're running? What are you, scared?

If he had any idea what he's messing with, he'd stop these provocations right now. But I'm not warning him.

— You know, Malik, now that I think about it... how about we make a trade? — He shouts, but I ignore him, walking slowly towards the front door. His voice echoes with desperation. — You keep Alexa, and I'll take your little friend... What's her name? Caroline, is that it?