Falling Between the Notes (Nicholas Galitzine Fanfic)

Chapter 13: The Album Launch Party

Jade's POV

The flashing lights from the paparazzi were so intense it felt like I was walking into a lightning storm. The air buzzed with excitement as we pulled up to the venue—one of those lavish downtown spots with velvet ropes and bouncers in black suits who looked like they could bench-press a car. My heart raced with anticipation. This was it—the album launch party for Flavors by Jade and Harry, a night that had been in the works for months.

"Ready, babe?" Nick's voice was smooth as he glanced at me from the seat beside me, his hand resting comfortably on my knee. There was a mix of pride and protectiveness in his gaze, like he wanted the world to know I was his. I could feel his possessiveness growing lately, especially as things had gotten... heated between us. We couldn't keep our hands off each other, and I knew that only added to the way he held me a little tighter these days.

I smiled at him, my pulse quickening with excitement. "Ready," I replied, feeling the weight of tonight settle over me. This was my night. Our night, technically, but in the end, this album was personal.

Nick's grip on my knee tightened slightly as he took in my outfit. I wore a shimmering, silver mini-skirt and matching crop top that hugged my curves in all the right ways. The outfit sparkled under the streetlights, reflecting off my bare skin, the chain-link necklace around my neck adding a subtle edge. My hair was done up in a casual yet stylish updo, messy in all the right places, and my makeup was bold—heavy eyeliner and a nude gloss that made me feel sexy and empowered. Nick's eyes darkened with something unreadable, but the way his jaw clenched told me he was fighting the urge to kiss me senseless before we even got out of the car.

"You look..." He paused, his voice dropping. "Incredible."

I smiled, the tension between us palpable as he leaned in, his lips brushing my cheek just as the driver opened the door. Before either of us could say another word, the noise from outside hit us full force, and we were suddenly pulled into the chaos of the red carpet.

I stepped out, Nick trailing close behind me as the cameras flashed, capturing every angle. My manager had warned me it would be insane tonight, but nothing could've prepared me for the wave of photographers screaming my name, trying to get my attention as we made our way inside. Harry had already arrived, and he was waiting for me near the entrance, looking effortlessly cool in a tailored suit that managed to be both casual and sharp at the same time. His smile widened when he saw me.

"Jade!" Harry called out, his voice cutting through the noise. He strolled over with that signature swagger, his eyes lighting up as they trailed over my outfit. "You're killing it tonight."

"Look who's talking," I shot back, grinning as I stepped toward him. The photographers went wild when we posed together, flashes going off like crazy as we stood side by side, arms lightly touching. Nick lingered just behind us, his presence palpable even though he wasn't in the spotlight at that moment.

"One more, one more!" the photographers yelled, and Harry, ever the charmer, placed a hand on the small of my back, leaning in slightly for the final shot. I could feel Nick's gaze boring into me from behind, but I didn't let it faze me. This was work. Harry and I had become good friends while working on the album, and he'd made it clear early on that his feelings weren't purely professional, but I didn't let it go anywhere. Not with Nick in my life.

As the camera flashes finally began to die down, Harry turned to me, his voice lowering. "You ready to get absolutely hammered tonight, darling?"

I laughed, shaking my head. "You know it."

We headed inside, the music already pulsing through the venue. The space was decked out in dark colors, with neon lights casting a playful glow over the crowd. People mingled around, most of them celebrities, friends from the industry, and a few familiar faces. My heart jumped when I spotted Selena Gomez and Ariana Grande near the bar, both of them waving enthusiastically at me as I walked over with Nick and Harry in tow.