Revenge - English Version

Chapter 23 - An Eye Opener

ZAYN's POV

- We need to talk. - I jump slightly when Niall appears by my side. He shoots me a look before leaning against the brick wall, pulling a cigarette from my packet and lighting it.

- The other day I forgot to ask, but didn't you stop smoking? I thought you'd given it up. - I glance at him, slightly disappointed. We always try to push each other to be better, and seeing him slip back into this habit annoys me. It's bad enough I'm still doing it.

- I've stopped about as much as you've stopped taking drugs. - He throws me an ironic smile, and I sigh. The truth is, I failed on that promise, and I know I've let him down. - But that's not why I'm here. - He lights the cigarette and takes a drag, his eyes never leaving me.

- For starters, how did you know I was here?

- I know you, Zayn. Now, let's get to the point. You've got nothing to tell me? - Got nothing to tell him?

- No. - I say, bringing the cigarette to my lips and inhaling deeply.

- That's not what I was hoping to hear. - He raises an eyebrow, a mocking smile on his face, and my instincts are telling me I'm going to regret giving him my attention.

- And what did you expect me to say? - My irritation rises, and his smile only confirms what I already suspected.

- Oh, I don't know... "Care"! - I almost choke on the smoke, coughing uncontrollably. Did he just mimic my morning moan? Oh God, he heard!

- How...?

- Care told me. - What? She told him? She heard me moan her name? I thought she'd only caught vague noises. - But relax, she's so innocent she hasn't got a clue what you were doing. - My body relaxes in a deep sigh. She doesn't know. How could she not figure it out?

- Oh. -  I try to sound disinterested, but it's pointless. I've known Niall for years, and he's the most observant person I've ever met. There's no hiding anything from him.

- It's not just 'oh' and that's it. First, you said she didn't even attract you, and now you're... well, shouting her name while you're getting off? - His expression is pure amusement, and I just sigh. Hearing him say it out loud only makes it sound worse.

- I know, fuck... I don't even know what's wrong with me, Niall. I dreamt that... we... you know... and I woke up with a rock-hard cock. - He starts laughing uncontrollably, choking on the smoke. - If you keep laughing, I'll stop talking. - He raises his hands, surrendering, still with a grin. - When I woke up, I tried thinking about some other girl, but every time I was about to finish, it was her face that popped into my mind. Fuck, I've no idea what this means. - I throw the cigarette to the ground, crushing it in frustration. This uncertainty is driving me mad. I've never been this confused; I've always known what I wanted. But now? Now I don't know a thing.

- And how did you feel when you saw her?

- I just wanted to grab her by the waist, lay her down on my bed, and tear off that almost-see-through dress. - The words come out heavier than I intended, and he looks at me with a curious smile. He takes one last drag of the cigarette before tossing it to the ground.

- Do you want my opinion? - Honestly, no. He's going to start with that 'you're in love' story.

- I'm not in love, Niall. - I quickly say before he can even start. He rolls his eyes, frustrated, running a hand through his blond hair.

- Of course you're not, Zayn. - He says sarcastically, clearly not believing a word. - But let me tell you something. If she's making you react like this, something's going on. And I think you already know it, even if you don't want to admit it.