Trace of Innocence (No Control Book 3)

Chapter 32

(No Control - 32. Strong)

When I arrive at Heathrow I'm escorted through Passport Control by my security, and I'm taken straight to our private jet that is waiting on the tarmac. Louis and Niall are already on board, and judging by their dirty laughs, they're looking at something inappropriate on Louis' phone. I shove my carry-on bag in the overhead locker and take a seat diagonally opposite them.

"How's the fitty?" Niall asks, as Louis slides his phone into his pocket with a smirk.

"Jess? She's good," I tell him.

"He gets a bit shirty if you disrespect her," Louis says in a stage whisper, and I give him the finger.

"You fucked her good though, yeah?"

"Niall!" Louis scolds. "They made love. There were hearts, and candles, and rose petals on the bed - ow!" he laughs as I reach over and thump his leg.

"Aaaahhhhhh," Niall says, with a lovesick look. "Is he in love?"

"No I'm not," I huff, and the pair of them cackle gleefully at my expense.

"Alright lads," Liam says from behind us, walking up the aisle with a rucksack over his shoulder. "How is everyone?"

He sits down next to me and pulls his phone out. I glance over and see he is texting Sophia. That boy seriously has a massive thumb print on his head.

Zayn joins us ten minutes later and I exchange a nervous look with Louis as he greets us and takes a seat on his own by the window.

"Perrie OK?" I call over to him, and he throws a grin in my direction.

"Yeah man, she's good. Nice blonde chick, by the way." He winks.

"Thanks," I mutter.

"Harry's lost all his chill," Louis butts in, leaning over towards Zayn.

"What chill?" Zayn sniggers.

"Leave me alone, all of you," I grumble, and I stick my earphones in to get some peace and quiet.

A few of hours into the flight everyone has settled down. Louis and Niall are asleep and Liam is reading. I look over at Zayn, who is staring out of the window into the blackness, deep in thought.

"You OK?" I call over to him.

He looks up suddenly and smiles. "Sorry man. I was miles away."

"How are things? Really?" I ask him.

"Alright," he says, looking away. "Hard saying goodbye, y'know?"

"Yeah," I nod, even though he isn't looking at me. "If you ever wanna talk, or anything, you know I'm here, yeah?"

"I know. Thanks mate. I'm good."

But there's something in his tone that says otherwise.

....

I manage to get a couple of hours' sleep, and by the time we land it is 4pm local time. It's hot and humid, and my hair immediately starts to go frizzy, so I pull it back with one of those little rubber band things. There are photographers and fans waiting for us at the airport but we're rushed straight through by security, and I see the looks of disappointment on some of the girls' faces as they realise they're not getting pictures with us today.

We are taken straight to our hotel and I order dinner from room service. After a quick shower and a call to my mum to let her know I've arrived, I get into bed and sleep right through until 6am the following morning.