Cleo

Them

Louis Tomlinson was first in the door. The diner continued to boom with activity, but all eyes followed them as they walked in. Harry Styles grabbed the booth, urging the others to sit. Niall Horan sat in the chair at the end as the others paired up. Liam Payne was the one to call me over. Zayn Malik was the one that ordered first.

My pen hit the notepad as Zayn requested a burger. Niall smiled at me, “The usual.” His eyes locked with mine. They were a few shades darker than my icy blue ones. But they sent shivers up my spine nonetheless.

Liam nodded to Niall, “Same.” His lips pursed as Harry cheerfully asked for just a cup of tea. Louis waved me off, not even bothering to look at me.

It wasn’t the first time they sat in my section. Actually, my section seemed to be the only one they liked. I served them once every shift. It was usually the same order. Louis always avoided anything to do with me, Liam acted almost as distant. Niall and Harry were always there with a smile and Zayn was neither for nor against me.

It didn’t bother me anymore. For two months now, I dealt with the same treatment and never once did I let it get to me. Other girls would try to take over the table, but whenever I gave it to them, the boys had them in tears, usually claiming horrible service.

I didn’t understand what their fascination with me was. It was hard to say it was all coincidence. My section was different most of the time and it was hard to look past it, really. They would constantly watch me. Most would say I was over thinking, but I knew I wasn’t. And today was the day I found out how right I was.

Their meals were delivered with a smile and they tipped me well before they left. My shift was over within the hour and I found myself face to face with them as I unlocked my car. “Cleo.” Harry stepped out from a darkened corner. His green eyes sparkled as he neared me. “I’ve got a…proposal to make.”

“I need to get home.” I said, trying to avoid him as I opened my door. A hand came from behind me and I jumped. Pressing my back to the car, I found myself looking at Louis. “Excuse me, I need to go.”

“Not until after we talk.” Both of their voices were too beautiful to come from boys with such a bad rep. The whole group had accents, all being British except for Niall; he had a strong Irish accent. “Just relax, Cleo, we promise it’ll be worth it.”

Louis had dazzling blue eyes as well. I reached for my purse but Niall was swiping it from my shoulder before I had the chance. “Now, now.” He said with devilish grin on his face, “Let’s be civil here.”

“Take what you want.” I looked behind Niall and saw Liam and Zayn nearing us. Zayn smiled at me before blowing smoke from his mouth and taking another drag on his cigarette.

The boys chuckled to themselves. Harry placed his hand beside my head and ran his other over my cheek. “I can take anything?” I nodded. His hand slowly moved from my cheek and over my shoulder. It followed my arm to my hand and he intertwined his fingers with mine. “Then we better leave now.”

His husky voice sang in my ear. I felt the air in my body completely stop as he pulled me from the spot I stood. “But—“ I pulled back, Harry turned again and pressed his lips to my cheek.

When he pulled back he smiled. “It’s simple, Cleo. You come with us and we will take you anywhere you wish.” I furrowed my brows.

“And if I don’t go?”

My heart nearly stopped as he looked me dead in the eyes. “We’ll kill you and anyone you love.”

“Look at those lips, Haz.” Liam rested his arm on Harry’s shoulder.

Niall chimed in, “If she’s as cold as her eyes look, we’ll have a great time.”

I looked to the ground and sucked my lips in, biting them hard as I thought. “Okay, I’ll go with you, but I want to go home.”

The boys laughed. “Little Kitty, that’s not how it works.” Louis stepped towards me making the other boys move away. “You. Run away. With us.” He spoke slowly and I felt insulted, he was treating me like a child. “You chose the place, cooperate and you live.” He sighed and ran his fingers over my collarbone. “You make everyone believe you decided to leave.”

“You’ll just kill me later anyway.” I fought back, slapping his hand away.

He didn’t hesitate to slam it on the car behind me. “Cleo!” He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “You don’t understand.” The boys looked at the ground as Louis composed himself. “The rules are simple. Pick a place, stay with us and you’ll live a good, happy life.” He gripped the bottom of my work polo and pulled the fabric down, making the tucked part of my shirt fall over the dark shorts I had on. “If you don’t, you die, right here. Then we will go for Eric. He’s turning 12 soon, right?”

“Leave my brother alone.” I felt the tears sting my eyes. “If I go with you, everyone stays safe?”

Louis nodded, “And you will live a life you’ve only dreamed of.”

“Fine.” I dug my nails into the palm of my hand as I tried not to cry. “I’ll go.”

“Pick a place, my love.” Louis’ fingers tangled into my long brown hair.

I turned my cheek to him, “Take me to California.”

“As you wish.” He whispered.