Empire of Deception (Harry Styles AU)

Chapter 32

Christopher was the first to step off of the jetway. His normally pale skin had seen nothing but sun this weekend so he was rather tan. As usual, dark hair hung over his face as he pulled his carry on luggage behind him. Next was Victoria, solemn as usual. I decide that it's not good for her here. It pulls out a side of her that isn't as friendly or as fun as the one I saw in Atrani. I think about our last day in Paradise and the water that kept us afloat or blurred our vision when we ducked our heads under. I take a look around and see the people that gawk upon recognition of our status as a trio and the role we hold in their society.

I think about how ridiculous the three of us must look, stepping off a plane—first class, no less—back from a massive birthday celebration in Italy, only to return to our high class careers with not a single smile spread across each of our faces. I can hear the whispers coming from these watchers. Whispers about how ungrateful I am or how I don't deserve what I have. But they move aside anyway when we cross paths.

The three of us reach the pick-up area and the first thing I see is the flash of a lightbulb that goes off on a camera. Reporters and press wait outside for us like starving animals, desperate to take a picture of someone who might make them money. Someone whom they can spread lies about or assumptions and to make the public hate us more than they already do. A part of me wishes to smile and show them that I am not what they label me to be, but I wouldn't dare. After all, the Jarwins have an image to protect, and seeing as I am in their company I also must contribute to this idea of a supreme family. In this case, a family that doesn't smile or feel. A paper family.

A black car waits for their approach and a driver has already opened the door for the siblings.

Airport security flocks around us as the rest of London's elite youth tumble into the pick up zone, hair messy and still slightly hungover.

And then I see her. Someone I know smiling and grinning. I drop everything as she runs into my arms and suddenly she is kissing my cheek and then my lips. "I missed you," she mumbles before resting her head against my chest, holding me tight.

I almost say it back.

"How did you know when I would arrive?" I ask instead.

Her big brown eyes are looking up at me and I am studying every freckle that I ever kissed. "Mia," Madison responds.

"Is she here?" I question, taking a look around.

She nods, "Zayn, too. They are back there with a car waiting for us. We thought we would surprise you. Zayn said he doubted you would have had anyone pick you up, and friends are more fun than a cab."

My finger brushes a stray strand of hair away from her face. She kisses my fingertips lightly, her pretty face still smiling.

"Come on, I can't wait to get you home and out of this suit," Mads says with a teasing chuckle, pulling at my jacket. Her hand is in mine and our fingers are tangled together. I wonder if she knows that the paps are taking photos of us and she'll be talked about. Not nice things either, but how Harry Styles is seen kissing a commoner. I don't care, but I wonder if she would. I wonder if she'll be furious that she let herself get caught in a world I know she hates.

I am still holding her hand but I can't leave without looking back. I inhale sharply when I see that Victoria is looking at me too, one foot already in the town car while Christopher shields his face from the cameras.

*Flashbacks of our last day in the bay flicker in my mind like a slideshow. I can still taste the salt from the ocean spray and the heat of the sun on my skin. I see her, too. Her smile and how she closes her eyes when she goes under the water.