Killer Love

Chapter Twelve

"You're totally cheating!" Harry yells, throwing his arms up in the air.

Michael is shaking his head. "Messed up, bro."

"How am I cheating?" replies Niall.

"You guys just suck at this game," I laugh. Niall and I high-five each other. Harry pretends he's going to throw the stick at us and we duck.

Even Liam has a small smile on his face. "Okay, okay. Calm down, guys. It's just a game," he says.

"One that you guys cheated."

I shrug with a smirk on my face. "Whatever helps you sleep at night."

I take a sip of the sweet lemonade that Niall had brought me. It's making me feel more relaxed and at ease, which is both a good thing and a bad thing. I set the cup down behind me and lean against my stick.

"So what now?"

"Another game?" Michael asks, looking at everyone.

Harry downs his drink. He shakes his head. "Nah. Let's get back out to the rest of the party. See what they're doing."

We put everything on the pool table and walk over to the main living room. My phone rings, vibrating in my back pocket. Harry turns back to look at me and I hold up a finger.

"I've got to take this. I'll meet you guys there," I tell him when I glance down at the caller ID. Louis.

I must have a weird look on my face because he hesitates for a second. "Okay. We'll be waiting."

I smile at him and answer my phone.

"Y/N? Where are you?" Louis asks.

I move into a mainly empty and quiet hallway. "Sorry. I'm at a party. Is there something wrong?"

"No, I'm just doing my usual check. I'm sure you must be tired. I don't know how you manage to stay awake."

I sigh. "Trust me. It is not easy."

"Did you get hurt this time again?"

"Yeah. They're just a couple of bruises, though. Nothing fatal."

"I'm sorry about that."

"Why are you sorry? They were accidents. I'll have to be better next time."

"I don't like seeing you hurt. You're like a little sister to me."

I shake my head. "I know. And you can be overbearing sometimes."

"It's my job to be that way, but sometimes I just wish..."

"Wish what?" I ask.

"Nothing. Just be careful."

"I'm always careful, Louis."

"Doesn't hurt to remind you," he replies.

I'm about to respond but someone rounds the corner. Harry. How much did he hear?

I glance at him and then cup the phone to my mouth. "Look, I'll have to call you back. I have company."

"Bye."

I slip my phone back into my back pocket. "Hey! I was just about to head back."

He seems bothered about something. "We're about to start a game."

I walk with him down the hall. "What game?" I ask.

"Truth or dare."

"Truth or dare?" I repeat, thinking I must have misheard him. "Seriously?"