I Promise // l.p.

Chapter 18

•Liam's POV•

(Same day as the last chapter, just Liam's perspective.)

"I'll go get us some food, yeah?" I walk over to one of the restaurants.

This is going terrible. Katie probably feels like I'm pushing her away and I don't want her to think that. It's never been so awkward between us. Modest has made it so difficult for me.

"Liam?" A voice cuts through my thoughts.

"Hey." My face falls into an odd grimace as I turn to find Sophia standing behind me. This can't be happening, not now.

"What are you doing here?" She asks. I notice 2 black vans pull up by the door.

"I'm with Katie, so I'd appreciate if you'd leave before someone notices," a crowd of paparazzi floods in, "Sophia, now." I gently push her, but I'm too late.

"They've already seen us." She points to them before putting an arm around my waist. I figure that they would just take a few pictures, but they won't leave.

"Kiss me." She whispers.

"What?"

"They want something to publish." Sophia nudges me.

"No." I refuse.

"I can't loose this job." She mutters. Before I can take a second thought, Sophia pushes her lips against mine.

I feel a sharp tug at my jeans. I break the kiss and turn around. I instantly recognize Katie's brunette hair whipping behind her as she runs away. I chase after her.

"Katie, wait!" I'm out of breath by the time we're at the parking lot.

"Go back in a smile for the camera with your new girlfriend."

"Can we please talk?" She needs to hear me out.

"There's nothing to talk about! I know what I saw and you know what you did. End of story." She starts to cry and I think I might loose it.

"No, not end of story. You can't walk away. Not after all we've been through. I need you." I plead.

"What about when I needed you! You don't have a valid reason why you've been out for more than a week, leaving me to think of all the things Riley could do to me anytime! He's running around somewhere in Australia and I've been paranoid about it!"

My heart shatters. I guess she's been more worried about this Riley thing than she's been letting on. I should have been there for her.

"I'm so sorry. But this was out of my control, please understand that." My voice cracks and I'm bound to cry at any moment.

"Liam Payne, you will not cry." Katie glares at me.

"I love you. I always have, I promise!" There's no way she believes me right now, but it's true. I've loved her since freshman year. Before that even, I just didn't know it.

"I'm done with promises!" She raises her hand and slaps me across the face. I didn't expect for something like that to happen. By the time it's been processed in my head, Katie's in my car and driving away.

I sit here for the longest time before calling Zayn to come pick me up. I open the door to our hotel room, and Katie's no where to be found.

She's probably with Louis.

The thought sets me off and I quickly dial Louis' number.

"Is Katie with you?" I ask as soon as he picks up.

"No. I think she's staying with Harry." He sighs.

"Oh." I say before hanging up.

I pace the room for what seems like forever. What can I say to her? Will she take me back? What if she's not even in Harry's hotel room?