To Love A Beast

five || TLAB

•••Allison•••

"Yeah, we're like a few minutes away. Why?" Tyler spoke into his phone. We were just about to stop for lunch when it rang. "You miss me that much, huh?"

I glanced at him. Who is he even talking to?

"Don't order without us," he went on. "We'll be there in five. See you."

He clicked his phone shut and turned back to me.

"That was Sarah," he explained. "And I guess we're joining them for lunch. Come on."

He pulled me along the streets with him, not bothering to take the car. We ended up at a restaurant named Firebrand.

"We're here with Sarah Vaughn," he smiled at the receptionist widely.

"Of course," Yet another female falling for his boyish charm. "Follow me please."

I followed behind her and Tyler, fishing out my phone from my back when I heard it ping. Aunt Jo was checking up on me as usual.

"Sarah," I heard Tyler say. We've reached our table it seems. I was typing out a reply to Aunt Jo when Tyler spoke again. "Glad to see you lads again. I'd like you to meet a very good friend of mine, Allison Brent."

I don't think I'll ever be prepared for a day such as this. Standing before me were four gorgeous male specimens, three of which belonged to an insanely popular boy band. I was frozen on the spot, eyes wide and words stuck in my throat. Tyler placed a hand on my back and pushed me forward.

"I'm Louis," One of them offered his hand to me, all wide smiles and bright eyes.

"I know," I'm not entirely sure at that point if I had been whispering or shouting. "You guys are from One Direction."

"Louis Tomlinson," I forced my arm to lift and shake his. He had a firm grip. No doubt he could feel how shaky mine was.

"Niall Horan," I turned to the other guy beside him, this time the one initiating contact. He smiled at me as well, and squeezed my hand ever so gently.

"Zayn Malik," I finally focused my starstruck gaze to the member of the group I admired the most.

Perfect quiff, scruff that looked adorable on him, and inky lashes framing dark and mysterious eyes. Eyes that were trained on nothing but me at that moment in time. I was lost in his steady gaze and was not ashamed about it one bit. It didn't help either that he kissed the back of my hand instead of shaking it. I've seriously got it bad for this one.

Tyler cleared his throat beside me, effectively snapping me back to reality.

"Shall we sit and order?" Sarah asked, gesturing to the table.

Zayn's eyes were still on me as we sat down. And I found myself staring back at him as well. I am so screwed.

---

"So what brings you to Europe, Allison?" Niall asked after the waiter finished taking our orders.

The two other boys leaned in a bit, probably to hear my answer. Not that it was that spectacular of a reason, or anything.

"Just a much needed vacation," I shrugged. "And it just so happens that Sarah's wedding is in a few weeks. So I'm staying till then."

"Speaking of wedding," Sarah cut in. She turned in her seat slightly to face Zayn. "One of our groomsmen backed out at the last minute, leaving one my my girls partner-less. What do you say, Zayn?"

"Me? You want me in your wedding?"

"Yes," Sarah frowned at the shocked look on Zayn's face. "Did you honestly think I wouldn't invite you?"