To Love A Beast

six || TLAB

•••Zayn•••

"You know what, Zayn? I might just take you up on that offer."

To say I was surprised that she agreed to my earlier proposal would be an understatement.

I meant it when I offered to tour her around the city. But her 'yes' not even halfway through dessert was unexpected. In all honesty, I was betting it would be at least a few days of her debating over the pros and cons before even reluctantly agreeing. She seemed like that kind of girl.

Tyler Vaughn mirrored my expression almost identically. He was as dumbfounded as I was. So apparently, I might be spot on in assuming Allison Brent wouldn't have agreed so eagerly in normal circumstances.

"What?" she raised her brow, looking from Tyler to me. "Was that offer not genuine after all?"

"No," I shot back. "No, it was real. I just didn't think-"

"I'd agree?" She smirked. I have a feeling there might be more to this Allison Brent than I'm expecting. Weirdly enough, I found myself excited to discover all the little things that make her tick.

"I think it's a great idea!" Sarah beamed at Allison. "At least you won't get bored when Tyler here has to go play with the big boys. And I'm sure Zayn and the rest of 1D can show you a different side of London from what Tyler has in mind."

Tyler's lips were pursed and was glaring at his sister and Allison, who was nodding at Sarah absentmindedly. The two girls didn't even look at him once. I couldn't help but chuckle at that. His irate glare switched to me.

"Fine," Tyler's gaze was steady. "But if she does go out with you, I get to be informed of where you are at all times. Got it?"

"What are you? My father?" Allison laughed. "Sheesh. Yes, dad."

Tyler huffed and said no more. He signaled to the waitress to bring the cheque instead. The two of us argued over the bill before Sarah got annoyed.

"For heaven's sake! Give that thing to me. I called this lunch meeting, therefore I'm paying," she gave the waitress a look that guaranteed no arguments. "You children can save your pissing contest for when Allison's paying attention."

I glanced towards her chair to see that not only was she oblivious, she wasn't even in her seat. My eyes darted around the restaurant and spotted her standing at the far side, the one with the large aquarium, with someone who suspiciously looked like...

Yep, Niall wasn't in his seat either. I looked to Louis who just shrugged at me. My gaze swung back to the pair. Niall was pointing to stuff and speaking. Allison nodded from time to time, occasionally getting in a word or two. I couldn't hear the actual conversation but I'm betting he was trying to impress her with his limited knowledge on fish.

Not that she looks impressed, I thought smugly. Louis cleared his throat to catch my attention. His eyebrow rose in question, I shrugged in answer.

"Shall we?" Sarah stood from her seat. "I still have tons of errands to run before I head back to the States. Tyler, are you aware that dad needs you in the office this afternoon?"

"I told her I'd be showing Aly around," Tyler frowned. "Thought he knew?"

"He does," Sarah shrugged. "But Aunt Jo's free for the rest of the day. She's been here before. I'm sure between the two of them they can manage just fine."

"But," Tyler protested?.

"No arguments, Tyler. You know dad doesn't ask you to come into the office very often. But when he does..."

"It means I have to be there," he scowled.

The pair by the aquarium slowly made their way back to our table. They must have seen us getting ready to leave. About time, too.

"Hey Aly," Sarah smiled at Allison sweetly. "I have somewhere else I need to be. And I'm not sure if Tyler told you, but he's needed at HQ."

By one raised brow and pursed lips, I was sure she wasn't told.

"Aunt Jo's waiting for you back at the hotel. I'd take you back there myself but I kinda need to go. Tyler can drop you off before he goes."

Sarah kissed Allison on the cheek and gave each of us a brief hug before sauntering away.

We were slowly walking back towards the exit when a phone chimed. It was probably comical how all of us simultaneously reached for our own phones to check if the message was ours.

"Mine," Tyler spoke. "Crap. Dad needs me in fifteen."

He looked back at Allison, who was now sporting a frown.

"The office is one the opposite side of town," he explained softly. "I won't make it in time if I need to circle back to the hotel. I'll call you a cab okay?"

"I'll take care of her," I cut in. I knew an opportunity when I see one. And I'm not stupid enough to just let it pass. "I'm appalled you'd consider sending off such a beautiful girl alone in a cab. In a strange city, no less. You go on and play with the big boys. Niall, Louis and I will make sure she gets there."

"No," Tyler began. "If you think-"

"Tyler," Allison almost growled in warning. Would it be weird if I actually found it cute? "I can speak for myself, thank you very much."

"Allison-"

"Thank you, guys," she turned to smile at me, effectively cutting off whatever Tyler had to say. "I appreciate the concern. We're staying at Bellefleur."

"I'll get the car," Louis walked off.

Allison went to stand beside Niall while waiting for Lou. Tyler, on the other hand, was waiting for his own driver to bring his car around. He caught me eye and locked me into a staredown. He jerked his head, motioning for me to step closer.

"What are you up to, Malik?" He hissed, glancing at Allison and Louis to check if they can hear.

I raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

"Whatever your plans are, keep Aly out if it. She'd dealt with more than enough monsters in one lifetime. I doubt you're any different."

His car came to a stop in front of us. He bumped his shoulder into mine as he stalked past to reach Allison. I watched as he hugged her, dropping a kiss on the crown of her head. He exchanged a few words with Niall before walking back to his car.

"I'm not kidding, Zayn," he turned back to me. "Stay away."

He slammed his door shut and sped away just as Lou was pulling up.

"Zayn?" Niall called out. "You coming or what?"

Still a bit confused at what Tyler meant by monsters, I followed suit.

._._._._._.

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