Hey everyone, I hope you’re all having a lovely day, enjoy this chapter :P x
“I’m telling you,” I chuckle, leaning the phone on my shoulder as I talk into it. “I’m fine.” I say lightly opening the glass doors, waving a quick goodbye to Harry’s motorcycle as I make my way toward the elevator. “Are you at work?” He asks through the phone causing me to place my briefcase on the floor of the empty elevator, adjusting my books in my hand and the tie on my neck.
“Yes, in the elevator.” I say. “Erm, I better go.” He grumbles out causing me to roll my eyes. “Yeah alright, see you later.” I snort causing a hearty chuckle to leave his mouth.
“Have a good day and don’t forget that Harry’s picking you up today.” He adds. “Yeah I know,” I sigh. “Be safe.” I tell him.
“Never am, Blondie.” He quotes causing me to smile. “Love you.” He then says.
“Love you too.” I get out, quickly hanging up the phone and placing it in my blazer pocket as the elevator comes to a stop.
“Morning guys,” I sigh as I walk past a couple of the younger interns who were at the coffee machine, then I walked around to my office next door to Callie’s. I knocked on her window causing her to turn around, giving me a smile as she went up to open the door.
“Article already?” I get out.
“Yes actually,” She huffs. “The topic in itself is quite strange but hey, I’m getting paid.” She gets out causing me to laugh. “How was your weekend?” She asks raising an eyebrow.
“Erm…” I trail off trying to think of a word to describe it all. “Eventful.” I nod.
“Elaborate.” She gets out.
“Well, Zayn left to hunt that guy, I got punched in the nose by the guys he was looking for, a guy broke into Liam’s house and left more of them notes and people are trying to kill me.” I say sweetly. “How was yours?” I retaliate.
“Are you serious? That’s full on.” She gapes. “You think?” I gape. “It’s so stressful Cal and Zayn’s not going to be around much for the rest of the month.” I get out.
“I thought it was until the end of the year…?” She questions out with her eyebrows raised.
“Yeah well, I’m the only target now.” I mutter looking down. “So really, they just want me dead.”
“Oh my god Niall!” She exclaims. “Go to the police or something – see a special agent! You have to do something about this!” She gets out.
“I can’t do that.” I huff looking down. “I'm finally back with Zayn and I’m not risking him getting sent to jail along the way.” I add.
“Well you’re going to have to do something, I mean they’re going to kill you!” She exclaims.
“Zayn’s doing the best he can.” I mutter looking down. “How can he do that when you’re completely vulnerable?” She asks biting on her lip.
“I have Harry with me – you know, Lou’s husband. So really, I’m covered from then.” I nod.
She sighs looking down. “If something happened to you, I-I don’t know what I’d-”
“Nothing is going to happen,” I get out placing a hand on her shoulder. “I trust Zayn and he is going to put a stop to this.” I nod.
Before she can reply, someone knocks on her window again causing the two of us to snap our heads up. It’s our boss and I’m pretty sure we both gulp to ourselves.
“Niall can I see you in my office quickly?” He gets out through the open door. I look over to Callie and give her a smile, joining my boss at the doorway as we walk to his office.
“I’ve been thinking a lot over the weekend,” He says with a small smile as he opens the door for me, allowing me to sit on the seat in his office. “I-Ah actually went out a bought your book.” He says placing it down in front of me to look at.
“It’s tragic, it’s beautiful, and it’s just almost poetic in a sense.” He gets out shaking his head.
“M-My relationship?” I ask biting my lip.
“Yes your relationship.” He sighs. “Never in a million years would I ever think that anyone associated with Zayn Malik would step into my building but good god was I wrong and the biggest surprise of all is that it's you; possibly my brightest young employee.” He gets out.
“Well yeah... Uh, you're not the only one who thinks we're strange together.” I get out scratching the back of my head.
“It makes work so much more interesting – I cannot believe it. I still can’t.” He utters out. “In your book,” He starts off holding it up for me to see. “Is he as protective as you portray him to be?” He asks raising his eyebrow.
“Y-Yes actually,” I say looking down. “If anything, being back with him again has just made him that slightest bit more protective.” I get out.
“And how did you get back together? I know I shouldn’t be asking you all of these personal things – it’s quite unprofessional but I just can’t believe it. You of all people know how fascinated with him I am.” He gushes.
“Well as you know, Louis Tomlinson,” I say watching him nod. “Zayn’s right hand man.” He answers for me.
“I-I actually went to his wedding – two years after not being in contact with any of them and I saw him there.” I say. “At first, I just avoided him because obviously I didn’t want anything to do with him but then he told me the reason why he broke up with me.” I say. “And it was all complicated b-but... he came to my graduation and he hasn't left my side ever since." I say with a small smile.
“What was the reason?” He asks.
“Someone was out to kill me, he had to leave to try and stop it.” I point out shaking my head.
“I still cannot believe it.” He says. “What’s it been? Six years. I’ve written about him for six years.” He huffs.
“Yeah I know,” I get out. “H-He’s great, really. I mean, he's lovely and I'd really like you to meet him maybe but I know that'd be very inappropriate.” I say with a shy smile.
"I know what you mean." He chuckles out. "I would probably lose my job if I conducted an interview with him - not telling the police."
"You would conduct an interview with him?" I ask out of curiosity.
"Yes of course. He's the most interesting person I've ever written about. I was working here when his father was taking over Bradford but Zayn... he's very different."
"You don't hate him like everyone else?" I ask out of confusion.
"I've never met him." He shrugs out and I smile lightly, wishing most people had that attitude.
“Yeah, that's a good point.” I nod biting my lip. “Well, I hope you know that this doesn’t change this – you being with him – You’re still my right hand man whatever happens.” He smiles.
“Thanks sir,” I nod. “Now, get back to work.” He chuckles as he flicks his fingers up. “I need that article done.”
“Of course sir,” I chuckle as I stand up. “It’ll all be finished soon.”
“Good to hear Niall.” He nods as I walk out of his office and back to my own where I immediately got out my laptop.
Work went by quickly, not that I really minded though, I was happy to get out. It was just going to be Harry and I for the next couple of days and I always enjoy his company – not matter what.
He’s an extremely vulnerable person and we have more than enough in common. He’s just like Liam and I ex pet for his bad boy side which does come out a lot. Other than that, he’s really just the same guy who comes from the rich background. He went to a private school – just like Liam and I did and he let it all go for Louis just like I did for Zayn.
I feel sorry for him though because he’s stuck. Unlike me, he cannot leave the world he is in because of how far in he is. Not only is he married to Louis but he’s also one of the strongest and well-known members of the killers.
He’s a good guy underneath all of that. Louis and Zayn aren’t good guys at all but Harry, Harry is. That’s why we get along as well as we do.
I waited around the back for him to come. He was late but that was just him, never early always late.
I tapped my foot up and down as I waited for him, checking to see if I had all of my papers and when I did I smiled to myself.
Then a good bloody fifteen minutes later, he decides to show up. No helmet, his red bandana wrapped around his hair and a smug look on his face. “Sorry I’m late,” He smirks causing me to roll my eyes, placing my laptop and briefcase in the trunk of his bike.
“Took you long enough, what were you doing anyway?” I ask as I do the helmet he handed to me up.
“Having a bat,” He jokes. “I had things to do.” He shrugs out.
“What things?” I chuckle rolling my eyes.
“Eh, things. I’m actually just filling in for Zayn right here in Bradford so if I told you the things, Zayn would get into trouble.” He chuckles as I straddle the bike grabbing onto his waist.
“I won’t go into detail then.” I pop as he starts the bike up. “Alright then mate, let’s go.” He says with a grin as he speeds off, me gripping onto his back. “We have to be somewhere!” He yells to me as we drive along. I couldn’t reply through the helmet so I just nodded to myself.
I recognised where we were and I let out a chuckle as I looked up at the large house I spent many of my days in. It had been about a year and a bit since I had been here. Declan came to my wedding and all but other than that – I hadn’t seen him since.
“Why are we here?” I ask with a chuckle as I look up to the large house. “Found something out today,” Harry nods as he grabs out a cigarette from his pocket, lighting it up quickly. “And what’s that?” I ask raising an eyebrow.
“They have an idea of who it is.” He nods. “Who?” I ask raising an eyebrow.
“Descendent of Harris’ gang. Louis and Zayn were with Declan's today and they drove past that guy that Zayn punched and they saw a couple of members of Harris’ old gang.” He nods. “So you’re saying that Harris’ old gang is behind this?” I ask biting my lip.
“We think so.” He says as he knocks on the door. “Doors open!” He calls. “Just out on the patio.” He then says again.
Harry opens the door as we make our way out to the patio to where he is sitting, a beer in his hand and as if looks, another beer to the side. Someone else must be here as well.
“Hey man,” Harry greets with a smile as he sits down, me next to him. “Good to see you Blondie,” He smiles at me. Declan is one of the nicest guys I know and he can do no wrong in my books.
“Good to see you too mate.” I smile as I lean back in the chair. “So yeah, Harris’ old gang.” Harry starts the conversation off as he turns to me.
“They’re seeking revenge for him most likely.” He says. “Well who is their boss? Because Zayn had already killed Marcus – Harry’s right hand man – a couple of years back so there really is nobody else that would be eligible to run his gang.” I say biting my lip.
“Well Harry if Zayn died and Louis – who would take your gang?” He asks turning over to him.
He looks down as if he were deep in thought. “Not me. I would leave the gang if that were the case.” He says. “But Styles, you have money.” Declan says. “The other blokes who were in Harris’ gang – well, they don’t have the money like Harris did therefore they can’t support a gang. Zayn has money and if he died – all the money would go to Niall, right?” He gets out.
“I would,” I whisper looking down. “I would want to take his gang – I mean, I would want to carry on his legacy of course.” I nod biting my lip.
“A spouse?” Harry questions out. “Was he with… a guy?” Harry questions.
“No he was dating a girl who fled to the country once he died.” Declan gets out. “Then where else would his money have gone to support the gang?” I ask looking around the circle. “I reckon it’s either a relative or a lover who’s controlling this. If anybody killed Louis, I’d go and kill their partner myself.” Harry coughs.
“We don’t know about his family life but his love life – nobody.” Declan gets out. “But at least we have some sort of positive here. We’re onto something.” Harry adds again.
“So who do you reckon it is? A father? A brother?” I get out raising an eyebrow. “We don’t know these things – it’s hard to get background information on some of the most private people on earth.” Declan gets out shaking his head. “I don’t even know if Louis has a family – how would we know if Harris did?” He sighs.
“Lou’s got a family.” Harry says quietly. “Got a couple of sisters too.” He then adds again.
“You met them?” I ask to Harry who shakes his head. “He won’t talk to them.” He shrugs out.
“Right well, back on track.” Declan starts again. “You can access any articles right?” He asks me as I nod, biting onto my lip. “Well I want you to go into your office and find the article about Harris dying. This was about a couple of years back so you’re going to have to look hard. I want you to see if there’s any mention of family grieving or anything, okay?” He gets out looking at me.
“Yeah, I’ll see what I can do.” I nod with a smile. “And Harry? Just make sure that they’re out of Bradford.” Declan says.
“I won’t mind doing that.” He snorts as he looks down at his feet, shaking his head.
“Alright then, you guys going down to the track?” He asks raising an eyebrow.
“Yeah.” Harry nods causing me to flick my eyes over to him in confusion. “I thought we were going back home?” I question.
“Yeah well, I’m not able to get much gang work done without the others so I may as well just stick with these guys – they’re track rats.” He chuckles over to Declan who shrugs.
“After all, my gang is more than well-known for its riders.” He says with a smirk standing up.
“Oi Declan, you ready?”
I look up to see Scarlett standing at the door, her gang jacket on, red lipstick devilishly applied and her hair tousled as always.
“Scar?” I get out raising an eyebrow. She had told all of us that she left the gang but only just raced but it looks as if it’s otherwise.
“Oh shit,” She gets out looking down.
“I was going to tell you sooner Niall,” She huffs. “I can’t just give up my gang life like that.”
“Hey Harry,” She mutters over to the smirking fellow who was watching her in amusement.
“Does Liam know?” I ask raising an eyebrow. “No but I swear to god I only race. I have my last race for this week coming up now and then I’m straight back home before he gets home from work. I don’t want to hear your drama Declan – I want to hurry up and get racing.” She grunts as she picks up her keys and from the table stalking through the lounge and out the front.
Declan sighs as he watches her storm away. “Out of every single biker I’ve ever met – from Malik to some of the older names, Scarlett is most definitely the toughest.” He huffs shaking his head.
“She hasn’t changed much, has she?” I chuckle hearing her bike roar to life.
“Not at all.” He chuckles. “We better catch up to her anyway, I’m booked in for a race myself.” Harry snickers as he stands to his feet, dusting off his thighs.
I follow Harry on the back of his bike as we get to the track I haven’t been to in a very long time.
I know it seemed dangerous me being here and so exposed but Declan was going to stand guard and he was armed as well. I’m in good hands.
“Reckon you’ll win?” I ask Harry who chuckles to himself. “Do I lose?” He gets out with an eyebrow raised. “Good luck,” I snort as he goes down to the starting line.
“Ruthless son of a bitch,” Declan grins as he watches Harry begin to talk rudely to his opponent who looked as if he wanted to punch him. “Acts all tough but if someone went to hurt him, he’d run behind Louis – Trust me, I’ve seen it happen.” He snorts.
“Yeah I know,” I get out shaking my head. “You can’t not love him being a smartass though, it gives you something to talk about when you get home.” I huff.
“I know mate,” He gets out. “Still to this day when Zayn and his gang come over – they’re always telling me about how Harry managed to piss off an entire gang.” He chuckles.
“Zayn goes to your place?” I ask turning towards him as I lean on his bike, watching the race before he begin – which had Scarlett in it.
“Yeah sometimes.” He nods. “What for?”
“He comes to me when he’s sick of his dad.” He laughs. “He just stands there and complains and complains for hours on end and it takes a lot for us to calm him down.” He adds.
“Not surprising that he doesn’t get along with his dad still – their relationship gives me a headache.” I scoff looking down.
“You think? I get both of them coming to me and complaining about the other. Whether it being that Zayn told his dad to fuck off his turf or even to that time where Yaser once pulled a piece off of Zayn’s bike to purposely piss him off.” He gets out.
“They’re as bad as each other.” I chuckle.
“When Zayn was a kid, they were really close. Zayn was fascinated with bikes and you know, his dad just so happened to be a biker so really – it was a match made in heaven.” Declan smiles.
“They were close?” I ask raising my eyebrow.
“Yep. Yaser took Zayn to the track when he was ten.” He nods. “He took a ten year old… here?” I ask looking around at all of the shifty looking people.
“It was much smaller back then,” He chuckles. “Where did it turn to hate?” I ask biting my lip.
“Erm… When Zayn left my gang and went to the gang his dad got him – he had to rely on everything his dad told him.” He nods. “They were extremely close when this happened because Yaser was like Zayn’s mentor. I mean, the kid couldn’t even use a gun back then.” He snorts.
“But then, his gang became successful. Zayn got every single bit of respect his father had ever gotten and more because of the cocky reputation he gave himself. He became the bad boy and didn’t need his father to continue to tell him what to do.” He smiles.
“Wow,” I breathe. “So basically Zayn turned into an asshole?” I get out.
“Exactly right.” He grins as he adjusts his jacket. “He was a cute kid, you know?” He sighs. “Would always come down here with his best mate – which was Lou – and would go through all of my small parts to go on my bike, pretending he knew what to do.” He says causing me to smile lightly.
“They have been best friends for that long?” I get out raising an eyebrow. “Oh man, they’re pretty much brothers.” He gets out shaking his head.
I look down and bite my lip, Zayn really did grow up with the influence of all of these people. Yet, I didn't understand how he became 'worse' than any of them. He comes form the same upbringing.
“Was Yaser in his gang when they had Zayn?” I ask raising an eyebrow.
“Yes actually,” He smiles. “Wasn’t that dangerous?” I ask biting my lip.
“Gangs weren’t as bad or as big back then. It basically started with this track.” He gets out. “All these men did was race – it became their lives.” He smiles.
“And how did it turn to this?” I huff. “My life is on the line right now and people all have guns and everyone is after everyone.” I get out cringing to myself.
“People made enemies.” He sighs. “There’s no such thing as success without enemies, right?” He gets out.
“Yeah I know,” I nod with a light laugh. “You’re right.”
“I just wish Zayn didn’t make as many enemies are there are today.” I get out. “I mean, everyone is after him.” I sigh shaking my head.
“Bad thing for his life but good thing for his name.” Declan says. “He is literally the top dog and has been for so long.” He gets out.
“Nobody could ever be above Zayn in this world, ever. He’s in a powerful position Blondie – nobody can really touch him.” He says biting his lip.
"Zayn... how is he the top dog here?" I ask, looking at all of the older men, looking as if they had been living on the road for their entire life. He chuckles in reply.
"It ain't about the bikes." He murmurs out. "The guy has cold blood. Highest body count, I reckon. Very, very angry young man he is." He points out.
"I-I know he is." I whisper out.
"I doubt you've seen him angry though. I mean, he told me the other day he's trying to lighten up for you. He wants you to think he's become a lot more compassionate." He explains and I chuckle lightly.
"I've seen him angry before." I get out lightly. "Probably not to the extent you have... but I know he gets very angry." He nods to himself, a small huffed smile to his lips and I tilted my head to the side.
“So he’s relatively safe?” I ask biting my lip.
“Relatively? God, the bloke is untouchable.” He gets out.
“Well obviously – I’m not.” I chuckle as I point to my nose. “I heard about that,” He says sadly.
“Really made me laugh honestly, this gang consists of newbies – obviously they don’t know how it all goes down. They didn’t get it, I guess.” He sighs with a small smirk.
“They didn’t get that Zayn is the boss of bosses.” He chuckles. “So yeah, I think that kid learnt his lesson.”
“Yeah I know,” I say looking down. “All of us were pretty surprised that Zayn didn’t kill the guy.” I get out shaking my head.
“He’s got more self-control I think.” He nods. “Which is a good thing.” He then adds on.
“I’ve noticed that,” I nod. “Hopefully there will be no bursts soon.”
“There won’t.” he sighs looking off and as I do I watch as Scarlett makes her way up to us, a pissed off look on her face and her helmet in her hand.
“That asshole, cheated and they did nothing about it.” She growls as she points to a man who was walking toward her with a smug look on his face.
“Calm down girly, it was just a race.” He sighs as he stashes the thick pile of money into his pocket.
“Well considering it was ‘just a race’ make sure that next time, you don’t try and cut me off before the finish line because I swear to god my fist will break your face in half.” She says darkly, her eyes following her tone.
“Darling, look at you – you’re tiny.” He laughs out looking down at her. It was true, she is quite a petite girl but her personality says otherwise.
“I’m going to fucking kill you!” She gets out and before she can even touch him, Declan grabs onto her arm to hold her back.
“Sorry about this one mate,” Declan sighs. “She’s pretty rowdy.”
“I noticed.” He says looking down at her. “See you around girly,” He shrugs walking off and once he’s out of sight, Declan releases her to glare at him.
“Are you serious? I could have taken him!” She exclaims as she points to him and then back to Declan.
“No you couldn’t.” He sighs rolling his eyes. “You don’t know shit.” She growls stalking away and back to her book, we both watch as she speeds off back to her place I’m guessing.
“Hasn’t changed a bit.” He repeats from earlier, shaking his head.
“We all thought that Liam was the one who changed her – but we’re obviously wrong.” I laugh as I look at the whirlwind of dust which coming from her departure.
“Let’s see if Styles won,” He chuckles as we walk down the hill to see a better view of the races and as I seemed – Harry had done just that, but the guy he versed didn’t look to be a good loser.
“Get over it,” Harry calls with a smirk as he collects the large pile of money, placing it into his pocket.
The guy throws a punch at Harry and while everyone’s watching, Harry doesn’t hesitate to throw one back, tackling the guy to the floor. I roll my eyes as I watch, Declan sighing to himself as he does the same.
I watch as a familiar face goes up from behind Harry, basically ripping him off of the boy’s body who was still fighting back Harry.
“Back the fuck off.” The voice warns to the strange looking fellow who was pissed off that Harry won. He rolls his eyes as he stalks off, leaving Harry to stand there dusting his jeans down.
“How are you mate?” He asks to Yaser who smiles to himself, Declan and myself sliding down the hill to join him.
“Ah Niall,” He smiles as he sees me. “Look at you in your seat, like a fish out of water.” He chuckles as he looks around.
“Good to see you,” I laugh as I place my hand on his shoulder.
“I’d really love to stay and chat but I’m meeting with someone around here in a bit.” He says as he looks around. “I’ll catch you later Blondie, you too Styles.” He nods to us, then tapping Declan on the shoulder.
“Wonder what he’s doing here,” Harry says with a sniff.
“Watching the races,” Declan chuckles.
“We better head home Blondie,” Harry starts as he looks at the time on his watch. “All of the crazies come to the track at night.” He says shaking his head.
“Yeah, you’re right.” Declan chuckles. “Besides, I think a couple of my men are down here,” He says looking off into the distance. “I’ll see you fellows soon.” He smiles.
“Bye mate,” Harry smiles as he walks us to his bike, him hoping on with hardly any enthusiasm causing me to laugh.
“How much did you make?” I ask as I place the helmet on. “Five grand.” He says looking up at me with a big grin.
“P’Whoa,” I breathe. “Nice job mate.”
“All in a day’s work.” He shrugs as he speeds us off and back home.
Once we arrive, I go straight up to my room where I leave my work things, changing from my good work suit into some jogging bottoms and a plain t-shirt.
“Hey Styles, what’s for dinner?” I ask, going downstairs to see him sitting on the couch, flicking through his phone.
“Erm, I’m not cooking.” He snorts. “Wasn’t suggesting it.” I chuckle out as I take the seat next to him, flicking through the TV,
“You saying you don’t like my cooking?” He asks raising an eyebrow as if he were offended. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.” I tease causing him to roll his eyes.
“Why don’t we just go out for tea tonight?” He asks biting his lip. “Alright,” I nod.
“I’ll quickly call Lou – you get dressed and we’ll go alright?” He says with a smile.
“Yep.”
Then, his phone starts to ring. “O-Or Lou can call me.” He chuckles out as he answers his phone, walking into the kitchen.
“W-Whoa, Lou calm down I can’t hear you?” He chuckles as he does so.
I hear a couple of knocks at the door and I sigh, quickly going past the mirror to see if I look decent enough to answer the door. It knocks again and I huff to myself. “I’m coming!” I call.
“Lou speak clearly!” I hear Harry exclaim from the kitchen. I roll my eyes as I open the door up to reveal the messenger bloke standing there with a smug look on his face.
I gasp, going to shut the door before he pull out a gun from his back pocket – aiming it at my stomach.
He then shoots it.