I'm on my way. Be there in 5 mins. -Linda

Hurry, I'm dying to see you! -Jude

I check the top of my screen and it's 5:15pm. Linda and I have been texting back and forth since the last interview. Shelly took all the footage to continue editing at her place and I stayed to work on the main page of the band's website. I was soon tired of this room or maybe just tired of being isolated from everyone else. Surrounding myself around people and music tonight seemed like the perfect way to reintegrate.

Walking across to the recording room, I see Harry and Louis discussing something quietly as Harry scribbles in a notebook. I quietly knock on the door frame and Harry wastes no time in smiling at me. Louis shoves his phone in his jean pocket and lightly punches his buddy's arm.

“Good luck tonight. Are you still gonna stop by?” Harry asks.

“Dunno mate. Depends on what she wants to do I guess.”

Louis smiles at me taking a sharp breath before leaving. As much as I'm trying to fill in the blanks, I ignore the urge to investigate what that was all about. Taking long strides over to Harry's side, all I want to do is be held by him. He receives me with open arms and rubs my back, earning a long moan captive in my throat.

“Tired, baby?”

I nod in his chest and he persists to massage my shoulders.

“Do you still want to go out tonight?”

“Yes. Linda is coming to pick me up. Is that okay? We were going to get a bite to eat and catch up a bit. I invited her to join us tonight too.”

“That's perfect. So I'll be meetin' you at the club or before then?”

“At the club. Are you sure it's ok?”

“Absolutely not!” he winks. “That gives me time to get into character.”

“Charac-ter? Ohhh, we're still doing that?” I ask giddily, enjoying his boyish grin.

“Oh yes we're still doin' that. And I'm going to win.”

Harry slowly steps back, picks up a guitar and unplugs the cable to put it away in its case. His confidence has reached the ceiling and I'm stuck with questions.

“Okay so how did role playing turn into a game? How do you win or lose?”

“If I kiss you first, you win. If you kiss me first, I win.”

“Ahhh, so you're going to romance me on the dance floor?” I ask in a flirty tone.

“Somethin' like that. You'll just have to wait and see. Just remember. . .I can be very persuasive. . .and that's not just with my words.”

“I know your tricks now, Harry. Don't get too cocky. I wouldn't want you to be disappointed when you lose.” I say while hearing my phone ring. It's Linda, she must be waiting outside.
I walk over to give him a kiss on the cheek but to my surprise he pulls back. “I can't even give you a kiss on the cheek?”

“Not if you want to lose so soon.”

I roll my eyes and spin on my heels to head for the door. After collecting my purse from the other room I begin to walk down the hallway.

“Jude!” Harry shouts. Turning to face him once more, he's coming at me with a twisted look on his face. He licks his lips and his eyes strip me down till they land on my legs. “I can't give you a kiss goodbye. . .”

Scheming Harry has found a way around is own rules. He stands at a perfect foot's distance, staring me down with pure want. Biting his lip, I feel his fingers tickle the side of my left thigh, inching up my skirt. I narrow my gaze, anticipating. My skirt scrunches up just above my tattoo and by some miracle no one is around. Harry's thumb slides over my ink and I'm hypnotized by how hard he is biting down on his lip.

His eyes dive into mine only for a few seconds before he lowers down to his knee. I feel his stare burn through my skin. He looks up at me, wetting his lips and I'm already infected with perverted solutions. I raise my leg a bit and within the next second Harry's tongue is gliding over my tat. The warmth and texture shoot a luscious current through my body, altering my breathing on the spot.

Harry licks the same area repeatedly. I laugh at the thought of someone thinking I'm some dominatrix who's trained my loyal lover to submit in this manner. His other hand slides up the inside of my thigh and I'm forced to make a decision. Do I stay still or push him away? But I can't move. My mind is screaming at me for being so weak, falling into his bear trap while my body applauds for more and my heart does cartwheels.

I keep quiet in hopes that he will touch me and relieve my ache from this morning but his hand slides out and lands on my hip. His tongue is also tucked away but his nose is pressed against my aroused skin as he's traveling up, standing to his feet. Harry's face is now barely touching mine and I'm convinced he's bound to toss in the towel and kiss me. Our cheeks make contact and I focus in on the soft impact of his hot short breaths. His hand grips the back of my neck and I close my eyes. . .

“Winnin' will be too easy,” he whispers in my ear and I can feel his arrogant grin stretch from ear to ear.

Pulling away, Harry tucks a few hair strands behind my ear and I capture the sight of his swollen cherry lips. Ugh! He wiggles his brows and chuckles quietly as he walks back down the hall.

“Have fun with Linda, love.”

Shaking my head, I see three missed calls. Linda must be in a panic.

---

After hearing about Harry's suggestion, Linda decides to help. And by help, she insists that I look irresistible enough to drive Harry mad out of his mind. Needless to say, not only do I love her idea but I break the lid and tell her about some of our crazy sex tales. Her eyes widen and her jaw drops; come to think of it I'd have the same reaction. Nodding, she walks to her closet, pulls out an olive gold cocktail dress and hands it to me.

My mom calls me while Linda and I are on our way to the club. I feel as though my mind has been so occupied and stressed with the demands I'm to adhere to, I've forgotten to reach out to my parents. I battle the guilt between them and having called Linda sooner instead of waiting for the last day to see her. This is a chaos I'm not used to. I'm usually organized and on top of things but something tells me these next couple of months will really test my character all around.

I'm self-centered. Walking into the club with Linda, all I can think about is Harry. Wondering how he will play out this insidious plan and what lengths he'll go through to win. Linda reminds me to pretend its just a girl's night, don't search for him and he will come, sooner or later.

I see Liam and Zayn at a distance in a VIP booth. With them are Zac, Kaycee and Niall. There's more people in the group but no sign of Harry. Linda shows me her phone as its buzzing and walks away to take the call. I'm waiting on our drinks, placing my purse on her stool to reserve her spot, and an unwanted visitor shows.

“So you have to give me some credit, I behaved quite well during our interview.”

“Yes, that you did. How's your evening?”

“Very well, now.”

“Good to hear. I'm waiting for Harry, he should be here any minute.”

“Yeah I can't say I'm too fond of the guy but there's something I wouldn't mind stealing from him.”

“Billy...” I warn him and raise a brow.

“What? I was referring to his wheels,” Billy smiles and walks away.

My drink couldn't come sooner. As he disappears into the crowd, I quickly take a sip from my Martini glass. . .more like a gulp. Now I'm waiting on both Linda and Harry. Stretching in my seat I spot Billy talking with Liam, looking very chummy, and I wonder where Sophia is tonight. I dislike purposely trying to avoid people but I know of another friendly face I wouldn't mind chatting with. Yet I don't see Troy around either. Great!

Tempted to finish Linda's drink after such a long wait. She must be taking a very important phone call. I push my empty glass away and search for my phone to check for any messages. There's no texts but I have a few twitter alerts and I immediately recognize one of the accounts. One is from the girl I kindly chatted with while I was in L.A., and with nothing better to do, I open the blue and white screen to find a link and message.

Did you know about this? Might not be true but wanted to send it anyway...

The link has brought me to an online tabloid page and I read the first line in black bold letters.

“Could Kendall Jenner be-”

“Excuse me Miss?” The bartender interrupts and my gaze shoots up. “This drink is for you from that gentleman at the end.”

I look over and see a gallantly tall man with a face that could rapture any heart upon the first glance. There's Harry wearing a black blazer and a dark button shirt underneath, teasing me with his exposed chest and sultry smile. What kind of friend's were we playing here? Seemed more like strangers meeting for the first time.

I slip my phone back into my purse as my attention has been redirected. Though, when I look back he's no longer there. My heart is racing already and we haven't even started. I casually look around but he too has disappeared. Oh for goodness sake! I have no other choice than to enjoy my free drink and then I finally see Linda. Hmm. Is she blushing?

“Who was that?”

“Oh that was a friend from work. She has to give a presentation tomorrow and she couldn't find the file I had sent her. I ended up talking her through it.”

“Ahh but that doesn't explain why you're blushing.”

Just then she smiles brighter. “Right. Well as I was hanging up with her this guy kept making eye contact with me. I tried not to smile back but then he walked closer and waited till I ended the call.”

“Did you guys talk?”

“Yes. He began to lavish me with smooth pickup lines and I honestly almost fell for them. Except I told him my friend was waiting for me.”

“Did you get his name?” I ask intrigued but she shakes her head.

“He did say he would find me later and that a smile like mine was too hard to miss,” Linda rolls her eyes.

“That's kind of cute.”

“Sure but I can tell he's younger.”

“So, look at Harry and I. If he's old enough to be in here drinking then I don't see a problem.”

“He is handsome. I could have fun with him,” Linda laughs.

Laughing along, I spot Harry through my peripheral. He stands on the other side of me to order another drink. Linda and I exchange glances not knowing what to expect. Then he moves closer to speak to us.

“Hi Linda, nice to see you again.”

“Hi Harry, how are you?”

“I'm great now,” he then turns his attention towards me. “Hello Miss, I'm Harry.”

He reaches out for my hand and kisses the back of it, sending the tiniest chill up my arm. I press my lips together to not give away the excitement I feel inside. All the while Linda looks quite impressed.

“I'll be right back, I'm going to the ladies.”

Harry takes her stool right away, resting one foot on the small bar as the other drapes out. The bartender brings his drink and he promptly thanks him. Right away green irises scan my figure, starting from my heels up. I'm smiling at how well he is pulling this off.

“Do you come here often?” he asks in a purposed thick accent.

“I've only been here twice.”

“Might I say, you look lovely. In fact, you're the prettiest face I've seen here tonight.”

“Oh really?” I smirk.

“Positive.”

“Well, thank you.”

Harry stands to scoot his seat closer and our knees touch, making me smile wider.

“Are you enjoyin' the drink?” He nods at my glass and I whisper another thank you. “Would you mind tellin' me your name, love.”

“Jude.”

“Fantastic name! Is it just you and Linda here tonight?”

“Yes.”

“No boyfriend?”

“I'm afraid not. He couldn't make it tonight.”

Harry raises his eye brows and leans back as though I were forbidden. “How would he feel about me sittin' this close to you?”

“I know he wouldn't approve,” I reply assertively.

“He doesn't believe in sharin' I suppose?”

“What do you think?”

“I think that dress looks rather uncomfortable.”

“Well you're wrong. It feels quite nice.”

“I'd still toss it.”

“Why, do you not like it?”

Harry shakes his head with a flirty grin as I ache to kiss those dimples. “What I meant was. . .” Harry leans closer till I can feel his lips gently press upon my ear. “I'd like to toss it across my floor. A body like yours is too lovely keep covered.”

My cheeks are blushing and my palms are growing warm, along with the rest of me. I want to cave and turn my head to kiss him but then I'd lose. I'm at a loss for words, I can't think of a witty comeback to save my life.

“How dare you look so good tonight,” Harry concludes and backs away.

I'm consumed with lust as our eyes meet and our hands continue to hold our drinks.

“Are you ready to quit yet?” I ask smugly.

“Not a chance. However, I would like to ask you to dance.”

There's a seductive beat on the dance floor and it's like I'm walking into a death trap. Harry's holding my hand and guiding me to an empty spot. Everything is fine till he places his hand on the small of my back and holds me tightly against him. His cologne is starting to entrance me along with those damn sparrow tails.

My hands make my way up to his chest where they tuck beneath his blazer. I bite my lip at the firmness of his body through his thin shirt and shiver when I feel his face lower. His head remains still as his body sways with mine. Hot breaths fall on my neck while large hands run up and down my back. I turn around and back into him, allowing my hips to tease him. I know they're doing the job as I can hear his groan hidden within the music but his hands are tightening around my waist.

His hands suddenly shoot up to grab my shoulders and he pulls me closer. “I'd gladly forfeit if you grant me one thing,” he utters in my ear.

“What's that?” I say over my shoulder.

Harry nuzzles his face in the crook of my neck and glides his hands down to my hips, squeezing them and pressing his groin against my backside. “I want to have you just like this.”

Oh my! We've never done this position before. Surely he doesn't literally mean. . .but I'll save the questions for later.

“So, I win?”

“You play a hard game, especially with those hips.”

“I need another drink.”

“I'm positive your boyfriend won't like you leavin' with me.”

“You're right. Maybe I shouldn't.” I shake my head and walk away to the restroom.

Harry must be in shock right about now. Serves him right for quitting so early in the game, especially after that stunt he pulled in the hallway of the recording studio. On my way, I hear Linda calling out to me.

“Hey, how's the role-playing going?”

“Oh I'm just playing hard to get. Where have you been?”

“I was talking to that guy. Would you be terribly upset if I left early?”

“Linda! Where are you going? Are you hooking up with him?”

“He's a nice guy and honestly, its been a long time.”

“Be careful. Call me tomorrow?”

“I will. Promise.”

“You're crazy!”

“Says the one who's about to have hot sex with Harry?”

Laughing we give each other a hug goodbye and I enter the bathroom. I think I still hear her outside talking with someone as I check myself in the mirror. Without warning the door swings open and in comes fearless Harry. This is against the rules!

“You can't just waltz in here!”

“I just did,” he walks over to stand behind me, watching as I reapply my lipstick.

“What's the point, it's bound to come off in a few seconds.”

“Did you come here to kiss me?”

“No I came here to win.”

“What happened to forfeiting?”

“I was bluffin'. . . but I need you to come out, Louis and Eleanor are here with some excitin' news.”

Notes

A/N: Chapter Playlist

"My Body" - Young The Giant

"Sex" - The 1975

"Take Me Home" - Cash Cash

---

Hi ladies, I hope your February has been lovely. Thank you for your endless love and comments. I'm so grateful for the votes and subscriptions regardless the infrequent updates. I cherish you all, old and new readers. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and the playlist.

And maybe you can guess what the tabloid says or who Linda went home with? Have fun with that!

ciao dolls! xoxo Have a wonderful week!