VALERIE

Chapter 21.4: The Villain in Me

 Copyright © zylgnagnaba 2013

I have never been this more thrilled my whole life. This is finally something to look forward to for this job. I can’t even believe the actual possibility to meet some of the most famous celebrities in the music industry, like am I dreaming? For once – no, for the nth time–, I am so thankful about this job. I am even fantasizing about me meeting Adam Levine, just the hottest and sexiest guy to ever walk in the planet. I’m afraid if I see him at VMAs tonight, I would actually drool for an hour, and then pass out after that. Like seriously, ADAM F*CKING LEVINE?!

“Valerie, seriously, how long is it going to take for you to get changed?”

There’s that sound again. I have heard Harry said the same thing several times for almost forty-five minutes now. Can’t he understand that girls do take time to dress up – fit every dress in her wardrobe before she can finally decide which one to really wear – and get done?

“I’m coming. I’m coming!” I yell as I step out forcefully of the other room finally deciding to wear a flowy black floor-length skirt and a denim blue sweetheart floral top. I am still in my bathrobe when I dandle the pair of article and place them on top of the bed, my hair already done in a ponytail – the same at Anne’s wedding–, and I wear a very sophisticated make-up.

I notice Harry from the corner of my eye, already in his suit with a black shirt underneath that is two buttons open. I kind of instinctively stop in my tracks to take time to look at him. Oh my, he’s so hot! Adding to his beauty is the cross necklace that might draw everyone’s attention to his – breathes out and gasps all out of the sudden – bare chest! For seconds, I don’t even mind about Adam F*cking Levine. I am just completely swept off by Harry. I might actually start drooling now just by looking at him and pass out any minute now, like what I have expected with Adam. He is… he is so beautiful, god-like and very masculine. I can’t… I can’t look at him now, so I turn around and resume to what I am supposed to do.

Why is it so hard to breathe all of a sudden? And the temperature of the room just goes higher up a notch. Gosh, I actually start fanning myself as I grab the skirt from the bed. Even as I slide them on up to my waist, my forehead is already sweating. No, I just took a shower! And I’m going to ruin my make-up. Screw you, Harry for being an attractive human being.

With a strapless bra on and completely aware that Harry’s just behind me, I confidently peel off the bathrobe from my body. I fasten the sweetheart top in front of me and clasp it together to zip it behind me. I start from the bottom but stop halfway through as my elbow gets stuck.

“I’m on it.” I hear Harry says hastily as he approaches me. He must have noticed my struggle, or maybe he’s just hurrying me up. It’s just between the two, actually.

“No, I can manage.” I say quickly to avoid him from helping me. I already am on the edge of melting when I stared at him just few minutes ago, and having him any closer… well, I’m going to die!

But he doesn’t budge and just swats my hands quickly. I sigh in defeat, clutching my arms on my stomach and let him finish the zipping… slowly. What?!

“You know, I like this one.” He mutters behind me. His breath is hitched and I feel it bounce against the back of my neck, sending shivers down my spine. Oh my, are you torturing me right now?

“Wha- what do you mean? What one?” I almost stutter but I quickly redeem myself, and refuse to stare at the look on his face. I keep my face straight to the window, dying for him to get this over with.

He leans in closer to me and he brushes his nose to my ear and whispers, softly and tenderly, “This one…” while sliding down both his hand at the small of my back. His hot breath that rushes out from his mouth sent chills deeper into my skin. I am reminded that I never felt this awkwardly turned on by him before, and I can tell that he’s doing it on purpose.