Strings and Schemes

Chapter 16

The energy in the pub is still buzzing from my performance, and I find myself laughing more freely than I have in years. A warmth settles over me—one not from the alcohol or the adrenaline of dancing in front of my friends, but from the realization that this, right here, is what freedom feels like. No calculated moves, no rehearsed smiles, no political strategy. Just me, being utterly and unapologetically myself.

Gemma approaches, holding two freshly poured pints. "Well, you've certainly made an impression," she smirks, handing one to me.

I take a sip, still slightly breathless. "Is it a good impression, though?"

"Oh, definitely." She leans in conspiratorially. "And I think you've got the full attention of a certain someone." Her eyes flick toward Zayn, who's still leaning against the bar, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on me. The way he looks at me—like he's unraveling every layer of me with his eyes alone—sends a familiar shiver down my spine.

I can't even play off the effect he has on me, or the giddiness I feel knowing that he wants me.

Gemma laughs, "You really are smitten, Addams. I think Niall is still clutching your corset like a war trophy."

I glance over to find Niall, indeed, holding onto my discarded top with a slightly dazed expression. Louis, never one to let a moment go to waste, plucks it out of his hands and holds it up like an auctioneer - Niall wines, jumping up to try and get it back.

"Alright, folks! Highest bidder gets a priceless artifact—one that touched the very skin of our dear Raina Addams!" Louis says.

"Oh my God," I groan, lunging for it. "Give it back, Tomlinson."

"Now, now, I think you should let the market decide," he teases, holding it just out of reach. A coy smirk on his face.

Zayn intervenes smoothly, reaching over and plucking it from Louis' hands like it's the easiest thing in the world. He folds it carefully and hands it back to me without a word, his fingers brushing mine for just a second longer than necessary. His eyes hold a quiet challenge—one I can't quite decipher, but one that makes my pulse spike anyway.

Louis groans, "Oh, so he gets to be the chivalrous one?"

I shrug, pleased with myself for choosing someone so, well, great.

"Honestly, Louis," Harry drawls, taking a sip from his drink. "You would sell your own gran for a laugh."

"Gran would support the bit, and you know it," Louis fires back.

As they bicker, Liam finally approaches. I brace myself, expecting tension, but instead, he just sighs and takes the barstool next to me. "I, uh... I was a bit of a twat earlier."

I glance at him, eyebrows raised. "Yeah?"

He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "I don't want to argue about it here. Not when you're celebrating. But for what it's worth, I know you can handle yourself. I just..." He hesitates, then exhales. "I worry."

I nod slowly. "I get that, Liam. But you've got to trust me to live my life the way I choose to."

He nods back, looking reluctant but accepting. "Fair enough." A pause, then a grin tugs at his lips. "I can't believe you just did a strip tease in a pub. Honestly, that might be the single most chaotic thing you've ever done."

I laugh. "Give it time. The night's not over."

Louis overhears and slaps the bar. "That's what I like to hear! Now, I believe there was mention of an after-party?"

Harry checks the time, already refilling everyone's drinks. "Technically, it's still early for the rest of us who haven't been drinking since, what time was it again?"