In a second he moved away from Jacob and his body literally trembled as he saw Zayn approach them with anger clearly written on his face.
"Liam, are you alright? Why are you so pale? Didn't you like the kiss? I'm so sorry Li, I ruined your first kiss, I'm an idiot!" Jacob was rambling beside him but the curly haired boy had his sole focus on the dark haired man.
Liam thought that if Zayn was given an opportunity he could rip Liam apart, judging by the fierce look of his hazel eyes. He gulped loudly as the dark haired guard approached them, reducing the distance between them.
Maybe luck was on his side, or maybe some power was working from above as Louis quickly stepped in between them, separating the two. Harry started talking to Jacob to distract him while Louis grabbed Liam's arm and walked towards his car.
He had to thank his best friends later, he reminded himself as he absently followed the blue eyed boy. Louis' car wasn't visible due to the darkness around them and Liam thought he was finally safe from Zayn but unfortunately he thought wrong.
He screamed as someone grabbed his other wrist. He was turned around harshly and his body slammed into a strong chest. Angry hazel eyes glared at him and Liam did nothing but stupidly blink back at the man.
"Why did you lie to Hank? And who is that boy?" Zayn questioned him, his grip on the curly one's slender wrist tightened more.
"Hey, don't touch him!" Louis yelled as he tried to get Liam away from Zayn.
"Answer me first" The authoritative tone of the man's voice made Liam's whole body shiver. He tried to release himself from the iron grip Zayn had on his wrist, but to no avail was he successful.
"He won't answer your stupid questions! And who the hell are you?" Louis was clearly frustrated now, and Liam tried to speak up but his body was trembling with fear of the dark haired man.
First of all he had never seen his friend this angry before, it looked like Louis will blow up Zayn's head if he touched Liam again. And secondly, he was terrified by the look Zayn was giving them both, as if with a snap of his fingers, he could destroy them.
Zayn released him and still with that menacing look, glared at them both. Liam couldn't help but pout as he lightly touched his bruised wrist.
"I'm not gonna ask again, Mr Payne. Why did you lie? You do realise if my boss finds out about this, you could very well say goodbye to your future plans to study right?"
Even though Zayn was pissed off, his voice held something close to concern and stupidly, Liam's heart melted, well just a bit.
The curly haired boy stared at the man with a slight awe in his brown eyes, which wasn't missed by his best friend.
"You're Zayn!" Louis practically yelled and pushed Liam towards the dark haired man, "He's yours only, man. Do whatever you want to"
"Louis!" Liam blushed to his roots, his body shivered as Zayn placed his hands on his hips to stable them both.
For the first time he noted the height difference between them. He would only reach till Zayn's chin, and his build was much leaner than Zayn's. The man moved away a bit from Liam, but for some weird reason, the curly haired boy didn't want that.
"I'm so sorry, I didn't know you are Zayn, I thought you were one of Mikhael's squad "
"I am in his squad"
"But you're different, Liam lik-"
"Shut up Lou. Please just shut up for a minute" Liam tiredly said and turned to face Zayn, "I went on a date, I knew Mikhael won't agree to it, that's why I lied"
He found no reason to beat around the bush. Zayn would know one way or another, why should Liam run away from the truth.
"You do realise I have to report this to him right?"
The curly haired boy sadly nodded, "I know, but it was just a date. Nothing happened-"
"He kissed you, that's a lot"
Liam scoffed, "It was just a kiss, you're making a big deal out of it as if you've never kissed before"
Zayn looked away as if confirming Liam's sentence.
Shit.
"Um, I guess we should go home now. It's getting late and Liam's parents would be suspicious", Louis spoke to clear out the awkward air between them, "And please Zayn, can you not tell Mikhael about this? It was a pretty good day for Liam, please don't ruin this for him"
Zayn stared at Liam, "Did you have a good time with that guy?"
"Why do you care?" Liam muttered, a frown set on his lips, still rubbing his red skin. His parents may have been strict with him but never have they hurt him.
The dark haired man gave a tight lipped smile, "You now belong to my boss, so of course I care about where you go and who you go with. I'm warning you Mr Payne, this is the first and last time I'm letting you off the hook, but next time something like this happens, Mr Shaw will be informed"
"I'm not a fucking commodity! I'm a human being with a heart and it fucking hurts when people like you and your stupid boss treat me like trash" He didn't know he had so much of pent up anger in him.
Zayn and Louis were both shocked for a few moments.
"Let me go you idiot!" They all looked at Harry who was yelling as he was dragged towards the trio by an angry looking Hank.
"Malik, these boys tricked me. We have to tell Boss"
"No we don't. It was probably a stupid mistake and I'm pretty sure Mr Payne will not repeat it" Zayn looked into Liam's eyes as he spoke, "Am I correct?"
The curly haired boy simply nodded, not sure he found words because he was busy being mesmerized by the taller man's hazel eyes.
He had just yelled at the man and now he wished he could drown in Zayn's eyes. He wished to be held in those arms and forget the problems of this world.
He felt as if his mind was playing games with him. At one point he hated that man and also he was attracted to him immensely.
"It's settled then. Hank, this remains between us"
The bodyguard nodded hesitantly, eyeing Liam with suspicious eyes, "It's the first and the last time, Malik"
Liam felt grateful that Louis intervened again and asked the guards if they could leave. Zayn reluctantly allowed Liam to go back home with his friends, but the curly haired boy knew they would be followed until they reached their destination.
The whole way Liam sat at the back seat silently. His thoughts went back to his date and the chaos after that. He realised that his freedom that he eagerly wished to have wouldn't be easily accessible.
Mikhael is interfering in his life more than what Liam had imagined. It wouldn't be an easy journey for him, Liam got a picture of it today.
But still, he won't let himself down because of that man. The hardwork and dedication he had put into getting the scholarship would not go to waste.
If there is one thing about Liam that Mikhael doesn't know is that he never gives up. Let there be as many ups and downs in his life, one thing is for sure is that he'll face anything with bravery.
-----------
"So you can't come tonight?"
Liam sighed and rested his back against the tile of the rooftop, "Sorry Jake. My parents are taking me for dinner. I can't make it tonight"
He felt really bad for letting Jacob believe that there could be something more between them other than a friendship. But when the boy had asked him out again two days after their first date, Liam just couldn't say no to his face.
He really liked Jacob, he was a nice guy. And call Liam selfish but he did want to be with the guy. He thought it was a chance for him to be like a normal teenager.
It would have been awkward between them as he had abruptly gone back home just after their kiss. But Harry gave an excuse that Liam's parents were worried about him and that's why he went back early.
Jacob had been so sweet that he constantly texted him whether he didn't get into any trouble with his parents. And Liam was forced to imagine how the boy would be once they're a couple.
But Louis had knocked some sense into him. His best friend had made him realise that maybe Zayn had left them this time, but if Mikhael came to know about Liam's secret rendezvous, he'll be in big trouble.
And Liam would never test anything when it comes to Mikhael. He knew better to stay in the man's good books, it didn't matter how much he resented Mikhael, but as of now, the man held Liam's whole life in his palms.
"Alright, just text me if you'll come"
Jacob disconnected the call before Liam could reply. The curly haired boy sadly looked at the red sky. The sun was setting slowly, the day was already gloomy for him and the evening felt no better.
Ever since the day he was caught by Zayn and Hank, the latter was always on guard around Liam. Hank would not take his eyes off the boy for even a second.
Liam sometimes felt that all the dreams he has can vanish into thin air anytime. The secret that he had kept for so long had been his downfall.
Will his life ever be a normal one?
His questions may never be answered.
And as for Zayn, Liam has been thinking about him a lot more than he should. Those hazel eyes that had captivated him from the beginning were now etched to his memory.
He could still feel the grip of those strong hands on his hips. He shivered just thinking how Zayn is affecting him. He made up his mind to not dwell his thoughts on the dark haired man and focus on what's more important in his life.
His studies are way more necessary than anything else. His whole future depends on this, he's too proud to live under Mikhael's expenses. His parents can live off on whatever money the man has offered.
Just as he was about to go back into his room, his phone lit up and he smiled as he answered. A call from his best friends was enough to cheer him up.
----------
"Liam, you can't just sit at home. You need to go out, son" His mother has been repeating the same sentence since morning. It's been almost a week since he actually left the house.
He didn't feel the need to go out. Harry and Louis always come to meet him when they want. And Liam really doesn't want to bump into Jacob after rejecting him yet again.
He didn't understand why his mother was pestering him to go out. All his life, they have told him the opposite, had put so many restrictions that Liam had felt suffocated most of the times.
"I don't want to, mum. By the way, what's really going on. Before today, you and dad were always against me going out with my friends. What has changed now?"
His mother sighed and sat down next to him on the couch. She took his smaller hand and squeezed it in a comforting manner.
"I know me and your dad have deprived you of many things since you were a child. And no matter how many times we apologise, nothing could bring back that time. What I want to say is that I hope you have all the fun with your friends before moving away and before -"
"My wedding with Mikhael "
His mum sadly smiled, "Yes, that too. But I hope you do realise what you are doing has made such a huge difference in our lives. Thank you for this Liam"
The curly haired boy didn't know what to feel. His parents were slowly paying off their debts and the cloud of poverty that had been hovering over their heads had finally been cleared.
His father was a lot more happy now. But that smile was never intended towards Liam. He saw how happily in love his parents were and that single thought made him think about himself too.
Will him and Mikhael share a bond like this? Or will Liam be deprived of a love that he really deserves.
Again, so many unanswered questions.
"Liam, we have to buy some groceries. Your dad has gone to see a match and won't be back anytime soon and you know I have knee pain, so I can't roam around at the store. Will you get me the things?"
He wanted to laugh at his mum's acting skills.
"If you want me to go out just tell me mom, no need to lie"
"We'll I've been saying this since morning but you didn't budge" She laughed and left the room for him to change.
Liam wore comfortable pants and a light coloured tshirt. The summer he had wished to experience was not going according to his plans.
With a heavy sigh, he left his room. His mother gave him the list and with a grumbling face, he stepped out of his home.
He expected Hank to be the one outside but to his shock, it was Zayn.
"Hank was not well today, so I came", The dark haired man answered his unasked question.
Liam felt a light blush on his cheeks when Zayn looked down at him. He was captivated by the rugged beard and perfect jawline the man possessed.
But Liam decided to be firm in his decision and looked away from the dark haired man's piercing gaze.
No thinking about Zayn.
Without another word Zayn turned and walked towards his car and like a lost puppy, Liam followed him.
The ride to the grocery store was rather silent and a bit uncomfortable. Liam tried his level best to ignore the guard's existence also. But it was hard as Zayn was constantly changing the songs on the radio.
The moment they stopped in front of the small shop, Liam was the first to jump out of the car. He didn't want to stay for another minute with Zayn. There were a lot of things going on in his mind, the first one being the guard.
He checked the list his mum had given him and started to put those items in the trolley.
Zayn came beside him almost immediately. The man was acting paranoid, looking in all directions as if there was a threat of danger.
Liam practically ignored him again as he carried on with his shopping. He wished Louis or Harry were with him. He never liked to shop alone.
It was once in a while when his mum would ask him to buy some groceries or anything they needed at home. And whenever that happened, Liam's first call would be his friends.
Maybe he got used to their company so much that now he misses them and didn't like the fact that he's alone right now. Well, not exactly alone because Zayn was still behind him like his shadow.
"That one is expired, can't you see" Zayn grabbed the milk Liam had in his hands and put it back. He took another package and after confirming it was good, he put it with the other items.
"And it's not healthy", He pointed out a couple of chocolates and was going to take those out but Liam slapped his hand away.
"Don't touch my things"
"I'm trying to help you Mr Payne"
"Well I didn't ask for your help, Mr Malik" He glared at the man, who was Zayn to lecture him on what to eat and not?
"Liam?"
They were so busy glaring at each other that they didn't notice Jacob. The curly haired boy was alarmed when he looked at him.
"Hi Jake. How are you?" Liam wished Zayn could give them some space, but the dark haired man didn't move an inch away.
"I'm fine. Can we talk in private please?" Jacob glanced at Zayn uncomfortably.
"You can talk here only"
"Zayn please" Liam didn't realise he had called Zayn by his name and shock was clearly written on both their faces.
"Do I know him Liam?"
The curly haired boy started thinking of various lies but what left his mouth was utterly stupid.
"He's my cousin!"
Zayn raised his eyebrows at him with an amused smile. Liam could just melt right then and there if Jacob was not there. It was the first time he saw a sort of smile on Zayn's lips.
"But you both don't look alike"
"It's because we're distant relatives" Liam wished Jacob would stop his questioning, "So tell me what's going on with you?"
"Seriously Liam, after our date it's the first time I'm seeing you and you're asking me what's going on with me?"
Jacob moved closer to the curly haired boy and held onto his hand.
"Do you know how much i missed you? How much I wanted to see you, hold you, most of all, how badly I wanted to kiss you again?" His words were ringing in Liam's ears as a soft blush rose high on his cheeks.
But his happy bubble burst in a second as Zayn seperated the two and stood between them, "Don't you dare touch him!" He grabbed Jacob's collar and yelled at him.
A few customers whispered around them and an employee even came to break them away.
Jacob was also glaring at Zayn as he released himself from the dark haired man's grip and looked at Liam for answers. But the curly haired boy couldn't meet his eyes.
They were kicked out of the shop eventually and now the three of them were standing outside with Liam holding a bag with only half of the items his mum had wanted.
What will he say to her now? But more importantly, how will he face Jacob after the drama inside the shop?
"Liam who is this man? Why is he defending you like this? He's definitely not your cousin, so don't lie to me. Tell me the truth Liam" Jacob barged at him with his questions.
The curly haired boy didn't know what to say. He couldn't tell the whole truth about himself. Even though he liked Jacob, that didn't mean he trusted him with such a big secret.
"J-jake, he's my, um, he's-"
"I'm his boyfriend"
Zayn said those words so seriously and calmly. He wrapped an arm around Liam's waist and gripped his hips.
Liam widened his brown eyes and stared at the man who stood close to him. He could feel the strong chest behind his back and without realising, he leaned back a little.
"L-liam! Is that true?" Jacob asked clearly perplexed by everything.
Liam felt Zayn pinch his side. He squeaked but hid his voice with a cough immediately, "You know Jake, it was all of a sudden and things just happened"
Why was Liam continuing with Zayn's lie was beyond his own understanding. His brain was telling him to spill the truth but his heart felt that joyful gleam just imagining being Zayn's boyfriend.
"Then what about us?" Jacob's voice was cracking and Liam had never seen him so weak and vulnerable. The curly haired boy realised that Jacob had genuine feelings for him.
"I'm sorry, Jake. I don't know how to tell you this but, there could never be anything between us. We were never meant to be" Liam was finally able to say those words.
Jacob's eyes were filled with tears but he quickly looked away, "I hope you're happy with him Liam" With those words he turned around and walked away from them.
The curly haired boy watched sadly as Jacob got into his car and drove away. It was then that he realised that Zayn was still holding him. He quickly moved back and glared at the dark haired man.
"Why the hell did you say that to him?"
The guard shrugged and wore his sunglasses, "I figured you didn't want to reveal your secret and since you didn't come up with any lies, I did. And by the way, you're welcome"
Liam frowned, "I didn't even thank you for anything"
"I helped you keep your secret safe Mr Payne. That deserves a thank you"
Liam couldn't help but compare the different personalities Zayn had showed him since they've met. At first he seemed to be a serious person, following his boss' orders, then he had seen the angry and dominant side of the man and now in front of him was a playful Zayn.
Who was Zayn really, he had no idea.
But one thing is for sure, Liam would love to know the real Zayn Malik.
"Thank you Zayn" He admitted shyly. The dark haired man gave him a small smile and took the bag that was in Liam's hands.
"You're welcome Mr Payne"
"It's Liam, just Liam"
Zayn's smile fell before he had that hard and serious expression again, "I'm not allowed to call you that" He headed towards his black car and got inside.
Liam stood in his place for a few seconds before getting in also. There was again that awkward silence between them and the curly haired boy didn't like it one bit.
They reached his home sooner than he expected and he took his grocery bag from the back seat and got out. Zayn followed him to the door and stood by it, facing the porch.
Liam grabbed the doorknob but before he actually opened his front door, he turned to the man.
"You can call me Liam only. Otherwise don't ever talk to me" He said still facing the door.
"I can't-"
"Mikhael won't know about this, if that's the reason" He looked up at him and noticed how close they were standing.
Zayn had thankfully removed his sunglasses and Liam could delve deeper into his hazel eyes.
"There are protocols"
"Those protocols didn't stop you from lying. You admitted being my boyfriend to a stranger" Liam didn't know from where he got so much confidence.
Zayn looked away and stared ahead, "That was a different case"
"I'm just asking you to call me by my name. Not asking you to marry me"
The dark haired man gave him a hard look, "Because you're already marrying my boss"
Liam rolled his eyes, suppressing the pain in them, "That's in four years. A lot could change"
"Mr Payne-"
"Liam"
Zayn sighed heavily, "Alright, Liam. Happy?"
"Very"
The curly haired boy finally opened the door and got inside. There was a beautiful smile etched on his lips. His mother was shocked to see her son's happy mood, but didn't ask any questions so as not to ruin his good mood.
She noticed only half of the items that she had ordered in the bag Liam gave her, but didn't comment on anything. She was happy as long as her son smiled more like this.
And really, for the first time in many days, Liam could see something good coming out of his fucked up situation. A friendship, or maybe something more with Zayn.
Whatever it maybe, he would wait and see how things turn out for them. He prayed to whatever power that exists, that his life would not be what Mikhael had planned but what he himself would.
And Zayn Malik was definitely in those plans.
.....................................................................
I know I took really long to complete this chapter and I apologise for the delay. But I have been busy with college and other things too
And I really hope you liked the chapter!
See you in next update...