Juliet.
" Here." Harry stood in front of me, holding a cup of coffee. I smiled softly and took the cup, mumbling a little thank you.
I took a small sip, closing my eyes at the taste I loved so much. We were all gathered in Harry's house, talking about tonight's mission—by "all," I mean Louis, Abby, Liam, and Niall.
It was early in the morning, and I was exhausted. I only get up in the morning when I feel like it. I sat on the couch with a blanket wrapped over my shoulder and a cup of hot coffee in my hands.
"We need to take passport photos." I frowned when Harry whispered.
"I already have a passport." Harry shakes his head looking at me. "We're making you a new one, not that one."
Even more confused, I asked, Why?" Harry and I haven't talked about the mission in a long time. I'd rather not know until the day since I wouldn't be able to go about my day normally.
I worry too much about what will happen if I screw up or do anything else. "We have this machine," Harry begins, looking around. "That will change your identity, make you a completely different person, and put you into your system."
"But you don't need your passport for your private jet."
"No," he shakes his head, "But we're not taking my jet; we have to go through a regular airport airline—Spain has this weird rule, and flying private complicates things."
I nod. "So, this new identification you're providing me... I'm not going to get caught, am I?"
" No." Harry sighs and shakes his head. "We're all doing it and it's the world's only system. I am the only one who can create any type of document that will work."
"That's pretty cool," I stated, grinning, and Harry nodded. "They can even make up death certificates."
"How does this work?"
"All I need to do is take a picture of you." Harry sends me a nod.
" And I type up the information I need, and the system does the rest for me. Will print out anything."
"When we land, we'll have a few hours to rest before going to the company," Harry uttered, looking me in the eyes. "Liam, you'll be the getaway car; Niall sets off security cameras, and Louis and Abby wait outside the back door. Niall, when you cut off the camera, go help Louis and Abby. Juliet, you already know what to do."
Of course, I did. Harry didn't give me much information about the mission, saying he would do most of the talking and I would just be his "wife," so I had to enter with him and pretend I was having a meeting with the company's owner.
This was a real estate corporation, the largest in Spain, that owns businesses open to everyone, so we don't need to start from scratch. This company will support your growth, no matter where you are from.
Harry was going to walk in and pretend he wanted to start a company, and from there I would excuse myself and open the door for Abby, Louis, and Niall, and they would hold me as a fake hostage as we made our way back into the meeting room.
Then from there... The outcome of whether we enter the basement to steal the gold depends entirely on luck. I have no idea what is going to happen, but I hope everything goes well.
All I knew was that I had to pretend to be a hostage until we reached the basement with Harry and Pablo, who was our hostage.
"Juliet, come with me." I stand from my seat, dropping the blanket, and follow Harry around his other house. I haven't been to this one—it wasn't the one where he killed someone in front of me, but instead, it was a different one.
This one was bigger than the last but smaller than his real house—two floors, four bedrooms on the top and two on the bottom, a mini bar in the back of the house with its living room, and everything a normal house had.
Although it looked like a family was staying in this house, it was empty, with several areas covered in dust due to abandonment. It was chilly, dusty, and unsettling.
I was happy this wasn't the house he killed someone in. I don't think I could've stepped inside and pretended everything was okay when I knew it was going to send me into a panic attack.
Harry opens the door, allowing us to enter the room. It was empty; the white, empty wall made the room look bigger than it was. The machine was in a corner; it creaked, and a monotonous clicking sound resounded throughout the area.
"Where did you get this machine?" I questioned. The device was enormous. There was a large flat screen on top, a keyboard, and a few numbers on the side, and it had many levels that printed out information. If I'm being honest, it kind of resembled a standard printer but was larger, more advanced, and nicer as well.
The majority of it was painted jet black, with subtle gold accents all over.
"When I went to Trinidad and Tobago, I stole it from a man—That is the reason I went there."
I murmured. "What if they find it and track it back to you?" I queried.
"Well, since this house is simply a showpiece, they wouldn't ever find me. Here, nobody lives. I come here because I know I can't be traced back to where my daughters live and the men I stole this from died."
I blinked. Harry cared more about his daughters than life itself. I was aware of that. "Stand in front of the camera," Harry says after a moment of silence.
I move a few steps forward and position myself in front of the camera while Harry approaches to join me. "I'm a little worried about tonight," I told him truthfully. Harry meets my stare before he can finish typing.
"Everything will go well, Juliet." Harry tried to reassure me, but there was a pitiful feeling in my stomach. "Just stick with anyone from my team while I'm gone, alright? They have strict rules to always protect you."
I smiled, "Oh, so sweet." Harry laughed and typed on the computer. The screen suddenly lights green, and it scans my face. I jerk backward on my feet, feeling Harry's gaze piercing the side of my face.
When it's finished, a photo of me that was captured on camera appears on the screen. "God, I look horrible there."
"You look fine," Harry reassured me, and I rolled my eyes, watching him type into the system again.
"Could've warned a girl so I could mentally prepare myself for the picture." I crossed my arms over my chest, and Harry was pulling my arm away, holding my hand in his. "What are you doing?"
"Let me see your thumb." I point my thumb in Harry's direction, and Harry grasps my finger. "This will give you a fake fingerprint."
I become perplexed, creasing my eyebrows. "How even does that work?"
"Incorporates a false fingerprint into a system," Harry muttered, and the rest of the words became blurry to me. Harry is so beautiful his deep green eyes reminded me of forests. I always get lost in his eyes, in his stare. Harry's eyes snapped back towards mine and he sends me a confused look.
Lips rolling into his mouth. I smile shyly but still stare at him. Stare into his eyes and lips, his soft delicate face, and then the machine interrupted, attracting my attention with a loud beeping sound.
I turned to the screen and watched the creation of my fake passport. The blue booklet displays the name and logo of the United States of America in gold letters.
Harry and I are silent for a few moments before the booklet emerges from the machine. "And here's your passport." Harry handed the small blue booklet to me. I smiled and opened it. Inside was a picture of me, but I was entirely different.
She still has my lips, but she looks different with blonde hair and green eyes.
"Kitra bell." I grinned and looked up at Harry. "Born July 2nd, 2003—that makes me 27 in this fake world." A laugh bubbled out of my lips, and Harry stared at me with a smile.
"What's your name?"
"Mattia," he uttered. " Bell." I giggled, raising an eyebrow.
"So, are we related or married? It would be a little weird if we were related." I already knew the answer but I still loved bothering Harry about the smallest things.
" Married." Trying to contain his laughter, Harry pursed his lips and stated, "And I'm 28." His stare was warm and gentle, like the sun on a summer day.
"Do you look different?" I inquired while beaming.
I tried to look away, to break the spell of his gaze, but I couldn't.
Harry nods: "I have glasses; my eyes are brown, and my hair but that's the only different thing. I need to protect you more than myself. can't have anything happen to that pretty little skin of yours."
I rolled my eyes and smiled. Taking a step closer to Harry, placing my hands behind my back. His head drops, and his gaze shifts from my eyes to my lips. "And I don't want anything bad happening to you."
"I can take care of myself, pretty girl." Harry grabbed my waist and pulled me towards him, our lower bodies meeting. "You have to stay safe at all times."
Placing my free hand on his chest, I stare deeply into his green eyes. Harry's eyes appeared cloudy, and he blinked delicately into my eyes.
"Seriously, Harry, no more scaring me like the other time." Like magnets, his eyes focused on mine, twinkling with hope, and I wondered what he was thinking and feeling. It was often difficult to read his emotions and know what he was feeling.
"Pinky, promise I'll stay safe." Harry breaks our stare and makes space between us, holding up his pinky; I laughed and looped my pinky to his.
"It's stupid to make pinky promises about things you can't control." My head shakes.
"Have some faith in me, Malik." I laughed, and Harry squeezed my finger, slipping our hands down, neither of us seeming to want to remove our hold.
As we held hands, I felt a jolt of electricity shoot through my body. It was like I was seeing him for the first time, and I couldn't believe how beautiful he was. His hand felt so big and secure in mine; I felt safe just by our hands holding onto each other. It was like we were the only two people in the world, and nothing else mattered. I knew at that moment that I wanted Harry to be more than just a friend, and I couldn't wait to see where this would lead.
Harry's stare always made me squirm. I looked into his eyes and felt like I was falling into a deep, endless pool. His gaze was so intense and so full of emotion that I couldn't help but feel drawn to him. The world around us seemed to fade away, and all that mattered was the connection between us. I couldn't look away, even if I wanted to. It was like I was under his spell, and I never wanted it to end.
Wrapping my arms around his neck, I send a teasing smile back. "I do have faith in you, Styles, but you can also act very recklessly." I hummed and rose on my tippy toes, brushing my lips against his.
Harry gives me a smug hum while pulling my hair hard from the back, preventing me from kissing him. I groan and squeeze his shoulder.
Harry drags me away by my hair, and I whimper, opening my eyes to look at him. Harry looked amused, his lips twitching upwards while he stared down at me.
I try to lean forward Harry's lips brush against mine, but Harry pulls me back. "Stop that," I muttered, and he chuckled.
"Stop what Jolie fille. Je veux toujours être à côté de toi."
"Please kiss him." Harry smiles smoothing his thumb over my pouting lips.
"What is it, gorgeous girl? I'm sorry I can't hear you." I roll my eyes. Harry pulls my hair even more, "That's rude. Look at me and tell me what you want. Je volerai les étoiles pour toi."
"First of all." I mutter, "I want you to stop talking in French." Letting go of my hair, Harry grabs my jaw. "That's what you want, Juli—okay, we have to start getting ready for the airport; Abby can put your wig on for you, okay?"
"God, Harry, you're so annoying." He tugs on my bottom lip, grinning at me.
"Rude little mouth. That wasn't very nice, was it?" I huff out in desperation.
"I want you to kiss me." I groaned "Please—fuck kiss—" As our lips met, he cut me off, and I felt like I was flying. All I could think of was the taste of Harry on my tongue as if nothing else in the world mattered. Harry pulled me closer to him and placed his arms around my waist to intensify our kiss. It was a moment of pure passion, and I knew that I never wanted it to end. His hands found my hair, and he pulled roughly. When we finally pulled away, we were both breathless and smiling.
"See, it wasn't that hard." Harry was breathing hard; his chest was moving rapidly.
I felt lightheaded as I withdrew and looked up at Harry. "Go get ready with Abby, okay?" I hummed for a brief time to calm my body down before leaving the room where the system was installed and heading in the direction of the source of the noise.
Louis was on the other side of the stool, leaning against the counter with his arms crossed over his chest, while Abby sat on the stool with a cup of something to drink in her hands.
Niall was next to Louis as well. " Ready?" As soon as her brown eyes landed on me, Abby asked, and I nodded. "Blonde wig and green contact." She grins at me.
" Perfect." After finishing the last of her drink, Abby gets up from the stool and moves towards me. "Let's go." We take a few steps before entering one of Harry's many empty rooms in the home as she links her arms around mine.
That's one good thing about this house—he had many empty rooms that had absolutely nothing.
Walking into the room, there was a mirror, a chair, a vanity, and a few wigs and clothes laying around. "What color is your wig?" I ask
"Red," Abby grins, "I'll be a ginger for tonight." Taking a seat on the chair, I meet Abby's stare in the mirror.
She appeared radiant, joyful, and stunning. "What happened? You're in a good mood today." She puts her hand on my shoulder and smiles even more.
"Louis asked me to marry him." I turn and look up into her crazed eyes.
" What?" My hands came across her cheeks, and I grinned even wider. "Abigail what?"
Abby laughs, letting out a cherry giggle through her pink lips. "We had dinner last night, and afterward, we went to a little yet stunning rooftop where he proposed to me."
"Oh, my god." I embrace her, "Congratulations, love." cupping her face, I pressed a kiss to her cheeks. "I'm so happy for you—why haven't you told anyone this news?"
Abby shrugs. "I want to give it time to sink in." She pulls her hands away from me and digs in her pockets. I looked down at the ring in her hands. The ring was beautiful, with a delicate band of gold and a sparkling round diamond in the center. It was like a little piece of magic, and I couldn't stop staring at it. The diamond appeared to catch fire and dance with light each time the light hit it. I knew that it was the perfect ring for her, and I couldn't wait to see her show it off.
" God." I grin and glance into Abby's eyes once more before suddenly becoming moved to tears. I haven't known Abby for long, but I do know that she deserved this. "Abby, I'm so happy for you. You deserve all the happiness in the world, and Louis is a very lucky man to find a woman as beautiful and amazing as you."
She frowns, her eyes glistening with tears. "Juliet!" she laughs, wiping away her tears. "Don't make me cry. Okay, wig now," I turn back towards the mirror.
"So wedding planning starts when?" I asked, watching the smile on her face grow bigger.
Abby grins, "Next year. We planned to get married soon though—we don't want a crazy wedding; we want something simple with our few friends and Louis siblings."
A
I smiled softly at her. "And I want you to be my maid of honor." I think I couldn't hold my emotions back the minute she told me. I was out of the chair and in Abby's arms.
"You can't tell me that and expect me to just be fine." I squint, and Abby chuckles as she dries my tears. "Are you serious, Abby?"
"Juliet, I've never had a lot of girlfriends, and the ones I have, I have never had a strong connection with. I've never felt as connected to someone as I do with you. Whatever it is, I'm grateful to have you as a friend and in my life, and I wouldn't want anyone else to attend my wedding but you."
There is a long pause before Abby chuckles, "Stop crying."
I grin and wipe away my tears. "I can't. I've never been anyone's maid of honor—ever."
Abby beams. "I'm happy to be your first, but it's seriously wig time, so Harry doesn't murder me just before my wedding."
"Oh, I won't let him." I shook my head and sat down on the chair again. "Abby starts parting my hair to make them into French braids.
☆
I was finally done and I walked out of the room and made my way toward the living room. They were all sitting there, drinking from their hands, and talking about something.
I could feel Harry's stare burning into me like he was trying to read my mind. Every time I turned around, he was there, watching me with those piercing green eyes. It was like he knew something that I didn't, and I couldn't shake the feeling that he was up to something. He stared at me, and every time I did, a chill went down my spine.
Harry spits out his words and turns to face the boys in front of him. "Can Juliet and I talk for a moment? We're ready to leave."
Nobody asks questions; they stand up and leave the living room, basically out of the house. Except for Abby and Louis, they were both in the room where I was previously.
"You look pretty,"
When he called me pretty, I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment. Since I wasn't used to receiving compliments like that, I wasn't sure how to react. I mumbled a quick "thank you" and looked away, hoping that he wouldn't notice how shy I was feeling.
"Don't look away." He mumbled, grasped my jaw, and gazed intently into my eyes. He had a mesmerizing appearance, with brown hair and piercing brown eyes. He had perfect skin and a smile that could brighten any space.
"Your eyes are brown." was the only thing I found myself saying with a frown. "Who changed your hair?"
"And your eyes are green," Harry says that even with brown eyes, he still looked so beautiful; it felt like I was still staring into his green ones. Harry was dressed comfortably for the lengthy flight with a black hoodie and some sweatpants. "And I used some shit-ass spray Louis got me."
As I stood next to him, I couldn't help but notice the sweet scent of vanilla that seemed to surround Harry. Every time he moved, the scent would waft toward me, and I would feel a sense of calm wash over me. It was like he had a superpower, and I was under his spell.
He doesn't hide from me the way he is so mesmerized, staring at me as if we were under a new light. His eyes widened with interest, intrigued, as he reached for a lock of hair, holding it between his fingers. Noticing every single detail of me and the way the new hair would bring out different details of me as compared to my usual darker hairline "I love how it looks on you, but god, I miss your real Hair."
"I like the blonde." I tell Harry, and he smiles, "Yeah?" and I nod again. "Although I don't think blonde will look nice with curls, I've always wanted to try and change my hair color."
"Will you ever dye your hair?"
"Probably not; it's very unhealthy for my curls."
" Good." He says it and flashes me a smile. "Ready to go?" I nodded, and we walked out of the house.
☆
Starting at myself in the mirror for the millionth time today as I got ready. I wore a white, tight, long dress that hugged my curves in all the right places with a slit in the side. I felt attractive and self-assured like I could take on the world. Every step I took was like a dance, and the dress flowed around me like a river.
" Ready?" Harry asks moving carefully in my direction. He was behind me, looking into my eyes through the mirror.
Harry looked very sharp in his suit. The black clothing complimented his skin tone wonderfully and was elegant and well-tailored. His posture was perfect, and he carried himself with confidence. The outfit fit him perfectly and was well-made, with a tie and a white button-up underneath.
"I'm ready." I nodded, feeling the knife and gun between my thighs. My heart was racing, and my palms were sweaty. Hoping Harry wouldn't notice how anxious I was, I couldn't help but fidget with my hands and avoid making eye contact.
But it was impossible since he was holding my face in his hands and staring intently into my eyes when I turned to face him. "Juliet breath."
"I am." My words were stumbling out of my mouth and my voice was trembling. I kept glancing around the room, trying to find something to distract myself from my anxiety.
"No, you're not." Harry pulled me in by lowering his hands to my waist. My eyes closed and I took a deep breath and fisted the jacket of his suit.
I felt like I was suffocating. I was having a hard time breathing, my heart was racing. My body felt as though it were vibrating throughout, and my palms were perspiring. I was so scared, and I didn't know what to do. I felt like I was losing control, my mind racing. I made an effort to settle myself down, but I felt everything enveloping me.
"I'm sorry." Harry ignores my apology and gently rubs my back all over with his hands. "I'm sorry."
"Just take some deep breaths, Juli. You're safe here with me. Tell me what you see" after taking a look around the space. I open my eyes and scan the area. " Plant." I took a quick breath in, and he hummed.
" Good. Can you hear the air conditioner?" Once more nodding, Harry muttered, "That's good. You're doing wonderful. Would you like to sit down and take a few moments to relax? I'm here for you."
Opening my eyes, I stare into his. I took a deep breath, "I'm okay." I murmured, and I wonder how he was feeling right now and what he was thinking about. I hope I don't tiger an episode by acting dramatic.
After noticing that I had calmed down a bit, Harry grinned and pushed my fake hair behind my ears. "Are you okay?"
I gave him another nod, placing a flat hand on his chest. "I'm ready." I nod, and he smiles, dropping his hands down. "Okay, remember, you have your knife and gun if anything goes downhill. Simply focus on hitting your target when using a gun."
I nodded, and Harry and I made our way downstairs and toward a small black car with tinted windows. It was a car just for us—the car we will use to drive to the company, and then it will be switched to drive away.
The drive through Spain in the car was beautiful. We traveled through beautiful small towns and mountains on meandering roads. The area was ablaze with color as the sun shone. As we passed through flowery fields, I rolled down the window and felt the warm breeze on my face. It was a magnificent experience, and I was grateful to have had the opportunity to travel to such an amazing part of the world.
I have never really seen myself traveling, and Harry's has taken me to Italy, France, and now Spain in less than a year.
The engine roared beneath us, and when Harry pressed down on the pedal, the car smoothly ran down the streets at a normal pace.
Every time I'm in the car with him since his accident, he drives slowly. "Hey." Harry placed his hand over my knees, giving me a gentle squeeze. He reassures me once again, "Relax, pretty girl; everything will be OK." I felt terrible for feeling this way. It wasn't my first mission. Why did I worry so much?
I admit, as Harry looked for a parking spot, I caught myself glancing out the window and thinking, "I know I'm just so nervous."
It was a massive building that towered over the other buildings in the area. It was composed of gleaming steel and glass with a sleek, contemporary style. Even though it was getting close to sunset, people went in and out of the building.
Purple and pink hues adorn the sky. The sun was a fiery ball that was gradually lowering itself below the horizon. The world seemed to be at peace as the clouds were illuminated by a warm radiance.
"Just remember, me and the rest of the team can talk to you with that earpiece." I nodded my head, and when Harry parked the car, he looked at me, holding my jaw.
"I'll keep you safe, okay?" Harry asked, "Can I kiss you?" He ran his thumb over my face, and I hummed.
Nodding, I grinned. "A good luck kiss?"
Harry chuckles while also giving me a simple, gentle kiss. I'm not able to savor it before he starts moving away.
"Let's go show them hell, pretty girl."
I break out in a laugh, and Harry smiles stepping out of the car. He makes his way towards me and opens my car door, helping me out.
"Ready, Kitra Bell?" I nodded, giving Harry a smirk.
"Ready, Mattia Bell?" As we slowly approach the structure, I struggle not to giggle. The building towers above our diminutive frames, making me feel smaller with each step we take. Once we got near, Harry reached for my hands.
confused Harry nodded when I turned to look at him. "All part of an act." My pulse continued to beat rapidly against my chest feeling his warm fingers against my heated body and his icy rings.
I swallowed roughly a gentle breeze blowing our direction when a security guard from the front opened the door, sending Harry and me a nod when we walked in.
The lobby was luxurious and spacious, with a marble-polished floor and high ceilings filled with natural light. From the top floor, you could see the city skyline, which was a breathtaking sight.
I drew nearer to Harry, scanning the structure. It was enormous and unlike anything, I'd ever seen.
When I arrived at the front desk, the cherry wooden desk had a firm name engraved on the front of it.
La Suerte
"Hola, buenas tardes, como puedo ayudarlos hoy?" The woman spoke, concealing a strong accent in her speech. She was beautiful. I couldn't help but feel captivated by her beauty. Her smile was like a ray of sunlight on a cloudy day, and her eyes were like pools of deep blue water. She moved with elegance and confidence, I felt drawn to her. She was dressed in a suit with the name tag Esperanza printed on it and had her dark brown hair pulled back from her face in a bun.
" Buenas." Harry begins to catch me off guard; as my head whips in his direction, I hear the Spanish slide off his tongue with such ease. "Tengo una cita con el señor Pablo."
While grinning, the woman types into her computer. Harry sounded beautiful when he spoke Spanish.
"Nombre y apellido por favor?"
"Mattia Bell y Kitra Bell." The woman's eyes shift over to mine, and she smiles, a dimple appearing on the side of her cheeks. I returned the smile and put down my hands while fumbling with my thumb.
God, she's gorgeous. Standing here with her made me feel a little insecure in my heart. Why would Harry want anything to do with me when there are women like her out there?
Harry's eyes sparkle as he turns his head to look at me. "I didn't know you spoke Spanish."
Harry laughs, his deep voice echoing around the building. "I know a few." I squeezed his hands with mine, raising an eyebrow.
" How?" However, Harry was unable to respond before the woman interrupted our little moment by asking another question. All of Harry's pleasant feelings vanished the moment he turned to face the woman, and he returned to his serious demeanor.
His voice was deep, rapid, and husky, and his stare appeared lethal. Harry's words were cut short. I understood a few words he was saying from taking Spanish in college and high school, but high school was a blur to me.
"All ready." Harry gives me a friendly smile, holds my hands, and leads the way to the elevator. After entering, I turn to face him.
"When did you start learning Spanish?"
"A few years ago," he murmured, biting his inner cheeks. "Do you know Spanish?"
"I can speak a little of it, and I understand it." Harry moves closer to me, pushing me back against the elevator wall.
"Oh yeah?" I hummed. "Tell me something."
My body begins to heat up with embarrassment as I feel shy. "Hola, mi nombre es Juliet."
"Y cuántos aos tienes Juliet?" I opened my mouth to speak while staring blankly at him before closing it again. "Años is years right?" Harry hums, and I blow out a breath. "Tengo, uh, twenty-two—uh, venti..."
" Ventidos." Harry hummed and grabbed my jaw, brushing his lips with mine. "Y estás soltera?"
" Soltera." I continue to look at him in confusion, Harry laughs and kisses my lips. "Esperó que estés soltera, porque todo lo que quiero hacer es estar contigo todo el tiempo, cariño."
Before I can ask what the hell he was talking about, the elevator door chimes and Harry exits the elevator turning around. I catch up to him, my shoes clicking against the floor. The woman at the front desk smiles at us as well. "Cita con Pablo"
The woman picks up the phone. "Puedes pasar."
Harry took my hands in his, and we walked towards the double doors, Harry letting me walk in first.
"Glad to see you were able to make it, Mattia and Kitra." I smiled at the man and looked over at Harry. "Please take a seat," he says, pointing over the couch in front of his desk.
"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else than here." Harry flashes him a smile like he knew something we didn't.
"Can I offer you guys anything, like water, a cup of whiskey, or soda?" I turned to face Pablo's two security guards, who were standing on either side of him.
Harry murmured, "I'll have a cup of whiskey," and the man turns to face me.
"And for the lady?"
"Just water." I make a courteous grin, and the man nods before he calls his assistant and makes the demands.
"Tell me what kind of company you're considering starting and where."
"We live in New York right now, and we were considering starting a real estate company."
Pablo hums and turns to look at a piece of paper before turning to face me, "That's great." He appeared to be in his middle 40s or older.
As I looked at him, I couldn't help but feel drawn to his confidence and wisdom. He had some wrinkles around his eyes, which indicated that he had lived a full life. He had a certain attitude about him that set him apart from the rest of the crowd. He knew what he wanted and had no qualms about pursuing it.
I also felt a little bad knowing what the future held. " I would be pleased to share my contacts, industry experience, and starting-point suggestions with you. Do you have any specific questions or concerns?"
"Yes, I'm not sure where to start. How do I choose the best location for my company?" I became bored as Harry asked.
"I think that New York is a great place to start with it being a business for both of you or just you, Mr. Bell?"
Harry nods, "Both. My wife will be a co-finder." Pablo hums, and I can hear Niall's voice in my earpiece.
"I cut off the camera; Juliet can make her way down." When I cleared my throat, my eyes turned toward me.
"Excuse me while I use the restroom for a moment." I straighten up and run a hand over my dress, they both nod. My pulse rate increased as I walked out of the room and straight to the elevator, feeling uneasy.
I look up, and a few other passengers are standing in the elevator, attempting to control how my heart rate increased as I saw the numbers drop. As we got closer, my anxiety worsened.
When I arrived on the ground floor, the doors chimed, and I snuck outside to glance around the lobby while trying to recall the building's layout. I quickly and stealthily made my way down, turning left, then reading the emergency exit when I turned right at the end of the hallway.
Pushing the door open they were there dressed entirely in black, with their hoodies pulled up over their hair and a bandanna concealing the bottom half of their faces.
To be honest, if I were to see this alone, I would go crazy. " Hi." Abby chuckles and walks by me.
"God, I don't know what I got myself into." I shook my head, and once inside the building, I said, "It's crazy busy out there; it's either stairs or you wouldn't even make it to the front without getting caught."
"How many floors?" When Abby asks, I frown.
" Twelve." After breathing out, Abby nods and opens the emergency stairwell next to us. "Up, we go."
I'm not sure how long it took, but by the time we got to the floor, my legs hurt and I was gasping for air. "God—fucking shit," Louis chuckles at me placing a hand on my lower back. We were standing close to the closed door when I heard him muttering in my ear. "I'm going to point the gun at you; it's loaded, but my hand won't be on the trigger." swallowing, I nodded. After that, he asked, "Do you trust me?" I nodded.
"I trust you." Niall opens the door and points the gun at the first person he sees. She adjusted her stare on us, confused, letting out a blood-curdling scream stumbling backward, tripping over a piece of who knows what, and falling to the floor. The scream echoed through the empty halls, filling the floor with its intensity and leaving her trembling with fear.
Niall pressed down on the trigger, sending a bullet right through the desk. The woman yells again, and Louis and Abby move away from her in the direction of the meeting room as Niall moves closer to the receptionist.
Opening the meeting room, Abby fires a bullet squarely between the first security guard's eyes.
When I walked into the room, I was immediately struck by the chaos of the scene before me. Blood splatters covered every surface, from the walls to the floor to the furniture. Abby shoots again, and the man sitting on the desk stands
Harry pretended to be shocked, getting up, and the second security guard fired a shot that missed and flew straight past us.
As the anticipation builds, my heart begins to beat more quickly. My body experiences a rush of exhilaration while my respiration becomes more rapid. Louis removed the gun from my hand and shot the other security guard.
Their aim is better than mine will ever be. "Don't you dare." he attempted to reach for his phone, but Niall said, "Stand up."
Pablo listens with obvious fear on his face. "Listen, what do you want? I have a family?"
"Stand up," Niall speaks again and turns to face Harry. "You too." Harry looks amused at me while standing and lifting his hands in submission.
I struggled not to chuckle while Liam pointed a gun at Pablo and Abby pointed hers at Harry. "Take us down to the basement."
Pablo's eyes shifted over to Liam. "I have nothing in the basement." Liam pulls down on the trigger and the windows of his office crack.
My eyes widen, and I look over at Harry and say, "Come on, just do as he says." My voice is cut short, and I try to act scared.
He stares at us with pity and obeys. We all wall to the elevator, Pablo pressing the ground floor. "There is no need to kill anyone else, okay?"
"Shut up," Niall yells, and Pablo shuts up, looking at us. He nodded, and I was left standing there bewildered, unsure of what he was trying to say, but I knew that whatever it was, it wasn't good.
Harry's gaze pierced into mine as I gulped, turning to face him.
Before the elevator doors can open, Niall grabs Pablo by the collar of his shirt, pointing the gun at his temple.
The doors opened, and immediately we were surrounded by walls that were made of reinforced concrete, and there were cameras mounted in every corner of the room. The door was thick and heavy, with multiple locks and bolts that would be nearly impossible to pick.
Even the air vents were covered with metal grates to prevent anyone from crawling through them. It was clear that whoever had designed this room had spared no expense when it came to ensuring that it was completely secure.
In the blink of an eye, Pablo lunged forward and backward, again colliding both of their heads. He turns in a swift moment, punching Niall right in the ribs. The punch caught him completely off guard, and Niall stumbled backward, dazed and disoriented.
Louis was away from me and pointed at Pablo, shooting him right in the leg. Blood splattered on the floor and all over Niall. Pablo fell to the ground, and he let out a blood-curdling scream of agony.
It was a sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Get up." Louis lowers himself to his knees, pressing the gun against his temple. " Up." Pablo clutched at his leg, right above the wound, and I could see the pain on his face.
My face twisted in disgust at a feeling in my stomach dropping so low it made me sick. I look away and towards Harry, murmuring, "Are you okay?"
I nodded, sending her a smile. Louis lifted Pablo from the ground and shoved him in the direction of the door. With bloody hands, he held himself up, digging his pockets for a set of keys.
One by one, they all come unlocked—his fingers deftly tapping out the combination. Harry drew the door open, there was a brief moment of apprehensive stillness. When it rested on the substantial chunk of gold, however, everyone's eyes lit up with a little smile of happiness.
Harry uses the opportunity to drag Pablo to the other end of the room, dragging Pablo back down to the floor. He was staring at us with his eyebrows raised in confusion as the rest of the team piled gold into the bags.
"What are you doing?" Pablo yells, but Harry stays silent. A whimper leaves Pablo's lips, his hands pressing down on his wound again. "Help me." His voice echoed around the room. " Help."
I forced a hard swallow and turned my head away from Harry, who was tying Pablo up to prevent him from escaping.
We were in a hurry our footsteps echoed off the walls as some disappeared around the corner, leaving me standing there alone.
I reached for one of the duffle bags, moving toward a mound of gold, adding weight to it that made it more difficult for me to lift.
A barrage of gunshots causes me to startle in my place, the duffel bag to fall to the floor, and I instantly duck down, glancing to my right. Harry had his gun drawn and was pointing it at a security guard in the front, covering his body with Pablo.
The man shoots again at Harry, and I see the bullet skim his arm—Harry doesn't even react, pressing down on the trigger, the bullet landing on his chest.
The man stumbles to the floor and jerks his head repeatedly. Harry rushed over to me, ducking down. "Take the stairs, leave the building, and get into the first can; that's the one Liam is in, okay?"
" What?" Harry stands me up as I exhale frantically. He nods as I shake my head. "No, I'm not leaving you, Harry—you promised." Another gunshot rang out in my ear, this time down the hall, most likely where the rest of the team was. "I don't want to leave you." I shook my head, and Harry fixed his gaze on mine.
"Juli, I'm not going to break my promise; please go. I'll be fine." I nodded, picking up the duffle bag as Harry pushed me behind his body, taking a step forward and slowly walking towards the exit of the room, keeping me behind him.
The area was clear, but who knew for how long? More gunshots and grunts were echoing around the basement. My heart told me not to leave him just in case they needed my help, but I knew I wouldn't be useful.
I looked back at him one last time and suddenly leaned forward, pressing a quick kiss on his lips. "Don't break your promise," I whispered, and I started rushing up the stairs.
My palms were wet with perspiration, and I could feel my heart thumping in my chest. I raced up the stairs after opening the door. I was scared of what was to come. There's no way in hell I would survive down there with bullets flying in each direction. I knew I didn't have good aim or fast reflexes. I attempted to calm myself down by taking long, deep breaths, but it was ineffective.
My breath froze in my throat as I watched the number one on the top of the door, but it seemed as though I couldn't reach it. The stairwells began to feel longer.
The fear was too strong and overwhelming. I scanned my surroundings for any indication of safety, but all I saw were the shadows encroaching on me. The white walls felt ominous and foreboding like they were going to lift me or cause me to trip and fall. I became alarmed as the sound of footsteps grew louder and louder. My eyes were wide with fear when I whirled around and noticed a man.
Standing there with his biceps bursting beneath his white shirt and his eyes dark and gloomy, he appeared insane. He was a man who could demand respect and wasn't hesitant to use force to obtain what he desired.
I took a step back and stumbled, falling to the ground. I groaned in agony, my eyes closing completely. The sound of the gold hitting the floor reverberated.
I quickly stood up, put the bag on the ground, and moved backward once more. I couldn't help but feel uneasy as he got closer to me. There was something just odd about him. I made an effort to move away from him and create some space between us, but he just kept coming. And then, suddenly, he was right in front of me, his face twisted into a sneer.
"What do you want?" I grimaced. I was about to become trapped between his body and the wall if I took one more step back. I knew that I was in trouble and that I had to get away.
He gives me a gold-toothed smile. "You."
I chuckled. "Go to hell." I stare at the man while making a fist with my hand.
"Go to hell?" He repeats, "Not very nice." His gaze turns to mine. "Do you know what you just did?"
He moves closer as I try to push him away, but instead of moving away, he pushes my body against the wall. I groaned, closing my eyes, pain shooting through my entire body.
I whimper, and when he scoops me up again and slams me against the wall harder, my hands seek the slit in my dress. and while I do, my head feels a piercing pain that seems to resonate throughout my entire body. Everything briefly went black, and I wasn't sure whether I would be able to stand back up.
"Do you think you can just come in here and kill my boss?" I raised my knees, kept my eyes closed, and pushed hard against him.
The man screams in pain and steps back. Leaving the bag on the floor, I grabbed the railing and sprinted back up the stairs, the hallway spinning with each step.
I felt dizzy and weak. It wasn't until I felt him pull me back down, my body rolling down a few stairs, that I even realized how slowly I was moving.
He crouches down and speaks inaudibly to me. "Fuck you, bitch."
I was abruptly struck down by a sharp pain that seemed like lightning. It was like a sudden, intense sensation that stopped me in my tracks. For a short while, I was unable to speak or move, looking down between us as I watched my white dress stain with a dark color.
A/N
oh no