James leaves almost immediately. He constantly feels watched and paranoid because everyone is right downstairs. I don't really care anymore. I'd be delighted if everyone found out about what an idiot he is.

I pull on some boy shorts and an old T-shirt after my cold shower, my restlessness not allowing me to get any sleep despite how exhausted I was. Maybe I had too much on my mind or not enough, maybe seeing Zayn affected me more than I led on.

I want him, it's decided.

Almost as soon as I close my bedroom door, I see him again. My breath catches in my throat and an explosion of butterflies are wild in my stomach. He's in the sitting room, not watching the tv. I wonder how long he's been there. I wonder if he saw James. This was perfect. I didn't have to go to the library, I had my perfect distraction right there.

"Hi," I say, loud enough so only he hears me.

Zayn offers me a little smile, his eyes lighting up at my presence. Maybe he was expecting me.

"Hey," he replies, patting the spot on the couch next to him.

"I saw James." His accent is thick and smooth. "You fuck all your dad's mates?"

"Most of them," I accidentally answer, regretting it immediately.

Instead of disgust, Zayn chuckles. This takes me by surprise, he seems to be amused.

"I'll look forward to that then."