WHOO. Chapter 23, holy beejesuz c; If we're being honest, I really didn't plan on the fake dating Niall xD It just came to me while I was drinking a smoothie... o_O Whale, enjoy<3

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Chapter 23 – Harry’s P.O.V.

            I can’t fucking do this.

            Those were the only words rolling through my head the entire dinner. With Valerie being fucking adorable (go figure) playing footsies, I hardly even thought about her fake dating Niall. I love my best mate and all, but Valerie is downright flawless and lovable. What if he actually starts liking her that way and steals her from me? It’s practically the perfect opportunity. With Valerie’s extreme fangirl senses, I doubt she’d think twice about leaving me for Niall Horan. As much as I hate to admit it, I think she’d leave me for any of the boys, if she was asked.

            Dinner was difficult, especially since I couldn’t sit by Valerie and secure her under my arm. I couldn’t wrap my arms around her waist, kiss her, or even peck her damn cheek. I couldn’t hold her hand, drape my arm around her, or even wink at her. I had to act like she meant absolutely nothing to me.

            Fuck.

            After paying, the lads and Valerie stood to leave. Seeing paparazzi was still outside, I snagged Niall to the side away from the group.

            “What’s wrong, lad?” he asked, his blue eyes deep in concern.

            I pursed my lips, then raked a hand through my hair. “Don’t… Don’t kiss her, all right?” I murmured, feeling slightly embarrassed that I was even telling him this.

            Niall smirked. “We’re not actually dating, Harry. Besides, you know I’d never steal your girl. Especially since you’re head over heels for this one.”

            I managed a weak smile. “Thanks, mate.”

            Niall smiled back. His smile gradually faded. “Just… don’t murder me for putting my arm around her waist when we leave, yeah?”

            I laughed. “I won’t, as long as it’s just acting,” I said, raising an eyebrow expectantly.

            Niall rolled his eyes. “Of course it’s acting, Harry. Besides, she still has her heart set on me marrying Demi Lovato.”

            I chuckled at this, stealing a glimpse at the beautiful girl chatting with Eleanor. Niall patted me on the back and gave me a small smile, as if trying to assure me everything was okay. It wasn’t okay. I don’t care what people think about Valerie. I like her… I like her a lot, and I want to show her off and make all those perverted bastards envy me for scoring such a perfect lady. I want to protect her and hold her hand out in front of everyone, not hide behind doors and act like we hardly even know each other. I just want to be with her. Period.

            A frown quickly made its way to my lips when Niall whispered to Valerie, then snaked his arm around her waist. I know he was just telling her it was all for the cameras, but my heart nearly sank to my feet at the sight. I didn’t like Valerie in someone else’s arms, even if he was my best mate.

            I wanted her to be with me, dammit.

            Zayn patted my back, much like Niall did as he faintly smiled at me. I rolled my eyes at his concern, although I managed a smile back as I heaved a hand through my hair. Acting as if Valerie leaning into Niall didn’t bother me, I started trailing behind them out the doors of the restaurant.

            Questions were immediately thrown at us. Asking if Niall was dating Valerie and if she was cheating on me. Or if I was cheating on Kendall with her. I swear, these people crave all kinds of ridiculous information, and they definitely have no shame. But still, watching as Niall held onto Valerie, and Louis held onto Eleanor, all I wanted was someone of my own to hold onto.

            And that someone was Valerie.

***

            Pulling up in front of the hotel, Valerie was sound asleep with her head on my shoulder. Louis and Eleanor were up front (Louis driving), with Niall, Valerie, and me in the middle seat. Zayn and Liam had gotten the third seat of the SUV, but I was more than ecstatic that Valerie had sat beside me. I couldn’t help the idiotic grin that stretched on my face when her head had softly fell onto me. It made my night.

            “Lad, the paps are out there,” Niall whispered, sure not to wake Valerie.

            My eyebrows frowned together as I realized what he was saying. He had to carry Valerie inside. I couldn’t do it.

            Suddenly, I felt like punching something. I want her in my arms again so fucking bad, but I can’t even carry her into the hotel when she’s sleeping.

            Pursing my lips tightly together, my eyebrows still frowned, I swallowed and nodded. Niall gave me an apologetic smile, gently shifting Valerie bridal style in his lap. Her soft snored stifled a bit as she stirred, but then Niall had the door open. I watched enviously as Valerie’s arms wrapped around his neck, him still carrying her bridal style into the lobby as the rest of the lads piled out. Paparazzi went crazy, but I sat my depressed ass in the car still, not having any motivation to move.

            I rubbed my face vigorously with my hands, ripping my gaze off Niall carrying Valerie as he disappeared into the lobby. It was weird and odd, actually. I almost wanted to cry over all this shit. I wanted to bawl my eyes out like a melodramatic teenage girl, and I didn’t want to stop until Valerie was the one shushing me. Until she was back in my arms again.

            “Fuck,” I grumbled, angrily pushing the door open.

            Ignoring paparazzi the best I could, I stormed into the lobby with a tensed jaw. I was holding in the urge to pound someone in the face as I stepped into the elevator, furiously jabbing the top floor button with my finger. Naturally, my foot was tapping on the floor from the anxiety clawing at my insides. I heaved both hands through my hair, sucking in a sharp breath as I tried to calm myself and not overthink about management and how heartless they are.

            Too soon, the elevator doors opened. I walked into the hotel room to see Eleanor, Louis, and Zayn were already heading off to bed. Liam was scrolling through his phone, but my eyebrows furrowed as Niall was walking to my room. I then noticed he was still carrying the small figure as he gently kicked my door open. Curiously, I followed him.

            I watched intently as Niall laid Valerie on my bed, Valerie instantly curling in the sheets. Niall turned to face me, and I guess my confusion was evident as he said, “There’s no paps in here.” He gave me a sincere smile. “I figured you’d want to sleep with her instead of her taking the couch.”

            I gave my best mate a bright smile, my heart suddenly lifting from the despair it was in moments ago. “Thanks, lad,” I beamed, still quiet as I tried not to wake Valerie.

            Niall smiled, nodding in acknowledgment before he stepped out the room, gingerly closing the door behind him.

            A sigh of relief left my lips as I pulled the shirt over my head, rummaging through my drawers for a more comfortable one to sleep in. I shimmied out of my tight black jeans and into some jogging pants that hung loose on my hips. It was a little cold in Tampa tonight, but I wouldn’t really know how their weather is. Still, I’d rather not freeze my ass off while I try to sleep.

            Trying to be as quiet as possible, I slipped into the bed next to Valerie. I wish she was awake so I could see those beautiful brown eyes of hers, and that bright smile that always seemed to be on her face. I wish she was awake so she could change into my clothes to sleep in. I wish she was awake just so I could hear her beautiful voice.

            I was hesitating on whether or not I should put my arms around her waist. I wanted so badly to hold her right now, but I didn’t want to wake her. She looked so peaceful and beautiful sleeping, it was a sight I wanted to see all the time. Not being able to stop myself, I reached over and brushed some loose strands of chocolate brown hair behind her ear. I smiled as my fingers brushed her soft cheek.

            As if reading my mind, Valerie rolled over to where she was facing me. I pulled my hand back, dreading the fact that I had woken her up. And sure enough, those gorgeous eyes fluttered open to meet mine. I gave her a soft smile, but it only grew bigger when her own smile painted her perfect lips.

            “Sorry I woke you,” I said quietly.

            Valerie smiled, closing her eyes as she stretched her body. “Sorry I fell asleep on you,” she murmured, her voice a little hoarse from sleep.

            I realized I liked her sleepy voice.

            “Don’t be sorry for that,” I chuckled, earning a giggle in return.

            Valerie’s eyes opened, but this time seriousness was etched across her face. I frowned at her sudden mood change, looking as if she were almost scared. “Are you mad at me?” she whispered, her lips barely moving with the words.

            I frowned. “Why would I be mad at you, Valerie?”

            Valerie merely shrugged her shoulders the best she could as she continued to lay motionless. “For the whole fake dating and not being able to be with you thing.”

            I sighed, raking my fingers through my hair. I couldn’t help myself anymore as my arms circled around her petite waist, pulling her into me. Valerie shifted to where her head was on my chest as I placed a kiss on the top of her head. “Of course I’m not mad at you, Val. It’s not your fault management is a dick.”

            A sigh left Valerie’s lips. “I don’t know why this is happening,” she muttered.

            “Why what’s happening?”

            “Why I met you and you continue to stick around me,” she groaned, then sat herself up. I frowned as I propped myself up on my elbows, staring at her as she sat cross-legged. “I brought all this shit on you, Harry, and I’m sorry. I should’ve just stayed away from you, especially knowing that I won’t be seeing you much longer anyway.”

            Truthfully, I almost felt like screaming at her. “Don’t ever regret staying with me, Valerie,” I said sternly, keeping a hard stare on her. “You may be fake dating my best mate, but you’re still mine, whether you or management likes it or not.”

            A small smile graced Valerie’s lips. “Sorry, Styles, but I don’t remember ever being asked out.”

            I smirked at her playfulness. “Would you like to be asked out?” I asked, a small spark of hope glittering inside me. Even if she’s dating Niall for the cameras, she’ll be dating me for me.

            Valerie bit her lower lip, making her even more irresistible as she merely shrugged.

            I smiled. “Well, Ms. Valerie Anderson…” I pondered, then decided this is what I really wanted. I really wanted Valerie. “Would you please do the honors of being my girlfriend?”