Chapter 7

I sat on the couch waiting for the limo, it seemed the driver was running late, but I was okay with that. After hearing Zayn's phone conversation, I'd rather stay home. I spent the past 10 minutes fuming over how he called me a 'trophy'. I mean, a lot of girls would be fangirling over the fact that Zayn called them a trophy, but me? I would much rather die, kill him and die. I'm kidding. My father sat on the opposite couch, just staring at his phone.

"Earth to dad." I waved my hand in front of his face.

"Oh sorry honey, what were you saying?"

"I wasn't saying anything, what's going on?"

"Oh nothing. Just something I heard about your mother."

"Something about why she called me at the restaurant?"

"No, it seems her husband just lost majority shares in his company."

"What? How did he lose his shares in his own company?"

"That's what I'm trying to figure out, something not right here, but I can't put my finger on it."

James walked in looking as happy as ever.

"Mr Montez the limo has arrived."

"Thank you James, will you be driving with is, there's a few things I want you to run by our staff." My father stood and offered me his hand.

"Of course sir, Miss Montez you look dashing as always."

"You look dapper yourself Mr James." I smiled, putting on a fake English accent.

James chuckled and we walked towards the front door. Once we were all seated in the limo, my father dived into conversation about how he wanted things done from our side and so on. I looked out the window watching everything pass my in a blur, Zayn and his family were to arrive in seperate limo's, that I was thankful for, because that son of a bitch I could not stand. We arrived at the venue in no time. The press all lined up, camera's ever ready. My vision momentarily blinded by the flashes, everyone calling my name.

"Ariana is it true you're getting married to Zayn Bradshaw?"

"Mr Montez, how do you feel about marrying off your only daughter at such a young age?"

"Ariana! Ariana! Can we get an interview?"

My security detail materialized next to me shoving their way through. Once we reached the door I wanted to get rid of these heels. I looked around and saw many familiar faces, business associates, family, friends, friends who became family. Valery Woods stood in the 5'7 glory looking like a million dollars, my best friend everybody. Everyone suddenly went quiet as I walked in. I smiled and I got encouraging smiles back, waves and eager looking people wanting to speak with me. After making my rounds greeting and getting asked all sorts of questions, meet potential business partners, networking and the sorts, Zayn and his family finally arrived. I walked over to Vale and she smiled excitingly, she embraced me in a tight hug, smiling even wider.

"My main bitch is getting married." I groaned.

"Don't remind me." She chuckled.

"So I heard from a little birdy that tomorrow is your early honeymoon. Jetting off to Australia without me?"

"Would I ever? I can't believe these sneaky people." She laughed heartily.

"Looks like someone wants to talk." She gestured to the bar where Zayn and some guy was staring at us. I tugged her arm and we made our way to the bar.

"Whiskey, on the rocks." I ordered.

"Redbull Vodka please." Vale ordered.

The bartender pushed our drinks our way, eyeing Vale. I turned to the man standing next to me.

"I don't believe we've meet, Ariana Montez." I stuck out my hand.

"Xavier Miller, pleased to make your acquaintance." He pressed his lips to my hand.

"Valery Woods." She introduced herself to Xavier and Zayn, they both shook her hands.

"What no kiss on the hand for me?"

"Afraid not miss, you have to be famous, or be insanely rich." Everyone knew Valery's dad's company was going through some tough times, but there was no need to be so blunt. I looked over at Zayn to see him already staring at me.

"You look beautiful Ariana." Zayn spoke for the first time. I took a sip from my drink, liking the burn of the liquid. I looked him in the eyes.

"Thank you Zayn, you should take a picture and hang it in your trophy room." I smirked, taking another sip of my drink. He smiled.

"I think I will. Can I have this dance, future bride." He extended his hand. I stared at it for a few seconds and remember the crowd watching us.

"Of course my love." I smiled.

Slow music started playing and we waltz around the makeshift ballroom.

"So Xavier's with you?" He nodded.

"He's quite rude don't you think, an asshole if you ask me." He chuckled.

"I think his doing quite well, look at your friend, smitten already." I looked over to the bar and practically saw Vale hanging off of every word he was saying.

"She does look smitten."

"Am I forgiven dear future wife?"

"Oh no, this is me keeping up with appearances, we have a lot to talk about still."

"Well, you're staying with me right?" I nodded my head.

"Luggage is already packed in the car, early flight remember."

"How could I forget, I'm spending a week with you." We stopped dancing and he looked me in the eyes.

"You're all I seem to think about these days Ariana."

"I... I don't know what to say Zayn..." He leaned in and before I could pull away his lips were on mine, molding together in perfect sync. I tried to struggle, but I gave in the moment he put his lips on mine. We both pulled back and he smiled.

"I've been waiting for a while to do that." I felt my cheeks turning red, I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face.

"What are you doing to me Ariana?"

"What are you doing to me Zayn?" I turned around and saw everyone looking at me and when I turned to Vale she had a little scowl on her face, but it vanished when she noticed me looking at her. I didn't think much of it and I turned back to Zayn who grabbed my hand and lead me over to the bar.

"I'll take a shot of tequila and for the lady..." He turned me.

"A glass of cranberry juice please." The bartender poured my juice and Zayn's shot and then slide it over.

"Don't overdo it, you're driving." He turned to me and smiled.

"I know I can count on you if I'm unable to it myself." He peck my nose.

"Yeah yeah. I'm heading over to my dad and your parents, you coming?"

"I'll meet you there, I see potential clients." I rolled my eyes and made my way over there.