Again. SO SORRY FOR THE LATE UPDATE! Writer's block is a bitch. Here's a long ass chapter to make it up to you babes 🖤

UNEDITED

≫≫≫

✧ We all are living in a dream, but life ain't what it seems
Oh everything's a mess ✧

≫≫≫

  Adriana's deep, umber eyes rose to meet Harry's soft green ones as she lifted her cup of coffee to sip from it, keeping her gaze locked with Harry's. They were in a tiny, adorable café that was huddled among the huge city buildings of the Big Apple.

It had been another week since they decided on breakfast, but they hooked up quite a few times during that week. Each time, Adriana leaving urgently, making Harry's heart fall a little every single time. He thought she had forgotten about the breakfast they organized, finding the fact that she left every time they hooked up, just an indication that she didn't want to do anything other than hooking up. He understood that, respected that, and said nothing.

Adriana on the other hand, didn't forget about the breakfast. In fact, she felt slightly guilty every time she'd stay for a little while with him, then wake up later and leave him. She promised herself that when she could afford to, she'd stay and let him take her out for breakfast. She noticed that Harry never reminded her about it, which she should've just felt relieved about it. But she didn't. Even if he didn't say anything, she felt bad. So 'round about their fifth hook up of the week, she apologized for leaving and said that she'd like to have breakfast with him. Harry couldn't help but conceal his grin that night, leaning forwards and planting a big kiss on her lips that made her stomach curl.

Now, there they were, sitting opposite each other in a petite café, having breakfast and coffee while chatting amongst each other. Harry was slightly nervous when he drove her to the café in his blue-gray Porsche 911. They've never actually had a proper conversation where they talked about anything other than hooking up. Plus most of the time they were together, they were having sex and talking dirty. Adriana noticed that he looked slightly nervous and she was intimidating him, finding it kind of cute so to ease his nervousness she spoke first, and from then on she decided to speak first. But he quickly parted his lips and spoke in curiosity.

"How even do you drink black coffee?" he said with a chuckle, his eyes focusing on the dark coffee that sat in Adriana's cup. "It's so bitter."

"I like my coffee how I like myself," she responded smoothly with a smirk. "Dark and bitter."

"You don't seem bitter," he said with a chuckle, a smile always on his face as he spoke. She smiled lightly, knowing that it's because he was so fooled by her façade; he didn't know how bitter she really was.

"I'm not bitter right now," she said, picking up her cup and sipping from it.

"Because you're having breakfast with me," Harry said with a cheeky grin, pink lips stretching over his pearly whites, cut little dimple popping out. His smile was extremely contagious, making Adriana curl her lips at the end in a genuine smile.

"I like your tattoo," he then blurted out, gazing at the black ink that decorated her tanned skin under the inside of her elbow. "What does it mean?"

She looked down at her tattoo, knowing that it was a representation of the illusion she was pulling off. A foreshadow of how her façade will cause things to go a little haywire. Her gaze flicked back up to meet his again, parting her lips to speak quietly and vaguely.

"It means that nothing's what it seems," she said simply, making Harry frown deeply.

"You mean life?" he questioned, now fully intrigued as she had just set aflame his curiosity. She was relieved that he assumed that she was talking about life, and not her.

"Of course," she said with a shrug. "Life, this world...it's a broken place. A broken, damaged place ruled by corrupt politicians, who're fucking blind to the amount bullshit that is happening. Right from police brutality to innocent children dying in endless wars in the middle east."

Harry was rendered speechless by Adriana's little monologue, swallowing thickly at how undeniably true her words were. Adriana was slightly relieved that she had referred to the world being a corrupt place in the sense of the ignorance of social issues and the need for justice for these people whom were suffering. Rather than referring to how the world was a broken place for her in the sense of the horrendous shit she has been through and how people like her suffer with no help. How once going through those gruesome hardships, one can lose themselves in many ways possible, for Adriana's case: drugs, just for an escape from reality.

"You're completely right," Harry murmured quietly with a serious expression on his face. It made him sad to think of all the horrible issues that were screaming for attention in this world.

"Only people with power can change those things," she muttered, referring to what she had said earlier. "Mostly people with money, fame and power," she corrected herself.

"I mean, there's always a handful of ways to make the world a better place," Harry spoke up. "Make donations, support movements, do charity work, spread love and kindness," he rambled a bit, his words making Adriana smile.

He began telling her about the time he flew to Ghana with his friends to do some charity work for Comic Relief, a British charity, and the organization's Red Nose Day, in 2013. A smile grew on his lips as he went on and on about how it made him so happy to see even the tiniest smiles on the kids' faces when he played football with them and got them new toys and so much more. He even showed her pictures, getting quite emotional when he told her about how much it made his heart ache to see sick children suffering as well as their mothers. At some point, he showed her a picture himself smiling with his mouth wide open; surrounded by a bunch of kids whom were all smiling happily.

"Harry, this is so amazing," Adriana breathed quietly, after he had finished telling her about how his family contributes a lot to the charity and he makes a trip there every year to visit the kids. "You're such a kind-hearted soul."

"Adriana," Harry mumbled modestly, his cheeks flushing a little as he looked down at his lap and smiled. "So are you."

Adriana almost rolled her eyes at his words

"Babe, I do don't charity work like you do," she said a shake of her head. "I can't really afford to sometimes."

She wanted to do the things Harry did, but she barely had money to put food on the table, let alone donate some to charity. She couldn't donate clothes because half of the time she didn't have enough. She couldn't donate blood because hers was practically toxic, due to her drug abuse. Money really did mean everything in her case. Plus, even though there were places where she could volunteer for free, she couldn't, because she was so caught up with her harsh life she barely had the time to do so.

"Maybe you can come with me on my next trip! I'll pay the flight expenses and everything," Harry offered immediately with a grin, making Adriana's eyes widen a little.

"Oh Harry, I can't do that. I can't pay you back," she quickly said with a shake of her head.

"You don't have to pay me back," he said with a shake of her head.

"I can't just pick up and leave like that, Harry," she said with a shake of her head. "I have work, and I need to make money or else-" she paused momentarily, closing her mouth and swallowing thickly.

"Or else?" Harry frowned in questioning.

"I'll get kicked out of my apartment, shit like that," she said quickly, wishing that she hadn't said what she said because now he was too curious.

"Oh okay," he said with a nod, noticing that she was uncomfortable and immediately snapping his mouth shut.

Without hesitation, he reached out to grasp her hand that was resting on the table, catching her off-guard while doing so. He lifted his gaze to meet hers, a soft, assuring smile tugging at his pink lips while he squeezed her hand reassuringly. The unexpected gesture made Adriana smile a little, finding it cute and somewhat kind of him.

"Is there any way I can help you?" he asked her sincerely, eyes filled with concern as he began to ramble now. "Is the club not paying you enough? I can speak to the manager-"

"Harry," Adriana spoke up, cutting off his rambling. "I can't possibly ask you for help."

"Why not?" he frowned in confusion, wanting to help.

"I barely know you, plus I can't pay you back," she blurted out, unable to find any other point to support her words. "I-I just can't, okay?"

"Okay," he nodded in response, feeling guilty for pushing her.

He just wanted to help. He thought that she was one of those people who didn't like accepting help because they wanted to do it all on their own. But what those people don't realize is, Harry thought, that accepting help from friends or family isn't such a bad thing. He didn't want to push Adriana, she was right after all. They barely knew each other so he couldn't possibly just offer up money and etc. Niall often told him he needed to control his generosity, and that it was somewhat his weakness because people could use his kindness as an advantage.

They continued having their breakfast for ten more minutes or so, chatting quietly about much more different topics than just about themselves. Harry found himself engaged in a conversation about music with Adriana, delighted to find out that she had quite an intriguing music taste. She loved all kinds of music, ranging from classical to RnB, but most of all she loved rock music.

"Rock music from literally all generations," she said with a big grin, one that made Harry's heart flutter because she looked like she was really passionate about music like he was, and she definitely was. "The Killers, Queen, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and so much more."

"Oh my god, I love all of those artists," Harry said with his mouth agape, strangely surprised that she had such a good music taste.

"Wait a second," Adriana said all of a sudden. "You said your surname was Styles right?"

"Yeah," he said slowly.

"I've heard classical pieces of music written by someone called Styles," she said, making Harry's eyes widen before a tiny chuckle left his lips.

"Oh yeah, I'm a...composer," he said awkwardly, making her eyes widen. "And a musician. It's my profession."

"Wow that's so cool, now I'm positive I've heard your pieces. I used to dance to classical music when I used to do ballet," she told him, making him grin widely. "They're incredible."

"Thank you! You do ballet?" he questioned with interest, making her shake her head.

"I used to. Not so much anymore," she responded, making him nod. "Is the classical music the only genre you compose?"

"Yeah it mainly is classical, but I do write a few songs on the side as well," Harry said shyly, never used to talking very passionately about music to his friends or anyone because no one ever took him seriously, or they were just not into it music as much.

"I'd like to hear them," she said with a smirk, making Harry grin.

"Maybe next time I can take you back to my place and play you a few," he mirrored her smirk,

Adriana biting her lip because she was sure there was a double meaning to the sentence. But she did notice that he said next time, meaning the next time they go out together like this. She didn't want that, but she couldn't find herself refusing to go. Another hangout won't hurt Adriana, she could hear the devilish side of her telling her, but was this a hang out? She didn't even know at this point. She cleared her head free of her thoughts and just sipped on her coffee while making eye contact with him, smirking subtly without responding to what he said.

Adriana and Harry continued to chat away even after they've finished their food and coffee. But it was until Harry got a phone call from work, he had to return to the university for his classes. Harry quickly paid for the food and coffee, just as Adriana began to protest, shutting her up with a quick kiss to the lips, surprising her.

"Do you need a lift to wherever you're going now?" he asked her, making her shake her head.

"No, it's fine I can walk," she told him with a light smile, making him frown and shake his head.

"Aw no let me give you a ride," he insisted, gesturing to his car that they were now nearing. "Please?"

"Okay, fine," she complied, making him grin in victory. "I've got to go to the mall."

"Manhattan Mall?" Harry questioned as soon as they were both in the car.

"Yep," Adriana responded to his question as his car roared to life.

As Harry drove down the streets of New York, Adriana gazed out of the window, a million things on her mind but the only thing she focused on was Harry at the moment. Her gaze flickered to her left where Harry was sitting, relaxed in his seat with his ring-clad fingers wrapped around the steering wheel. His tattooed torso was covered in a cream-colored shirt that was loosely fitted, unbuttoned until the swallows on his chest were revealed. His firm thighs were clad in tight, black jeans that only he could pull off so perfectly, with nut-brown Saint Laurent boots. He even smelt expensive, like some sort of Tom Ford cologne. He was just effortlessly handsome; Adriana couldn't help but be mesmerized by him.

He left her heavy gaze on him, shifting in his seat a little as he licked his lips. He wanted to look at her and gaze at her dreamily until she'd notice. But his mind was somewhere else, thinking back to the conversation they had over breakfast. He wondered how harsh her life was compared to his. He understood that he was indeed privileged, money wise mostly and in other ways as well, but she made it seem as if money wasn't her only problem. He was curious as hell and wanted to help her. Maybe I could speak to the club manager and get her a raise for being the star performer, he thought to himself. Do strippers even get raises? He questioned himself right after.

"So do you usually work night shifts?" Harry questioned with interest, glancing at her as she nodded in response.

"Yeah, I do. It's quite grueling to be honest," she said with a light sigh.

"I can't imagine dancing in six inch heels like yours every night. Must be painful," Harry said with a light chuckle, making Adriana laugh in response, mainly because he somehow got the size of her heels correct.

"Sometimes I even walk back home in them," she told him, making his eyebrows shoot up.

"Really? Don't you have a car? To...drive home?" Harry asked awkwardly, making Adriana shake her head.

"I don't have one, had to sell it a few months ago," she said quietly, fiddling with her fingers as Harry looked at her with a sad look.

He couldn't imagine selling his cars just like that; they were his prized possessions. He parted his lips to suggest buying her one. But then he thought he didn't want to freak her out with these random generous gestures. He just wanted to be nice without seeming weird. Soon enough, he pulled up in front of the mall before he could really say anything in response to what she said about selling her car.

"Thanks for the ride, Harry," she said, grabbing her handbag and pulling it over her shoulder.

"You're welcome," he said with a grin.

She shot him a smile, leaning over to kiss his cheek. He felt his heart leap in his chest when he felt her lips press against his cheek, leaving a firm lingering kiss before pulling away with a smirk. He watched her as he exited the car, unable to keep his eyes off her incredible body, especially her ass that was accentuated by the tight, black skinny jeans she was wearing. She slipped on her camouflage jacket as Harry drove off behind her, then walking towards the mall and entering it.

"Adriana!"

Her head snapped to the right, a smile drawling onto her lips when she spotted the two friends she was supposed to meet up with. She turned and approached her two extremely tall and beautiful friends whom were waiting for her. She first hugged and greeted Iris. Iris Anderson was a gorgeous brunette with thick brows, slim body and the biggest heart. Her long dark hair was tied up in a bun on the top of her head, paired with hoop earrings and a slim-fit gray dress.

"Iris, babe!" Adriana greeted her with a grin, hugging her tight before pulling away to greet Iris' girlfriend, Hadiya.

"Habibti, it's so good to see you," Hadiya spoke with a genuine smile, ducking down to peck Adriana's cheek.

Hadiya Kader was incredibly tall, just like Iris and beautiful. Flawless chocolate skin, incredible facial structure and sweet personality. Her frizzy raven black hair tickled Adriana's cheek as she hugged her, pulling away to eye her cute outfit. Hadiya was dressed causal in a stripped black and white t-shirt, paired with white sneakers and blue denim jeans with rose embroidery. Hadiya was from Egypt and Morocco, whereas Iris was African American. Iris and Hadiya were a couple, and Adriana used to work with both of them in the New York Ballet company before she got fired.

"I don't know why you dragged me here, you know I'm not gonna buy anything," Adriana said with a grumble as she walked past multiple shops that caught her eye, but she was always dragged away by Iris and Hadiya.

"We know," Iris said with a laugh. "But it doesn't hurt to window shop, aye?" she elbowed Adriana in the rib, making her arch a brow at Iris with a blank look on her face. "As well as try shit on, c'mon it'll be fun."

"Yeah, plus we haven't seen you in like ages. You work too hard," Hadiya said, linking her arm with Adriana's as they entered Victoria's Secret.

She wanted to mumble that she had no choice but she didn't want to seem like a pessimist all the time. Her face threatened to scrunch up in annoyance when she realized the girls had dragged her into Victoria's Secret, the most overrated lingerie store. Nonetheless, she liked some of the stuff they sold, even though she owned like one of the garter belts they sold there since everything there was overpriced. As she paced around the shop, looking for something to try on, Iris and Hadiya had already found pieces of lingerie and were in the changing rooms.

As Adriana eyed a few corsets and bustiers, she paused her movements momentarily when she felt her phone vibrate in her pocket. When she pulled it out and looked at the screen, she felt a grin drawl onto her lips at the sight of a text message sent by a certain someone. Harry and Adriana had exchanged numbers during the breakfast since they both found it odd that they hadn't done it earlier than that, at least during their third or fourth hook up.

H 💦: Hi 😋

Adriana 🌹: hi :)

H 💦: what're you up to? I'm bored at work.

Adriana🌹: I can see that.

Adriana🌹: I'm trying on lingerie ;)

Harry pulled back from his phone and sucked in a breath, sudden images of Adriana in lingerie popping into his head. He squeezed his eyes shut when those images turned into scenarios that had his crotch tightening already. Harry adjusted his blazer, and looked back down on his phone, biting his lip, as he was unsure of what to text.

H💦: Sounds like fun!!

He grimaced at what he wrote. He didn't want to come off sexual like most males would when a girl told them they were shopping for lingerie. His thoughts disappeared when he saw the three dots appearing, indicating that Adriana was texting before a message appeared.

Adriana🌹: is that your way of asking for pics?

H💦: I mean, I wouldn't mind 😏

Adriana's jaw slackened with a laugh falling out of her mouth, not entirely expecting Harry to have said that. She also rolled her eyes at his use of emojis, finding it a little cringe-worthy but cute at the same time. Her gaze flickered around, focusing on the corsets and bustiers she was looking at earlier and pondering on whether she should really try one on and send him a picture. But then she thought of a better idea.

Adriana🌹: maybe instead of pictures, you'd like to see it on me in person?

H💦: What're you suggesting?

Adriana🌹: meet me by the hotel tonight xx

"Who're you meeting by the hotel, Adriana?"

Adriana jumped when she heard a voice speak up behind her, narrowing her eyes at Iris and Hadiya whom both gazed at her with a smirks on their faces.

"A man," she said bluntly. They both looked at each other and frowned.

"Clearly this isn't a one night stand," Iris said to Hadiya, whom shook her head.

"It isn't. You know why, Iris?" Hadiya questioned her girlfriend with an eyebrow raised, while Adriana rolled her eyes to the back of her head.

"Why?" Adriana questioned instead, with a challenging look on her face.

"Because you have his number," Hadiya answered with a smirk. "Which means you've probably hooked up with him multiple times, or is going to hook up with him for a second time."

"Which is quite odd because the Adriana we know only likes to fuck a man once and then leave right after because she always has other things to take care of," Iris murmured mysteriously in a sarcastic tone, making Adriana scoff and turn to leave the store. Iris and Hadiya began following her.

"So, are we correct?" Hadiya questioned, bumping into Adriana's side.

"Yes," she said grudgingly, making the two on either side of her grin.

"Tell us about this new man," Iris pressed, making Adriana scrunch her face up. She always shared stories about the various men she had slept with, but with Harry: she was reluctant. "Wow, really? His dick's that great?"

"Iris!" Adriana smacked her arm when she spoke the last sentence a bit too loud, a mother and her infant shot us strange looks. "Yes it is."

"I wish I could get excited about that, but I'm lesbian," Iris said with a chuckle. "What's his name?"

"Harry Styles."

"Shut up!" Hadiya exclaimed, grabbing Adriana's shoulder with wide eyes.

"No?" Adriana frowned at her, making Hadiya shake her head.

"Harry Styles? Son of Desmond and Anne Styles?" Hadiya questioned, making Adriana frown even more.

"How the hell do you know his parents?" she inquired, making Hadiya shoot her a blank look. "What it's not like he's famous or something?"

"He kinda is, babe. He's like a fashion icon," Iris said, searching him up on her phone and holding it up for them all to see. "Harry Styles, music prodigy, outrageously talented composer and musician, pretty much the new Mozart."

"Yeah I know he's a composer and musician, he told me that today," Adriana said, before making a face when the two girls dropped their jaw, both of them smacking Adriana at the same time.

"You went on a date!" they both said in unison, making Adriana shake her head immediately.

"It wasn't a date! It was just breakfast, okay?" Adriana snapped lightly. "Why are you guys making such a big deal out of it?"

"Um because 1). You've been hooking up with this guy, multiple times, which is a direct violation of one of your own damn rules. 2) You even went out and had breakfast with him and 3)-"

"There is no number three," Adriana said with a roll of her eyes, making Iris frown and count her fingers while mumbling under her breath.

"You're right there isn't. Not yet!" she said, before Hadiya spoke up again.

"He's the richest bachelor in the whole of New York City! His father Desmond Styles is the owner of Styles & Co., the biggest investment company in NYC, and his mother is a successful architect and president of A Construct, Inc., which is one the best architect companies in the state!" Hadiya said all in one go, making Iris and Adriana's eyes go wide.

"Damn, papi's got money," Iris said, elbowing Adriana with a smirk.

"And he's hot," Hadiya said, holding up her phone that had a pic of him shirtless with a snapback on and a dog next to him. "What? I'm bi!" she defended herself when Iris and I shot her a look.

"He's even better naked," Adriana said with a smirk, making them shoot her sly grins. "I'm seeing him tonight."

"Get in!" Iris cheered with a grin. "How many times have you guys hooked up?"

"Like five times," Adriana said with a grimace, waiting for them to scream at her again.

"What?" they both gasped in unison.

Adriana understood why they were so surprise. It was because it just wasn't like her to hook up with one guy that much. It had always been, one night stand, then leave and never encounter that person again. It had never been like one nightstand, good sex, let's do it again and then fuck buddies. Iris and Hadiya knew Adriana's usual ways when it came to hooking up, they couldn't help but be surprised when she's been doing something a bit different lately, because it just goes against all the rules she had set up to protect herself.

"When did you meet this guy?" Hadiya arched a brow at her.

"Like two weeks ago?" she responded, then groaning when they were waiting for a full on explanation. "So, two weeks ago, he came to the club with some of this friends. I gave him a private show and it turned out that we had mutual feelings about fucking so we hooked up that night. After a week, he returned to the club, pretty much wanting to hook up again and we did. During that week, we...slept together quite a lot."

"Wow," Iris mumbled under her breath. "This is so not...like you. But hey! At least you're getting some bomb dick!" she exclaimed, making them all laugh.

They continued to walk around the mall, Hadiya and Iris pushing her to tell them more about Harry and what was he like. She told them that he was probably the sweetest, most gentlemanly man she had ever met in her life. While hanging out with the two, Adriana began to realize how much she missed the part of her life where she was dancing with them at the New York Ballet company.

How she missed being a performer in a highly prestigious and respected place than where she was now, at a strip club. Her heart tightened when she remember the night were they performed The Nutcracker. The night where her cravings and withdrawal symptoms had reached it's peak. The cravings were so bad at that time; she just had to have some of that white powdery substance to get her through the show. But unfortunately, she was spotted by one of the dancers who was jealous of her for getting the lead role in the play. The girl ratted her out and Adriana was kicked out right after the show.

These thoughts still lingered in her head as she now walked towards the hotel Harry and her often hooked up in. She stood by the entrance waiting for him, as she knew that she could only get the room if he was with her since apparently he knew the owner of the hotel: the blonde horny guy. She was supposed to be at work but apparently Harry had visited the manager and paid him a generous amount of money to let Adriana have the night off. When Harry called up Adriana she was surprised he had done such a thing, even more surprised with how her manager had agreed to it. She had just hoped that Harry didn't ask Morgan questions about her.

Soon enough, she spotted a muted gray colored Ferrari pull up in front of the hotel. Harry stepped out of it; look sharp in a jet-black blazer and jeans, with a baby blue patterned shirt on the inside. His ebony Gucci boots thudded against the stone pavement as he handing the keys to one of the valets standing by with a kind smile on his face. His gaze lifted up, spotting Adriana leaning against the wall with her lips curled into a smirk.

His smile widened, dimple popping out as he made his way towards her. His gaze flickered to her outfit, noticing that her body was clad in a trench coat that pretty much covered her entire outfit. A thick choker covered her neck, her long chocolate locks lay messily over her shoulders as Harry tucked a strand behind her ear. The cute gesture made Adriana's stomach coil in an odd way, swallowing thickly at the unusual feeling before she leaned forwards and placed a soft kiss on his lips.

He exhaled through his nose, finding relief in her kiss after a long day of work, tangling his fingers into her hair as he cupped her jaw firmly. They pulled back after a few seconds, gazing into one another's eyes with that familiar look of lust and desire. Adriana leaned close again, dark eyes flickering down to his lips, hovering hers over his and letting her lower lip brush against his ever so lightly. Harry felt the urge to kiss her and take her claw at him, gripping her face firmly as he joined their lips again in a short, lingering kiss. Once they broke away, he whispered against her lips.

"I can't wait to see what's hiding under that coat."

≫≫≫

∘ hey guysssss what did you think of that chapter? 

∘ H💦 is Harry's contact name on Adriana's phone and Adriana🌹 is OBVS her contact name on his phone. Just in case anyone was confused.

∘ also I am most certainly not ready for Friday like seriously omg I'm gonna die and resurrect myself just so I can see the performances and interviews and his damn album

Until we meet again...

thiora♡