Page 106 of High Stakes

“Aria doesn’t like anyone.”

“She said you treated your ex really badly and that you’re going to hurt me.”

“Aria needs to keep her nose out. Bella lied to me, and I dumped her, end of. Aria’s only pissed because Bella moved away and she blames me for that, when in actual fact, it was her own decision.”

I stop the car outside the club. I can feel Jen watching me closely, I turn to her, and she sighs, “It’s just you haven’tmade any move on me yet, I was wondering if it’s because you still love her?”

“I didn’t love her in the first place. It was just sex. I don’t want that with you, I want to get to know you properly. Do things right.” The lie burns my chest, but I don’t want Jen to worry about me and Bella when that’s not the issue.

Jen leans in for a kiss and I happily oblige. She wraps her hands around the back of my neck and deepens it, flitting her tongue against mine, teasing me. She climbs over to me, not breaking the kiss, and sits in my lap before I can pull away. “Fuck getting it right,” she whispers with a smile, rubbing against me.

My chest tightens and I feel enclosed, like it’s all too much. Her rubbing against me and kissing me like I’m her last meal, doesn’t feel right and this isn’t the first time it’s happened. My cock stays in its sleepy state and I pull back slightly, gently placing my hands on her shoulders and offering a weak smile. She sighs in defeat, already knowing this will end in rejection. “Slow down,” I say, keeping my tone light so I don’t offend her. I brush a thumb over her cheek and smile, “I need to do this right.” She rolls her eyes, falling back into her seat beside me.

I’m saved when my mobile begins to vibrate in my pocket. “Sorry,” I mutter, as I pull it out, “I need to takethis.”

I don’t even check the caller display before I answer, happy for the excuse to escape this awkwardness. “How dare you make decisions like hiring a fucking apprentice without speaking to me,” Bella yells.

I pull it away from my ear, wincing. “Bella,” I say with a false enthusiasm. “I was going to call.”

“But as usual you decided to go into cunt mode and make all your own decisions without thinking about the business.”

“I think you’ll find I was thinking completely about the business. An extra pair of hands is going to help us make more orders. You left leaving us a person down.”

“Bullshit,” she cries, “I managed the shop completely alone and I was doing just fine. For once in your selfish life admit the truth. You do this shit to get a rise from me.”

“Believe it or not, Bella, this isn’t about you.”

“We don’t need an apprentice. Especially not one that you’ll dump in a week because you’ve found a prettier one.”

I look over at Jenifer, who’s staring straight ahead, clearly able to hear every word. “Jen is different,” I say, and Jenifer glances at me, “I’m doing it right with her.” She gives me a small smile.

“What?” Bella snaps, and I’m not sure if she didn’t hear me or she’s just shocked.

“Me and Jen are serious.”

There’s silence from Bella’s end, and then she scoffs. “Well, congratulations, Aiden. Congratu-fucking-lations!” she says sarcastically before disconnecting the call.

CHAPTER THIRTY

Bella

I’m furious. The second Aria called me, I was raging and even though Grant warned me not to call Aiden whilst I was so angry, I couldn’t help myself.

Grant places a herbal tea on the table for me and sits beside me. “You okay?”

I burst into tears, and he wraps an arm around me. “I don’t know why I’m so upset,” I say between sobs, “It’s hormones.”

“It’s natural you’re going to feel upset, Bella. He’s messing with the business and making decisions withoutinforming you. But at this late stage, you could do without the stress. Maybe now would be a good time to tell him the truth?”

I shake my head, wiping my tears on the sleeve of my jumper. “No. He’s happy, I can tell by his voice. If I go wading in there to tell him about this baby, he’ll accuse me of just trying to ruin his new relationship.” I bury my face in my hands, I just feel like he’s replaced me so easily. What does she have that I don’t?” I sob some more, and Grant gently rubs my back.

“He’s a fool, Bella. Some guys don’t know what they have right in front of them.”

I stare at him, my mind racing with thoughts. Aiden moving on. Being a single parent. And Grant. What would it feel like to kiss someone that isn’t Aiden? Is Grant a gentle lover or will he take control? I tilt my head slightly, not registering the confused look on his face as I press my lips to his. I cup his face, then realise he’s not responding to me. I pull back and his eyes find mine. They’re not full of heat like I imagined, but of fear, a stone-cold fear.

“Oh shit,” I whisper, “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s fine,” he mutters, standing.

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