Page 10 of High Stakes

I offer a small smile, “I imagine I look a mess,” I mutter, “I don’t want to cramp your style.”

“Firstly, it takes a lot to cramp my style,” he says in a teasing tone. I grin wider. “Everyone knows I don’t settle down so no one will think we’re together.” My heart sinks a little. I inwardly scold myself. He’s being nice and I’m planning a fucking wedding. Of course he doesn’t settle down, he must have women throwing themselves at him. “And you look beautiful, even with the bruises,” he adds, making my heart swell again.

I bite on my lower lip, trying to hide my smile. “Fine, I’ll call the girls and see if they’re free.”

Aiden

I sit at my desk staring at the CCTV camera’s. I left Bella home to get ready, although lord knows why she’s taking so long.

“What’s the plan now?” asks JP, interrupting my thoughts.

“I’m playing it cool,” I say with a shrug. “She likes danger and excitement, I think if I play the bad boy, she’ll be eating out my hand.”

“Play the bad boy,” he repeats, sounding amused, “You’ve had enough practise.”

“Right now, I’m playing the friendship card. She needs to feel protected from that prick.”

“Yeah, it took everything I had not to end the fucker. He was gonna . . .” he shakes his head like that’ll clear the images, “Anyway, she’s away from him now and that’s the main thing. It’s worked out well for you, given you a way in.”

“Exactly,” I say with a smirk. “Now she’ll be putty in my experienced hands.”

I finally spot her entering the VIP lounge and I instantly relax. She’s looks amazing and JP leans closer. “Damn, she’s fine.” I arch a brow, and he holds his hands up defensively, “Hey, we all know you ain’t gonna keep her around. Maybe I can swoop to the rescue when you’ve fucked her over.” His laughter rings out as he leaves.

When I eventually go down to the lounge, I spot Bella and Aria sitting at the bar. As if she senses my arrival, she turns, scanning the room until her eyes land on me. Two women immediately take a place either side of me, tucking themselves under my arms and I grin. I won’t ever tire ofthis sort of attention, and it helps my plan with Bella if she thinks I’m not interested in her. One of the women runs her hand over my chest, tipping her head back to make eye contact. She runs her tongue over her lower lip, eyeing me in a way that suggests she wants me to kiss her. I inch closer and she smiles, closing the gap and sealing her lips against mine. Her friend clears her throat, and we pull apart. My eyes fall to where she’s caressing her friend’s breast, and I arch a brow. “Shall we go somewhere quieter?” I suggest and they giggle as I head for the office. I catch Bella’s eye and wink; she turns away abruptly.

Bella

“Wow, Bells, what I wouldn’t give to be one of those bitches right now.” Aria sighs.

“Eww Ari, please don’t lower yourself. Why would you want to sleep with him? Who knows what diseases he carries.” I take a sip of my drink before adding, “He was with a different woman earlier.”

“When you’ve lost that cherry, you come back and tell me you wouldn’t ride that beast.”

I laugh, shoving her playfully. “I’m not saying he isn’t hot. Of course he is. But he’s a player.”

“I’m not after a relationship,” she states.

“Still . . . don’t you want him to be a little less . . . used?”

“You see used, I see experienced,” she says with a smirk.

I roll my eyes. “Well personally, I wouldn’t touch his dangly bits with a ten-foot pole.”

Aria looks past me and jumps up excitedly. I turn to see Jack and his handsome partner, Beck. We all take turns to hug one another before ordering another round of drinks and heading over to one of the free booths.

Once we’re comfortable, Jack stares at me with raised brows, “What the hell is going on with you? Aria said you were split from Carl, then you move back. And now this?” He indicates to my face, and I feel myself blush. “Again,” he adds.

“I needed a place,” I mutter feebly with a shrug.

“And of course he’s the only one with a spare bed, right? Did you forget about me and Aria.”

Aria leans closer, “Don’t worry, she’s found somewhere now, haven’t you?” And she grins wide.

“Argh, yes, you must be talking about the God like hero that managed to swoop in and rescue you?” he asks, smirking.

I glare at Aria, “You’ve been busy gossiping.”

“Of course I have, he’s way too hot not to gossip about.”

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