Page 15 of High Stakes

“The guy I’m staying with is saving me from the ex that did this,” I tell him. “Long story. Boring really. But I am free and single, trust me.”

“Good, because I’d like to go out with you again some time, if you’re available?”

“I am definitely available.” I hand him my phone, “Put your number in and I’ll miss call you, so you havemy number.”

Once he hands my phone back, it lights up with Aiden’s number. I ignore it, I really don’t want to hear his yelling. I miss call Luke, and he saves my number.

Once we’ve finished our coffee, he walks me back to the club and gives me a light kiss on the cheek. I like him, and I like that he doesn’t try and stick his tongue down my throat.

I’m smiling as I enter the side door that leads into the club. The place is now empty of party revellers, and I pass some of the bar staff that are heading home. I head to the bar where JP and Raff are chatting, whilst JP restocks the fridges. Raff sees me and whistles loud, I realise why, when Aiden storms from his office straight towards me. He looks so angry that my step falters. “Where the fuck have you been?” he snaps, not stopping until he’s right in my face. He reminds me of Carl, and I instantly step back, but I square my shoulders, trying to give the impression I’m not terrified. At least with Carl, I could read him well enough to know when it was coming, but with Aiden, I don’t even know him.

I inhale, to steady my breathing. “I’ve been out, Aiden. What’s the problem?” He throws his hands in the air and turns to Raff and JP. “Is she for real?” he asks them, and then turns back to me. “The problem is, Bella, your dad tried to fucking sell you to some nut jobs and then youstroll around like that’s not an issue, not only that, but you left with some jumped up twat that you don’t even know.”

“I don’t know you,” I’m yelling with outrage, “I don’t know Raff or JP.”

“Then maybe you should get your head out of your arse and sort your life out. You’re gullible, and too trusting. I know all that, and I’ve only known you a few days so if I’ve picked it up, other men will. You’re screaming vulnerability and men will prey on you. No wonder you end up with arseholes that beat you up.”

I break eye contact, scared he’ll see the tears that are threatening to fall. I clench my fists, digging my nails into my palms to distract myself. I chose not to answer, my voice will crack, and they’ll all hear the hurt, so instead, I walk over the elevator and press the call button. It open’s a second later, and I step inside and stare blankly at the keypad.Fuck. I have no idea what the code is. All three men are watching me expectantly. “Will someone give me the damn code,” I yell, taking them by surprise.

Aiden heads over and I move to the far corner of the elevator as he steps inside. “Bella, I’m sorry, I was out of order,” he mutters.

“The code,” I say coldly, folding my arms over my chest and avoiding looking at him.

He punches the code in, and the doors slide shut to my relief. At least the other two can’t watch the shit show. “I’m going home,” I say, and he turns to me. “I don’t care if these men come for me, I’ll call the police.”

“I said I’m sorry,” he begins, and I hold a hand up to shut him down.

“I’ve been here before, Aiden. The arguing, the getting all up in my face, it was always followed with sorry, and I don’t like how you just made me feel down there. So, I’m going home. Thank you for everything you’ve done.”

He sighs heavily, “At least wait until the morning when it’s light. I’ll take you myself.” I give a stiff nod, and he smiles. I can’t help but think I’ve let him win.

Aiden

“Why don’t you take a seat,” I say once we’re in the apartment. I point to the couch. “I’ll get you some water and a couple of painkillers.”

She does so without argument, and I head into the kitchen and grab the water, taking a minute to get my head straight. I owe this to JP and Raff; we’ve worked too hard for me to mess everything up. Damn Jake and his stupid games, even in death he haunts us.

I quickly slip out of my shirt, throwing it in the basket and go back to the living room where Bella is curled up onthe couch, looking like she’s always belonged here. I like how that feels, and as I place the water on the table, I notice the way her eyes scan my body.

“You have a lot of tattoos” she observes, taking her water and opening the cap.

“My brother designed them all, there’s pretty much one for anything big that’s happened in our life.” I glance down at my chest, smiling at the memories etched on my skin forever. Since his death, I haven’t been able to add to it, it’s all too painful.

“Did he own the club with you?” she asks.

“Yeah, we were partners in all the businesses.”

“You must miss him so much, having the clubs being a constant reminder,” she says sadly.

“I know I’ve said it, but I really am sorry for what I said back there,” I repeat, “I’m not like Carl though, I’d never hurt you.”

She picks at the label on her bottle. “Mentally or physically?”

She’s asking me outright if I intend to break her heart, and I can’t answer, so I hit her with another line. “There’s something about you, Bella. I can’t get you out of my head.”

“You’re good,” she says with a smirk, and I realise she hasn’t fallen for my charm.Usually, women eat that shitup.“Let’s just be friends, save us both the hassle. Maybe you can teach me to be a little less . . . gullible.”

I roll my eyes, “I didn’t mean all that.”

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