Page 4 of High Stakes

I drop the pictures back into the file and pick up the paperwork. I stare at my brother’s signature at the bottom and shake my head. That son of a bitch must have thought he was so funny drawing up these papers.

I’m interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Enter.”

JP appears. “Hey Boss, just thought you would want to know that the girl is queuing to get in.” My head snaps up, “What?” He nods and points to one of the CCTV monitors on the wall opposite me, “See.” Sure enough, Bella is in the queue, and she’s dressed to impress in a dress that’s barely there, with a group of females.

“Go get her in, JP. And try not to scare the shit out of her this time.” He nods and disappears.

Bella

“I feel like it’s too short, Ari.” I tug the bottom of the dress that just about covers my backside. She knows I haterevealing clothes; it makes me uncomfortable to be on show.

“Jesus, Bells, chill out will yah, it’s a night out. Besides, you’re out to impress, aren’t you?”

“Impress who? In case you have forgotten, I’m back staying with Carl,” I remind her, she rolls her eyes. She wasn’t impressed when I relayed my recent events, but I distracted her with the night out.

“A relationship of convenience doesn’t count.”

“I feel like Carl won’t agree with that statement.” I laugh, but it soon fades when I notice the man mountain from earlier, heading towards us.

He stops in front of me. “Follow me,” he orders.

I glance at Aria warily who shrugs and rushes to follow him. I groan and follow. He takes us up a flight of stairs and opens a door. “Tonight, you are all VIP guests to Mr. Tremos.”

I stare around the crowded room, full of sparkling golds and silvers. I’ve never been in a VIP area before and I have to admit, I’m excited. “Wow,” I mutter, “thanks.” He nods his head once and leaves.

Aria gives a little squeal. “Is that the guy?”

“One of them. Mr. Tremos must own this place. I never connected the name,” I reply, looking around at the hugechandeliers hanging low above the bar. The place is amazing and way better than the main bar downstairs.

Four Porn Star Martinis later and I’m feeling the buzz. The bar man is amazing, not only is he stunning to look at, but he makes the best drinks.

“So, Raff,” slurs Aria. “Tell us more about Mr. Tremos.”

He grins, “Why don’t you go over and ask him what you want to know?”

I freeze and glance over to the spot he’s nodding towards. Aiden is sat in a booth with two blondes either side of him, talking to another man in a suit. He suddenly looks at me and I look away, embarrassed he caught me staring.

“Fuck.” I mutter.

“Fuck indeed,” says Aria with a slight smirk crossing her face.

“What?” I ask in a panic. I daren’t look back in case he catches me again, but curiosity is getting the better of me, and then I feel him. My skin prickles and I know he’s there.

“Bella, what are you doing here?” His deep voice makes me shiver. I take a deep breath and turn to face him.

“Mr. Tremos, thank you for the VIP treatment.”

“Well, as it’s not safe for you to be out and about, I thought it better you be where I can keep an eye on you.” His voice is stern and suddenly, I feel like I’m a naughty child.

He presses a finger to his ear and then says something into his wrist. I want to laugh at the James Bond style gadgets but the serious look on his face tells me I shouldn’t.

“I am quite capable of looking after myself, but thanks again.” I say, bringing his attention back to me.

I smile and turn my back on him. He leans in, and when I feel his front press against my back, I stiffen slightly.

“Do not turn your back on me, Isabella.” He uses that growly voice again and I fidget against him. “If you keep pressing your backside against my cock like that, I may just have to take your father up on his offer.”

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