Page 36 of High Stakes

I go into the bathroom and slip on a thong and bra, followed by the dress. When I step out, Aria is already shaking her head. Relief floods me, for a second, I thought she was going to make me wear it. She closes the gap between usand reaches under the dress, ignoring my protests as she tugs my thong down. “Aria,” I gasp, “I can’t wear this with no underwear. She wrestles against me to remove my bra.

“A thong doesn’t do anything,” she argues, “It’s literally string.”

“But I feel like it’s at least a little protection.”

“You don’t want protection, Bella, that’s the whole point.”

She steps back, holding my bra and thong in one hand, whilst looking at me. “Much better.”

“It barely covers my backside,” I hiss, feeling the hem of the dress and tugging it.

“Trust me on this, Bella. If this doesn’t work, he’s not into you.”

I stare open mouthed, not sure if I’m ready to find that out just yet.

I take a breath as the elevator doors slide open, and as if Aiden’s been waiting, he looks in our direction from his position behind the bar. I stare straight ahead, determined not to break the second he touches me, and I stride through, heading for the exit. I catch him from the corner of my eye, jumping the bar. “Holy shit that was hot,” Aria whispers.

“Bella,” he says firmly, and I glance back like I’ve only just noticed him.

“Hey,” I say, smiling.

His eyes scan down my body, “Where are you going?”

“We thought we’d try a few bars first,” Aria cuts in, hooking her arm through mine, “Laters.”

“Orrrr,” says Aiden, taking my wrist gently to halt me. “You could just stay here.”

Aria looks around, screwing her face up, “It’s not busy yet, we’ll come back.”

He runs his hand over his jaw, “Bella, a word?”

“Can it wait?” I ask, “It’s past wine o’ clock.”

“Just five minutes,” he mutters, taking me by the hand and leading me away.

We get into the office, and he slams the door, “Why are . . . erm, why are you wearing . . . that?” he asks, trying not to stare at me, yet failing miserably.

I glance down, running my hands down my sides, “The dress?” I ask, “Do you like it?” I turn slightly, giving him an eyeful of my backside.

“It’s short,” he comments.

“Aria says it makes my legs look great.”

He gives a stiff nod, “It does. But remember, you shouldn’t really be drawing attention to yourself.”

“You think it’ll draw attention to me?” I ask innocently, turning again. “Is it shorter at the back?”

I spot the way his jaw tightens. “You need to change,” he grits out.

I frown, “Are you being serious?”

“Deadly.”

The door opens and JP storms in, he stops in his tracks, his eyes widening, “That’s quite a dress,” he mutters.

“Out,” Aiden snaps and even though it’s clear he’s talking to JP, I turn on my heel and begin to walk out. His arms are around my waist before I’ve made it more than two steps. I smile to myself. “Not you,” he whispers.

JP smirks, “Gotcha.” And he leaves.

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