Page 38 of High Stakes

“Please, JP is not even on my level.”

I pour us all a shot and Aria drinks it straight down again. I arch a brow and top her up. It’s going to be an interesting night.

I’m dancing with Aria when arms snake around my waist. I lean back, expecting it to be Aiden. It’s not until he nuzzles against my neck, and I feel a clean-shaven face, I realise it isn’t. I turn slightly, smiling awkwardly and trying to pull away. “Relax,” he shouts over the music. “We’re just dancing.”

“That’s not a good idea,” says Aria, glancing behind me with worry etched on her face.

“Don’t be jealous, I’ve got loads of love to share,” he says, grabbing her hand and pulling her to us so I’m effectively sandwiched between them. He thrusts against me, and I wince, shuddering in repulsion.

I’m suddenly released, almost falling forward. Aria lands on her backside and when I turn to see what happened, the guy is pinned against the wall with Aiden’s hand around his neck. I help Aria up and she brushes off. “Stupid prick,” she huffs.

“Are you okay?” asks JP, cupping her face in his hands and studying her closely.

I see her features soften. “I’m fine,” she almost whispers.

The doormen rush over and take the man. “Don’t come back in here,” Aiden warns as they carry him off. He stomps away without checking on me, letting me know he’s pissed.

I roll my eyes and head off the dancefloor, leaving Aria swooning at JP. I sit at the table and grab the bottle of vodka, but before I can pour one, it’s taken out of my hand and placed out of reach. I glare at Aiden as he sits opposite me. “You realise that wouldn’t have happened had you been wearing something more appropriate.”

My eyes bug out of my head. “Victim shaming at its finest,” I snap.

“Don’t play that fucking card,” he growls, “You wore that dress to get my attention, don’t act innocent.”

“Exactly, I wore it for you, Aiden. That doesn’t give other men permission to touch me. Jesus, do you know how fucking pig headed you sound right now?”

“Next time you wanna wear something for me, let’s keep it in the apartment.”

“I can wear what the hell I like, where I like,” I snap, angrily. “Women should be able to roam around in underwear if they want to, without being attacked by desperate men that think they have a right to touch, just because it’s on show.” I lean over and snatch the vodka back. “Consent is a real thing.”

He takes the bottle back, waving to a passing waitress, “Take this away before I end up carrying her home,” he says in a teasing tone. She smirks, fluttering her long eyelashes as she takes it, brushing his fingers with her own.

“Of course, boss,” she says, in a sultry tone.

I stare at him, “What now?” he groans.

I shake my head in disbelief. “I don’t appreciate you making me out to be some kind of alcoholic whilst flirting with your staff,” I snap, getting to my feet.

“You’re overreacting,” he mutters.

“Of course I am. It’s my fault a perv grinded against me, and now I’m seeing things, right?”

“Bella,” he says sounding exasperated.

“Goodnight, Aiden.” I stomp off towards the elevator. I’ve drank way too much and with everything that’s happened tonight, I’m feeling over-whelmed.

So, what if he went down on me? It doesn’t mean we’re in a relationship. And I was so close to asking if he’d slept with the waitress, I had to get out of there before I embarrassed myself.

I get up to the apartment and strip out of the stupid dress, dumping it in the bin as I pass. I take a hot shower and slip into my fluffy dressing gown. Then I make myself a coffee and take Aiden’s laptop and set it on the kitchen worktop. I need an apartment, especially if I want to take things further with Aiden.

I open it up and stare wide eyed at the picture on his screen saver. The man beside him has his arm around Aiden’s shoulders proudly. I stare at the blue eyes, and the way his features match Aiden’s.How the hell didn’t I see that before?

Aiden

I hand JP the keys to lock up. I’m done for the night, and I need to straighten things with Bella. I was mad when Isaw that guy with his arms around her . . . and jealous,fuck was I jealous. But taking it out on her was out of order, and so here I am again, ready to apologise and make shit right. All for Jakes stupid fucking game.

I enter the kitchen, pausing when I see the laptop open with Bella staring at the picture of me and Jake. It was taken a year ago in Ibiza. Our last holiday together. My heart twists painfully.

“What are you doing?” I snap, and she jumps in fright. I slam the laptop closed and hold it under my arm. “Well?”

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