Page 41 of High Stakes

“I agree, look at the mess she’s made,” Laurie agrees, “I’ve told you before to stop inviting waifs and strays into your home, Aiden.”

“It’s gonna be okay,” I whisper, soothingly as I rub Aria’s back. “Aiden, I can’t kick her out in this state,” I add.

“Well, you know where the door is,” snaps Laurie.

“You want me to leave, Aiden?” I ask, arching a brow. It’s a risk, he might throw it all in my face and tell me to get out.

“Isabella, this isn’t up for discussion. I have to ban Aria; she’s trashed my VIP area.”

“And she ruined my Saint Laurent bags,” Laurie chips in, “The one you got me for Christmas,” she says, adding a pout. She brings her eyes to me, “You heard him, it’s not up for discussion. Pack your bags.” There’s a gleeful twinkle in her eye.

“That’s not what I meant,” says Aiden, but I’m already heading back into the apartment with Aria tucked under my arm.

“Shit, Bells,” she whispers, “I can’t get you kicked out. I’ll go,” Aria whispers.

“I’m calling his bluff,” I mutter.

“Let’s hope he isn’t calling yours,” she replies, wiping her eyes.

Aiden follows and I smile to myself, “Bella, I didn’t mean for you to leave,” he repeats more clearly.

“I’ll stay with Aria. I have some viewings for apartments next week anyway,” I tell him, going into my bedroom and grabbing the bag from under my bed. Aria sits down, biting on her lower lip with worry as she watches me. Aiden places his hands on his hips and then Laurie appears in the doorway.

“It’s for the best, Aiden,” she tells him soothingly. “Then we won’t have to sneak around in hotels because I can come here.”

I scoff, stuffing some clothes into my bag whilst Aiden watches helplessly. “You wouldn’t have to sneak around if you just left your husband,” I point out, my voice laced with sarcasm.

“You wouldn’t even be here if he didn’t want your virginity so badly.” she counters.

I laugh. “And how does that feel, to know I have something you gave away long ago?”

“At least I can please him,” she cries, curling her hands into fists with anger.

“So can I and I don’t even have to open my legs,” I yell.

“Enough,” Aiden shouts.

I take a calming breath, “Please go and fetch my things from your room,” I tell him, giving Laurie a smugsmile.

“You’re not fucking leaving,” he snaps, “Aria, I’m billing you for the damage to my club. And you’re barred for the next month.”

“Aiden,” Laurie argues, with outrage.

“And you,” he hisses, pointing a finger in her face, “Don’t own me. You left, Laurie. Not me. So, stop fucking acting like my wife cos thankfully, you saved me from that hassle.”

He turns on his heel and marches out. Laurie stamps her foot, rushing after him and I turn to Aria, smiling. “I knew that would work,” I whisper, feeling smug that Aiden put Laurie in her place.

Aiden

I get as far as the living room before Laurie grabs my arm and I spin to face her. She’s angry, her entire face is red, and her fists are curled into tight balls. “She’s sleeping in your bedroom?” she hisses.

“I don’t owe you an explanation,” I snap.

“You do when you’re crawling back into my bed.”

“I haven’t been in your bed since I started . . .” I pause, not knowing what to say. Bella appears, leaning in the doorway.

“I don’t want to cause any trouble,” she says, folding her arms.

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