Page 63 of Aiden

I sit up straighter. “What?”I couldn’t have heard him right.

“You heard me.” He gives an arrogant smile.

“But Ashley–”

“No. You’re not going to sit here and worry about everyone else. Not your mom or Ashley. You always do that. You put everyone in front of you. I won’t allow it.” His voice is firm as he flattens his palm on the table. “With the exception of me of course.” He winks.

I try to speak, but no words come out.

He places his hand under his chin. “What do you want to do with your life?”

I know where he’s going with this.

“Business,” I lie. A random major I chose after seeing the prices of culinary schools.

He laughs, knowing I’m not being truthful. “Don’t lie to me. I see you. I know what makes you happy.”

From the way his green eyes bear into mine, I can tell he can see every inch of me, and all of it is for him. I’m putty in his very capable hands.

He waves his hand in the air dismissively when I stay silent, slouching in his chair. “I already have you scheduled to tour a culinary school.”

He’s amazing but I can’t. “I know my mom’s doing good now. Thank you by the way, that’s freaking amazing of you. But culinary school is expensive. Trust me, it’s the first school I looked for. There’s just no way.”

“About that…” He tilts his head.

“What did you do?” I scoot my chair back, my voice close to a shriek.

“I wouldn’t give a fuck if you didn’t go to school or work but…” He smiles.

I laugh. “You’re not going to be my sugar daddy.”

His eyes darken as he scoops me up and sits me on his lap.

I roll my eyes as his eyes rake over my body. “Aiden, get to the point.” I swat his wandering hands.

“You could stay here and bake for me all day.” He trails a finger down my leg, igniting a flame inside me. “And then you could wait for me to come home and…”

I swat his arm playfully.

He put his hands up in innocence “I need an assistant.”

“Oh? An assistant position would never put me through college. I know what you’re trying to do. Maybe I can waitress at one of the upscale restaurants near my school. Ashley works at one and they pay well. I can keep attending business school, and maybe just take some classes at a bakery.” I sigh, wistfully dreaming of something bigger for myself.

“She quit.” He states.

That is news to me. Why hasn’t Ashley told me?

“She’s planning on telling you tomorrow. She’s thinking of staying here but she wants to get your opinion first. Just don’t tell her I told you.”

It’s hard to concentrate on our conversation when I’m straddling Aiden in a robe with only my panties underneath.

His voice is as velvet as the wine. “Besides, why waitress and deal with a shitty boss and horrible hours just to take a few electives when you can work for me? I’ll pay for any school you want.”

“True. But still, I won’t just let you put me through school. I mean, how can I move here when my whole life is there.”

“Your life is not there, Emilia. I’m here.” He states. The way he says my full name makes me smile. “Besides, you don’t have family near that school. I definitely don’t want you around the fucking idiot of an ex-boyfriend anymore.”

“I’ll think about it.” I hold up a finger when he smiles. “But I’m going to look for my own job.” He sighs, grabbing my thighs. “Only because I know you’ll pay me unfairly and treat me better just because I’m…”

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