Page 36 of Aiden

“No.” I lie but I stumble on my heels.

Aiden steadies me, heaving an annoyed sigh before guiding me to the bar.

The bartender places a shot in front of me within seconds.

I go for it, but Aiden slides it down the bar top, causing it to spill over the black surface. He’s going to get us kicked out.

“Chill, Aiden,” I slur.

“If you hand her one more sip of alcohol, I will fire you for overserving customers.” His voice is stern and laced with venom as he eyes the frightened bartender.

How can he fire him?

Aiden looks intimidating as he crosses his arms. “On a better thought, how much did you serve her?”

“Mr. Scott, I…I didn’t–”

He cuts him off with a wave of his hand. “Did you even check her… Fuck it, you’re fired. Get out of my sight.” He beckons another bartender, who quickly makes his way to us, and demands, “Water.”

A glass of water is placed in front of me moments later and I slowly sip it as the room spins.Why does Aiden own a bar? Oh right, investment properties.

Warmth spreads through me as he places a possessive hand on the nape of my neck. I remind myself that I’m still mad at him.

“Ge…get your hands off me!” I hiss.

He laughs lowly. “What did you just say to me?”

“I said,” I attempt to stand but his hand holds me in place, sending a shiver through my body. I hate that I like it when he’s like this, and the alcohol is not helping. “I said get your hands off!”

“I heard what you said, sweetheart. I was just hoping, for your sake, you wanted to rephrase that statement.” His eyes darken as he pulls me to my feet and leads us up the stairs.

Why is he so mad?

“Ashley and I are just trying to have fun!” I protest.

He looks around the room before sighing. “I’ll deal with her later. She should have never brought you here. Now go,” He demands, waving his hand.

As we walk down the hall, I peer into an open VIP room and spot a sparkly red dress.Yup, Ashley is safe…and she’s on top of Ricky?I quicken my steps, so Aiden will not see her, and step into the other VIP room. It looks nicer and bigger than the one before. A solitary black leather couch hugs the only pop of color in the room, a scarlet wall.

Aiden gestures for a nearby bouncer. His nameplate is blurry, but I think it says Max, who at this point, is three Max’s.

“Don’t allow anyone into this room,” Aiden instructs.

“Of course, Boss.” Max turns away and stands guard at the edge.

Aiden closes the thick fabric, hiding us from wandering gazes.

I get a little nervous as he stalks towards me. I’ve never seen him so angry before. I hear him mumbling something I can’t decipher under his breath. It turns me on when he speaks Italian.

He runs his hand through his thick hair, a nervous habit. “I really thought you would listen to me and stay out of trouble, but here you are.” He chuckles. “I’m just thankful you’re at my club, of all the places.”

Red flashes across my eyes. “Why do you care!” I shout in a drunken rage. “Go call Rebecca if I’m such a problem in your life!” I try and fail to not stumble over my words, but the alcohol slurs them.

He tilts his head to the side, studying me. He places a hand on his chin in thought and I watch as his muscles flex through the fabric of his suit.

“The girl from the lobby earlier.”

“Yeah, her! She…she was supposed to stay the night with you.” I stomp my feet, wobbling down onto the couch.

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