Page 84 of Aiden

Howard shrugs. “Then, I will.”

I sigh before hesitantly dialing his number from my phone. I look over at Howard and narrow my eyes. “I’ll get you for this.”

He laughs, before surprising me when he places a reassuring hand on my shoulder as I wait for Aiden to answer the call.

“Hey gorgeous.”

Relief overwhelms me when I hear his voice. Unable to contain my heavy emotions, I sob into the phone.

“Hey, woah. Babe? What’s happening? Are you okay?”

I take a deep breath and collect myself. “Yes. I’m fine,” I mumble quietly. “Howard made me call you.”

“Why?” His tone clipped. “What happened?”

“Nothing happened.”

Howard speaks up, “Speaker.”

I try to cover the phone but it’s too late.

Aiden’s voice booms through the phone. “Emilia, what the fuck is going on? Why did he say, speaker? Put the damn phone on speaker!”

I press the button, flipping Howard off with my free hand.

“I’m here, boss.” Howard looks at the phone, ignoring my rude gesture.

“What happened?”

I want so badly to hang up the phone, not wanting to bother him with this mess.

“She flew out of the front door in tears, I figured you’d want to stop by and see what happened. She wanted me to take her home and not tell you.”

I throw my head back like a defiant teenager.

“What the fuck? I’m already on the way. I’ll be there soon.” He growls into the phone.

∞∞∞

Aiden takes one look at me and makes his way to the bakery.

I chase after him, pulling his arm.

He reluctantly stops outside the door, cupping my face in his hands, and breathes deeply. “You can say whatever you want, but I already know someone in there hurt you. Who was it? Your boss? Or was it a co-worker or customer?”

I sigh, hesitating before looking away.

He holds my face firmly. “Either you tell me what the fuck just happened, or everyone in this building is getting fucked up.” His face red, and his breathing heavy.

“You’re going to be mad,” I state quietly.

“Why?” He tries to stay calm but is failing.

“Avery is a man.”

He shakes his head. “I already fucking know that, Emilia. Now, tell me what happened.” He growls.

I bow my head in embarrassment.

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