Page 62 of All That She Needs

As we continued our walk, my gaze continuously drifted to her; I couldn't stop looking at her. If I kept walking like this, I was bound to bump into something or stumble into a gutter.

When we arrived at The Blue Note, the bar was packed. It was Simona's night to perform—a jazz singer in her fifties with a voice uncannily like Ella Fitzgerald's. She'd be singing one of the legend's famous songs, and whenever Simona took the stage, the place was always a full house.

Asha's eyes lit up as she took in the surroundings. The bar had that classic, dimly lit atmosphere, with soft amber lighting reflecting off polished wood. Dark leather booths lined the walls, while a long mahogany bar stretched across one side. Behind the bar, shelves were filled with an impressive array of bottles, their colors shimmering like jewels. A small stage,elevated slightly from the rest of the room, held a grand piano and a microphone, waiting for Simona to take the spotlight.

She smiled, clearly feeling the energy of the place. "It's perfect," she said.

I scanned the room, searching for my brother, but still couldn't spot him. Just then, a heavy hand landed on my shoulder, making me jump slightly. I turned to see a familiar face grinning back at me.

"Liam!" my brother shouted over the noise of the bar. He pulled me close for a bear hug, squeezing me tightly and making me choke out an "Umph!" as he enveloped me in his grip—as he was bigger and taller than me.

"Let me go, you ape," I said, tapping his back. "I can't breathe."

With a laugh, he finally released me, stepping back just enough to let me catch my breath. "Good to see you, little brother," he said, a broad grin on his face. "It's been a while since you came."

"Yeah, I–"

"And I see you brought someone," he interjected, noticing Asha standing beside me, my hand still clasped around hers. I didn't want to let go unless I really,reallyhad to.

I turned to her, chuckling a little as I saw the stunned look on her face. It didn't surprise me; not every day did someone come across a mountain of a man like my brother.

"Asha, meet Jake, my brother. Jake, this is Asha."

"Hey," he said, grinning as he offered his hand. She shook it, still looking a bit taken aback.

"It's nice to meet you," she managed, a hint of nervousness in her voice.

"Don't let his size fool you. He's actually pretty harmless," I teased, giving Jake a playful nudge.

Jake laughed. "I promise I only use my powers for good."

Then I heard a male voice shout Asha's name, and I watched as her face suddenly turned pale. She spun around, her eyes wide, searching for the source.

I heard her gasp when she found what she was looking for and mumbled a name that turned all my blood to ice.

"Aiden."

Part 31: Aiden

"That's it, no more drinks for you after this," Jake said firmly as he slid my drink over the bar.

I scrunched my brows in silent protest. He frowned. "You're already wasted, Aiden. That's your fifth. No more."

I grunted, knowing Jake wouldn't budge. He'd probably already told his staff not to serve me any more drinks for the night. I had been coming here regularly for months, and the number of drinks I was allowed had steadily decreased.

But it didn't matter. I had a steady stash of booze in the kitchen cupboard back at the apartment, waiting for me. It was only a temporary stopgap Jake was putting in place—one that wouldn't make a difference when I got home. The nights always ended the same way.

"What's gotten into you today?" Jake asked. I must've looked pretty awful for him to say that, considering I'd looked bad daily lately. I wasn't shaving like I used to, and the three-piece suits were long gone. Now it was just dress pants, a button-up shirt without a tie, and a scowl that seemed permanently etched on my face.

I shrugged, not really having an answer. Everything was wrong. Asha was still angry, banning me from the house, and I had a feeling that she was really,reallydone with me. Forgiveness from her seemed to be impossible now. Kayden wouldn't speak to me, and Chloe's sorrowful look every time she saw me only made it worse. I couldn't focus on work. And thenthere was Ryan, wandering around the office, reminding me of Vanessa every time I saw him.

Everythingwas wrong.

Andnothingthat I did was right.

Feeling watched, I glanced up to find Jake still frowning at me.

"What?" I sighed. "Don't tell me you're gonna start lecturing me now."

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