Page 106 of Playing For Keeps
“You became an FBI agent because he promised you a trust fund when he retired. There was no way you knew he had a plan to make you do things that are out of character for you.”
Aiden’s expression grows pained. “I could’ve—should’ve—refused.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Because it started out with small favors. They weren’t even illegal. Jami’s even asked me for favors like Dad has.”
“Then explain how it got twisted, and you didn’t tell Dad to go to hell.”
Aiden brushes by me and paces the floor. “When he asked me to pay people to lose tips or to get rid of them, I was already in over my head. I didn’t see a way out.”
“I don’t understand why, and I probably never will, but I wasn’t put in that situation, so I have no way of knowing what I would’ve done. But you can make it right now.”
He stops and gapes at me, his brows creased together. “How?”
“Do you still want to be a private investigator? One that works toward helping people, not hurting them?”
“I want it more than I’ve wanted anything in my life. Fuck, Dori. I’d do anything to change what I’ve done.”
“That’s good to hear.” I walk back to the table. “Sit down. I have a proposal for you.”
“Okay, but what’s this about?” He joins me.
We get seated, and I open my purse. I pull out the folded paperwork Jami had his legal team draw up.
My pulse races. My future relationship with Aiden rides on this moment.
I steady my shaky hands. “When I was let go from Efron Worldwide, I was given a settlement. I’ve been trying to give the money back, but Hunter won’t let me. Not until now, but I need your support before he will.”
“How?”
“If you agree to the terms in this document, Hunter will take the money back and put it into a trust for you. It’s enough for you to start your business and live the life you’ve always wanted to live.”
He glances at the papers and nods. “Can I read them now?”
I slide the document across the table. “The terms are pretty cut and dry, but go over them and ask me any questions you have.”
He takes them from me, unfolds them, and spends a minute studying the agreement. His eyes flit to mine from time to time like he’s making sure this is a legitimate offer.
Once he’s gone over everything, he places the papers down and rests against the back of his chair. His chest rises and falls rapidly as he seems to consider his options.
I motion to the papers. “Do you have any questions before you give me an answer?”
“Why are you arranging this? You believe I’m a terrible person because of what I did.”
“I don’t think that way at all. You’re a good person deep down, but you’ve let Dad carve a portion of your good heart out and do things I don’t think you would’ve done. He never let you live your life the way you wanted, so you let the money become your driving force.”
“Youwere my driving force. I only ever wanted you to be safe and out of his sights. I thought the money was my way out, and I could use it to protect you better while doing work I wanted to do.”
“I’ve thought about it a lot, and I want to believe that’s true. If you accept my offer, it will help me see you’re trying to be the good man I know you are.”
“Okay. Let’s get to that. Let me summarize and see if I understand the proposal.”
“I’m listening.” I clasp my hands together on top of the table, waiting patiently for him to wrap his head around my offer.
“You’re going to give me fifty million dollars. All I have to do is become a private investigator, living on the straight and narrow.” Aiden raises his brows in question.
“Hunter’s giving you the money. Not me. I don’t want to be indebted to him.” I motion to the papers. “What about the other three stipulations? Can you agree to those?”
