High Stakes (A Deal With The Devil)

CHAPTER TWO

Aiden

I did the right thing. I went and told the girl what her dumbass dad was doing, but then he mentioned the damn copper and that was my cue to leave.

Fuck. I run my hands through my hair. Raff said it would be easy, that she would be putty in my hands, but she really doesn’t seem like the putty kind.

Her dad had told me previously about an ex-boyfriend that Isabella could stay with, one that she had no interest in any longer. But he failed to mention it was the copper, one I know very well. I’m going to kick Raff’s dumb arse when I get back to the club. What’s the point in having him do background checks and research, if he misses huge details like that.

“Thought she was coming with, Boss?” asks JP.

“Yeah, me too. Raff’s an idiot. She’s the Ex of Carl, as in Cop Carl.”

“Oh. That’s not good. Do we have a plan B?”

“Who knows what Raff’s come up with for plan B, he couldn’t even get plan fuckin’ A right.”

We arrive at Tremos, my nightclub. I shove open the club door in frustration and it bangs back against the wall, the hinges creaking in protest.

“Raff, you dumb fuck, where the hell are you?”

He appears from behind the bar, topless and pulling up his jeans with a wide grin across his face. I roll my eyes. I’m out pulling in the girl, and he’s fucking about without a care in the world.

“Aid, where’s the girl?” he asks, pulling a blond to her feet. She wipes her mouth then totters off towards the bathroom, butt naked. We all watch her tiny ass before I turn back to him .

“Cop Carl’s ex missus, you mean?” I ask, chucking my suit jacket on the nearest bar stool.

“What? No way, I checked her out, man; she’s never been with anyone. Jake was very clear about her.”

“Then tell me why she’s heading there right now?” I grab a glass and pour a shot of whiskey. I knock the amber liquid back, wincing as it burns, and then I slam the glass on the bar. “I’m running out of time, jackass!”

He buckles his belt. “Her hospital records did show an assault about a month ago, it’s how I know she was still a virgin, cos they checked she hadn’t been raped. Just cuts, bruises and a broken wrist. You reckon that was Carl’s work?”

I shrug my shoulders. “Possibly, she did say he had done something to her.”

“Then that’s it, big man,” smiles Raff, slapping my back, “Swoop in there, rescue the chick from the big bad ex, and she’ll come running willingly.”

I drop my head to the bar and groan. “This is why I don’t do this shit, too much hard work.”

Bella

Carl sits back on the sofa with a huge smug grin across his face. “I knew you’d be back. ”

“You're a police officer; you protect people, and right now, I need protecting. But please don’t get it twisted, Carl, we’re not a thing anymore so let’s call this your apology for landing me in hospital.”

“Call it what you want, Bella. Go and unpack your shit.”

I sit on the edge of the double bed, looking around the room in disgust. It’s a typical bachelor pad with black silk sheets on the huge bed, but not much in the way of furniture. There’s a mirror on the opposite wall to the bed and I can only imagine the reason Carl would have it positioned there.

How the hell did I end up back here? Surely, I’d be just as safe with Aria. We grew up together; she owns the bakery where I work and lives above it in a cosy little apartment.

She’s petite like me, standing at just five foot two, but she’s fiery and I reckon she could keep me safe. I smile at the thought. She’s going to screw when she knows I’m staying here with Carl, she hates him.

I met him a few months ago; he was on duty and looked fit in his uniform. We got chatting in Costa and I agreed to go out for a real drink with him. He was charming and funny and the fact he had a great body and a gorgeous face to match, helped. We began seeing each other but Carl got fed up with taking things slow. Three months into the relationship we began arguing, a lot, so I ended things. He became obsessed with getting me into bed and it was such a turn off.

Last month I bumped into him on a night out, things got ugly fast, and he hit me. I ended up in hospital with a broken wrist. Don’t get me wrong, I’m no damsel in distress. I didn’t sit sobbing whilst he hit me; I fought him with everything I had which is probably the reason I came off worse. Luckily, some security guys from a nearby club broke it all up.

I didn’t press charges, Aria was so mad at me, but I didn’t see the point. Carl is a slippery little fucker; he would have gotten off the charges somehow and I didn’t want the stress of a court hearing with everything I had going on with dad. The thought of standing up in court and explaining that he was pissed off because I wouldn’t give him my virginity, gives me hives. The fact that I’m still a virgin at the ripe old age of twenty-three is embarrassing enough.

I decided cutting contact was the best way. Carl came to see me in hospital and apologised. He loves his job and agreed to stay away from me, and up until this point, he’s stuck to his word.

Aide n

I flick through the pictures of Bella. She really is stunning. Long brown hair going all the way down to her rounded backside. A tiny, slim waist and c cup perky tits. Blue eyes and a perfect smile with lips begging to be kissed. If I were the kind of person to feel, I’d definitely feel something for this beauty.

I drop the pictures back into the file and pick up the paperwork. I stare at my brother’s signature at the bottom and shake my head. That son of a bitch must have thought he was so funny drawing up these papers.

I’m interrupted by a knock on the door.

“Enter.”

JP appears. “Hey Boss, just thought you would want to know that the girl is queuing to get in.” My head snaps up, “What?” He nods and points to one of the CCTV monitors on the wall opposite me, “See.” Sure enough, Bella is in the queue, and she’s dressed to impress in a dress that’s barely there, with a group of females.

“Go get her in, JP. And try not to scare the shit out of her this time.” He nods and disappears.

Bella

“I feel like it’s too short, Ari.” I tug the bottom of the dress that just about covers my backside. She knows I hate revealing clothes; it makes me uncomfortable to be on show.

“Jesus, Bells, chill out will yah, it’s a night out. Besides, you’re out to impress, aren’t you?”

“Impress who? In case you have forgotten, I’m back staying with Carl,” I remind her, she rolls her eyes. She wasn’t impressed when I relayed my recent events, but I distracted her with the night out.

“A relationship of convenience doesn’t count.”

“I feel like Carl won’t agree with that statement.” I laugh, but it soon fades when I notice the man mountain from earlier, heading towards us.

He stops in front of me. “Follow me,” he orders.

I glance at Aria warily who shrugs and rushes to follow him. I groan and follow. He takes us up a flight of stairs and opens a door. “Tonight, you are all VIP guests to Mr. Tremos.”

I stare around the crowded room, full of sparkling golds and silvers. I’ve never been in a VIP area before and I have to admit, I’m excited. “Wow,” I mutter, “thanks.” He nods his head once and leaves.

Aria gives a little squeal. “Is that the guy?”

“One of them. Mr. Tremos must own this place. I never connected the name,” I reply, looking around at the huge chandeliers hanging low above the bar. The place is amazing and way better than the main bar downstairs.

Four Porn Star Martinis later and I’m feeling the buzz. The bar man is amazing, not only is he stunning to look at, but he makes the best drinks.

“So, Raff,” slurs Aria. “Tell us more about Mr. Tremos.”

He grins, “Why don’t you go over and ask him what you want to know?”

I freeze and glance over to the spot he’s nodding towards. Aiden is sat in a booth with two blondes either side of him, talking to another man in a suit. He suddenly looks at me and I look away, embarrassed he caught me staring.

“Fuck.” I mutter.

“Fuck indeed,” says Aria with a slight smirk crossing her face.

“What?” I ask in a panic. I daren’t look back in case he catches me again, but curiosity is getting the better of me, and then I feel him. My skin prickles and I know he’s there.

“Bella, what are you doing here?” His deep voice makes me shiver. I take a deep breath and turn to face him.

“Mr. Tremos, thank you for the VIP treatment.”

“Well, as it’s not safe for you to be out and about, I thought it better you be where I can keep an eye on you.” His voice is stern and suddenly, I feel like I’m a naughty child .

He presses a finger to his ear and then says something into his wrist. I want to laugh at the James Bond style gadgets but the serious look on his face tells me I shouldn’t.

“I am quite capable of looking after myself, but thanks again.” I say, bringing his attention back to me.

I smile and turn my back on him. He leans in, and when I feel his front press against my back, I stiffen slightly.

“Do not turn your back on me, Isabella.” He uses that growly voice again and I fidget against him. “If you keep pressing your backside against my cock like that, I may just have to take your father up on his offer.”

I hold my breath, hearing him laugh as he moves away. No one’s ever spoken to me like that, and I can’t deny that his choice of words sends sparks straight to my core.

“Bella?” My heart drops at the sound of Carl’s voice.

“Oh great,” Aria says on a sigh.

Carl grabs my arm and spins me to face him. “What the fuck are you doing in here, I told you to stay at home.” He’s in my face before I can react. “How can I keep you safe if you’re out here whilst I’m at work?”

Coming to my senses, I shove him from me, and he stumbles back. “How did you even get in here?” I rub my arm where he grabbed me, noting there’s already a red mark .

“The door staff asked my permission to let him up,” Aiden says, approaching again. “I thought he was your boyfriend, aren’t you staying with him?”

“Well thanks for your help,” I say sarcastically, “And for the record, he’s my ex.”