High Stakes (A Deal With The Devil)

CHAPTER SEVEN

Bella

I finally stumble my way into Tremos, the nightclub that Aiden lives above. JP is behind the main bar, and I lean over, so he can hear me. “Large white wine please, JP.” He places a large wine glass on the bar top and takes a bottle from the fridge. “Where’s Aiden?” he asks.

“I’m not his keeper,” I mutter, and he frowns, filling my glass to halfway and sliding it towards me. I go to pay but he waves me away. I glance to my left and a man is staring at me. He smiles and I return it before sliding closer and taking the vacant seat beside him. “Hi, I’m Luke,” he says, offering his hand.

“Bella,” I say, slipping my hand into his. He kisses the back and I swoon a little. I love a gentleman.

We chat and he tells me he’s a university lecturer. He amuses me with stories of his own student days, comparing them to his students now. I missed out on those options because of dad, I was too scared to leave him alone. My grades were outstanding, I could have easily gone off to Uni, but I was desperate to keep the roof over our heads so had to get a job instead. Time passes quickly as we chat, and it isn’t until the doorman steps over to ask us to drink up, I realise the lights have come on. I glance at my watch and I’m disappointed to see it's almost three in the morning. I’m not ready to leave, I like Luke, so I ask, “Why don’t we grab a coffee? I know a little all-night café just around the corner.”

To my relief, he smiles, “Sounds like a plan, lead the way.”

“Bells where are you off?”

JP heads over, throwing a cloth over his shoulder, “Where you off, Bella?”

I frown, “I didn’t realise I had to give you a run down, JP?” I add an amused laugh to hide my embarrassment. Luke must be wondering what the hell is going on .

“Perhaps you should call it a night?” he suggests. I scoff, grabbing Luke’s hand and leaving.

We get into the café and order two coffees before taking a seat. “Who was that guy, your brother?” Luke asks.

I laugh, “Would you believe me if I said I hardly know him at all?”

“He seemed pretty concerned about you.”

“I’m staying with his friend for a few days, he’s helping me out. I think his friends seem to have taken on some kind of protection role.” I roll my eyes. “It’s been a mad few days.”

“Are they anything to do with the . . .” he trails off, pointing to my face.

“No,” I rush to say, “Nothing to do with any of them.”

“It’s just he was a big guy; I don’t want him doing that to my face.”

“The guy I’m staying with is saving me from the ex that did this,” I tell him. “Long story. Boring really. But I am free and single, trust me.”

“Good, because I’d like to go out with you again some time, if you’re available?”

“I am definitely available.” I hand him my phone, “Put your number in and I’ll miss call you, so you have my number.”

Once he hands my phone back, it lights up with Aiden’s number. I ignore it, I really don’t want to hear his yelling. I miss call Luke, and he saves my number.

Once we’ve finished our coffee, he walks me back to the club and gives me a light kiss on the cheek. I like him, and I like that he doesn’t try and stick his tongue down my throat.

I’m smiling as I enter the side door that leads into the club. The place is now empty of party revellers, and I pass some of the bar staff that are heading home. I head to the bar where JP and Raff are chatting, whilst JP restocks the fridges. Raff sees me and whistles loud, I realise why, when Aiden storms from his office straight towards me. He looks so angry that my step falters. “Where the fuck have you been?” he snaps, not stopping until he’s right in my face. He reminds me of Carl, and I instantly step back, but I square my shoulders, trying to give the impression I’m not terrified. At least with Carl, I could read him well enough to know when it was coming, but with Aiden, I don’t even know him.

I inhale, to steady my breathing. “I’ve been out, Aiden. What’s the problem?” He throws his hands in the air and turns to Raff and JP. “Is she for real?” he asks them, and then turns back to me. “The problem is, Bella, your dad tried to fucking sell you to some nut jobs and then you stroll around like that’s not an issue, not only that, but you left with some jumped up twat that you don’t even know.”

“I don’t know you,” I’m yelling with outrage, “I don’t know Raff or JP.”

“Then maybe you should get your head out of your arse and sort your life out. You’re gullible, and too trusting. I know all that, and I’ve only known you a few days so if I’ve picked it up, other men will. You’re screaming vulnerability and men will prey on you. No wonder you end up with arseholes that beat you up.”

I break eye contact, scared he’ll see the tears that are threatening to fall. I clench my fists, digging my nails into my palms to distract myself. I chose not to answer, my voice will crack, and they’ll all hear the hurt, so instead, I walk over the elevator and press the call button. It open’s a second later, and I step inside and stare blankly at the keypad. Fuck . I have no idea what the code is. All three men are watching me expectantly. “Will someone give me the damn code,” I yell, taking them by surprise.

Aiden heads over and I move to the far corner of the elevator as he steps inside. “Bella, I’m sorry, I was out of order,” he mutters.

“The code,” I say coldly, folding my arms over my chest and avoiding looking at him .

He punches the code in, and the doors slide shut to my relief. At least the other two can’t watch the shit show. “I’m going home,” I say, and he turns to me. “I don’t care if these men come for me, I’ll call the police.”

“I said I’m sorry,” he begins, and I hold a hand up to shut him down.

“I’ve been here before, Aiden. The arguing, the getting all up in my face, it was always followed with sorry, and I don’t like how you just made me feel down there. So, I’m going home. Thank you for everything you’ve done.”

He sighs heavily, “At least wait until the morning when it’s light. I’ll take you myself.” I give a stiff nod, and he smiles. I can’t help but think I’ve let him win.

Aiden

“Why don’t you take a seat,” I say once we’re in the apartment. I point to the couch. “I’ll get you some water and a couple of painkillers.”

She does so without argument, and I head into the kitchen and grab the water, taking a minute to get my head straight. I owe this to JP and Raff; we’ve worked too hard for me to mess everything up. Damn Jake and his stupid games, even in death he haunts us.

I quickly slip out of my shirt, throwing it in the basket and go back to the living room where Bella is curled up on the couch, looking like she’s always belonged here. I like how that feels, and as I place the water on the table, I notice the way her eyes scan my body.

“You have a lot of tattoos” she observes, taking her water and opening the cap.

“My brother designed them all, there’s pretty much one for anything big that’s happened in our life.” I glance down at my chest, smiling at the memories etched on my skin forever. Since his death, I haven’t been able to add to it, it’s all too painful.

“Did he own the club with you?” she asks.

“Yeah, we were partners in all the businesses.”

“You must miss him so much, having the clubs being a constant reminder,” she says sadly.

“I know I’ve said it, but I really am sorry for what I said back there,” I repeat, “I’m not like Carl though, I’d never hurt you.”

She picks at the label on her bottle. “Mentally or physically?”

She’s asking me outright if I intend to break her heart, and I can’t answer, so I hit her with another line. “There’s something about you, Bella. I can’t get you out of my head.”

“You’re good,” she says with a smirk, and I realise she hasn’t fallen for my charm. Usually, women eat that shit up. “Let’s just be friends, save us both the hassle. Maybe you can teach me to be a little less . . . gullible.”

I roll my eyes, “I didn’t mean all that.”

“I’m not a one-night stand type of girl, Aiden. I won’t fall into your bed when you throw me a scrappy line you’ve probably used over and over. Save yourself the work.”

I give a stiff nod. Fuck. Now what?

Bella

“I should go to bed, I’m shattered,” I announce.

Aiden also stands, looking uneasy, “Yeah about that. The spare room is a little empty right now.”

“Empty how?”

“Like a blank canvas,” he says wincing.

I frown, “So why did you offer to let me stay?”

“I plan on furnishing it, I just haven’t had time. Look, take my bed, I’ll have the couch.”

I narrow my eyes, “Did you plan on getting me into your bed tonight?”

“No,” he says, following it with a smirk.

“Oh my god,” I mutter, shaking my head but trying hard not to smile. “I’ll take the couch,” I add, “It’s comfortable.”

He hands me a blanket and pillow, arguing constantly that he should take the couch, until I have to shove him from the room. I lie down and check my phone, smiling when I see a message from Luke.

Luke: Thanks for tonight, I really enjoyed myself. Can we do it again soon?

Me: Me too. I’d love to meet up. Monday, after work?

Luke: Great. 5p.m. Outside the bakery?

Me: Yeah, see you then.

I wake with a start, groaning when my head pounds from the hangover.

“Sorry did I wake you?” whispers Aiden and I open one eye to see him in his running gear.

“It’s your house, make as much noise as you want.”

He pulls his leg to stretch the muscles, and I run my eyes over his sweating body, noting how his shirt clings to his muscled abs. He smirks, catching me and I groan, pulling the pillow over my head. “It should be illegal to look that good on a Sunday morning. ”

He laughs, “It takes a lot of hard work to look like this. Early morning runs are not fun on a Sunday morning when most of the world are sleeping off hangovers. What are your plans today?” he asks, taking off his shirt and using it to wipe his chest.

“You’re doing that on purpose,” I accuse, causing him to laugh again. “My friend owns her own salon, and she opens up on Sundays exclusively for family and friends, I might pop over and get a wax.”

“Wax?” He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively.

“Well, I have a date tomorrow, and I don’t want hairy legs scaring him away.”

His smile fades. “A date?” he repeats.

“Yeah, the guy I met last night. Only for a drink after work, but still, I have to make a bit of an effort don’t I.”

He gives a stiff nod before heading down the hall towards his bedroom.

Aiden

I thought this would be easier than it’s proving to be. I’m supposed to be consuming her head, not some fucking mug she met when she was pissed. I groan, I’m playing the game all wrong. I put some calls in so I can at least try and turn her head in my direction .

When I go back into the living room, Bella is smiling at her mobile and I instantly feel a pang of jealousy. Is she talking to him? “Get dressed we’re going out.” I announce.

She glances up, “Huh?”

“I know someone that owns a furniture shop, she’s waiting for us to go and choose some stuff for your bedroom.”

She stands, shaking her head, “No, please don’t go to any trouble. Besides, I told you last night, I’m going home.”

“I need to decorate it anyway; it’s been empty for too long. And at least spend the day with me before you make any rash decisions, I could actually turn out to be nice.” I give a wide smile, and she rolls her eyes.

“Fine, but I’m making no promises.”

I can feel her looking at me nervously as I swing the car into Bond Street. I pull up outside Harpers store. Her furniture is exclusive and costs a fortune, but I know Bella will love it.

She gets out of the car warily and looks around at all the expensive shops surrounding us.

“Aiden, It’s so expensive here.” I take her hand and pull her into the shop.

Harper greets us with a huge smile. She is stunning and was madly in love with my brother, Jake. He met her after his diagnosis so refused to get involved with her, he didn’t want to make her fall in love with him; only to leave her behind. She fell anyway, and she is still very much heartbroken.

“Aiden.” She smiles kissing each cheek, “and this must be Isabella?” she adds kissing her too.

“Take your time, give me a shout if you see anything you like. My guy already has his van out the back with the bed, so we can just add to that.” She wanders off and I risk a glance at Bella who looks like a deer caught in headlights.

“You’re doing me a favour here,” I tell her, hoping she’ll relax. “I need a woman’s touch in my apartment, let’s start with the spare room that you happen to be staying in.”