High Stakes (A Deal With The Devil)

CHAPTER EIGHT

Aiden

Bella is hesitant at first, until I pick up a gold eagle lamp. She stares wide eyed, “No,” she says simply.

“No?” I ask, taking a good look at the ugly lamp.

“It’s awful,” she whispers, glancing around to check Harper isn’t within ear shot.

“It’s one of a kind,” I argue.

She reaches for a simple glass feature where the bulb is extra-large. “Modern,” she says, shrugging, “And it fits with the décor in your apartment.”

I give a nod, “I like it.” And I place it to one side.

Bella’s eyes light up, “Cushions,” she says, heading off to where there’s a huge display. She selects some, holding each up for my approval, which I give because I have no idea about any of this. I usually pay someone to sort the décor. Who even has the time these days? But as I watch Bella select things, I realise that most men probably go with their women, just for this. To see their face’s light up at bright fabrics, or to hear them passionately discuss artwork and why they love it.

When she’s selected practically half the shop, I hand over my card while Harper’s assistants take it all out to the delivery van. I lean closer so Bella doesn’t overhear the amount, and then I hand over my spare key so that everything can be taken up to the apartment.

We step outside and I take her hand, ignoring the way she glances down at it in confusion. “I’d love to take you to lunch,” I say.

“Why?” she asks, as I lead her in the direction of a nice restaurant I know around the corner.

“To thank you for your help.”

She smiles, “Well, as long as you know this isn’t a date, Aiden Tremos.”

I scoff playfully, “Like I’d date you.”

She giggles as we cross the street, and I push the door open to the little Italian I’ve been coming to for years. Lucas, the owner, greets us warmly and leads us to a spot by the window. It’s busy and has a long waiting list, but me and Lucas have an arrangement which means I can walk in here any time I want.

I pull out Bella’s chair and she lowers gracefully. Once I take my own, she smiles coyly. “I’m almost impressed,” she admits, “Shop’s that open for you on Bond Street, whipping out a card and putting almost eight grand on it to furnish a room you don’t even sleep in, and now this,” she says, looking around, “A table in a restaurant that I know is always fully booked and has weeks of waiting lists.”

“It’s not what you know-”

“But who you know,” she finishes for me, and we both laugh. “Why are you single?”

Lucas brings us a bottle of white wine, pouring me a small amount and waiting for me to taste it. I take a sip and give a nod. Once he’s poured us both a glass, he leaves the bottle and disappears again. “Because I choose to be,” I reply.

“I think you’re wasted,” she remarks, “But I get it. I’m thinking of taking up the single life myself.”

I grin, “Does your date know that?”

She shrugs, “Luke seems nice, but they always do in the beginning. Once I tell him about . . . yah know, he’ll change. Maybe I should just do it, get rid of it so it’s not a big thing anymore.”

I swallow a mouthful of wine, my eyes widening. “Get rid of what?” I ask, even though I know exactly what she means.

“My virginity,” she whispers.

“You’ve held on to it for twenty-three years, why suddenly give it up to a stranger that doesn’t deserve it?”

“Because I never meant to hold on to it for this long.”

The waiter comes over and places olives, bread and oils on the table. “The usual Mister Tremos?” he asks. I give a nod, and he leaves us.

“Jesus, how many times do you come here?” she asks, laughing.

“Often.”

“Always with women?” she asks, popping an olive in her mouth.

“I don’t think you should rush into a decision,” I say, taking us back to the conversation.

“Oh god, I bet they think I’m one of your conquests,” she adds, glancing around.

“I haven’t known you long, but I know you’ll regret just giving it away.”

“Do you remember your first?” she asks.

“Not really,” I mutter .

“Exactly, it wasn’t special. And this won’t be either. Yah know, I read somewhere about a woman that sold hers on the internet. She made a million.”

I roll my eyes, “That’s not true.”

“How do you know? There are people out there that pay good money for feet pictures.”

I laugh, “Ridiculous.”

“Would you pay?” she asks.

I raise my brows, “For your virginity?” Unfortunately, that’s not a part of the rules or I would.

“God no, not for mine, just in general. Would you sleep with a virgin and pay for the privilege?”

The waiter arrives with our food, and I sag in relief. Bella stares down at the juicy steak. “Oh shit, you’re not a vegetarian, are you?”

“No, this looks amazing. I’ve just never had a man order my food before.”

I smile, “All part of the service.”

She looks troubled as she picks up her cutlery. “Maybe that’s why you’re single?” she suggests.

I roll my eyes, “Because I know what’s good in a restaurant I often frequent?”

“Some women don’t like that. It’s a little . . . controlling.”

“Or it’s thoughtful depending on your mindset. ”

She smirks, “You have an answer for everything.” She pops the piece of steak into her mouth and closes her eyes in delight. Once she’s swallowed it, she says, “Oh lord, that is amazing.”

“Told you.” I can’t keep the smugness from my voice.

Bella

When we arrive back to the apartment after the best meal I’ve ever eaten, there are boxes everywhere. “Luckily, I have people that do this,” says Aiden, pulling out his mobile.

Less than half an hour later, JP, Raff and Aria turn up.

We all get stuck in, unpacking items and placing them around the room. The guys set the brand-new oak bed up and once the new sheets and cushions are placed on it, it looks amazing. We’re sorting the last few bits when Aiden comes in with a bag of Chinese food, “Thought we needed fuel after all that work,” he says, and we eagerly follow him to the kitchen where he sets out various container on the center island so we can all dip in. I check my watch, noting it took us almost four hours to work on the bedroom. “It looks like a hotel room,” gushes Aria, “I’m so jealous right now,” she adds, looking in my direction.

“Apparently, she isn’t staying,” says Aiden and all eyes turn to me. “She wants to go back home.”

“It’s not safe,” Aria and JP say in unison.

I laugh, “I can’t impose on Aiden.”

“Don’t put this on me,” he argues, “I want you to stay here.”

I smile, “You do?”

He looks away like he’s embarrassed. “It’s safer,” he mutters.

“We just worked our backsides off to set your room up,” snaps Aria, “You’re staying, no argument.”

I can’t stop the smile as I nod and watch as everyone relaxes and goes back to helping themselves to food. I haven’t known the guys long, but right now, I feel like they’re all in my corner and it feels good.

The next morning, I arrive at the shop ready to bake my happy heart out. Aria is already there whipping up some muffins and I join her at the counter, tying my apron.

“I think I’m totally in love with Raff. He’s the perfect guy for me,” she tells me dreamily.

I roll my eyes, laughing. “You’ve said that about almost every man you’ve ever met.”

“Don’t roll your eyes, Bells. He was made for me; he just doesn’t know it yet.”

“Um, then I suggest you make it a priority to tell him, so he’s on the same page.”

She begins to spoon the thick mixture into bun cases. “And don’t think I don’t see the way you and lover boy look at one other.”

I scoff. “We’re just friends. He’s a one-night stand type of guy, and I . . . well, I’m not that sort of girl so,” I shrug.

“I vote you give him just one night, he’ll be begging for more.”

“It’s a good job I haven’t put it out for vote,” I say, arching a brow. “Besides, I have a date after work with Luke. He’s nice, friendly, funny, reliable.”

She drops the spoon in her bowl of mixture. “Well, he sounds delightful,” she says, her tone mocking. “Boring but delightful.”

“I think he’s exactly what I’m looking for, actually. And he’s really nice looking.”

“But does he set you on fire with one look?” she asks, “Does his touch awaken something deep inside you? Do you wanna rip his clothes off?”

I throw my cloth at her and she catches it, laughing. “Not everything is about sex, Ari. The sooner you realise that the quicker you’ll find Mr. Right.”

It’s been a busy day and I’m dead on my feet, but I smile when the bell rings and I see Luke walking through the door.

“Mr. boring has arrived,” whispers Aria in my ear. I elbow her, and she giggles handing me my jacket.

“Hey,” he greets, his green eyes twinkling.

“Aria, meet Luke. Luke this is my very annoying friend, and boss, Aria.”

He shakes her hand, then turns away to go and look in the cake stands. Aria’s hand is still in the air and she’s staring at it in bewilderment. I nudge her and she drops its before mouthing, “He shook my hand?”

“He’s a gentleman,” I hiss, rounding the counter right as Aiden enters the shop. I freeze mid-step but he’s too busy glaring at Luke to notice.

“Aiden?”

He brings his eyes to me and forces a smile, “I know you have plans tonight, but I really need you.” There’s something different about him, and the way his eyes are pleading silently with me, twists my heart.

I step closer, “What’s happened?”

“You know I wouldn’t ask unless it was really important. ”

I glance at Luke who’s watching the exchange carefully. He smiles, “It’s fine, Bella, we can meet another night. Just text me when you’re free.”

“Are you sure, I feel terrible.”

He gently rubs my arm, “Honestly, it’s fine. Your friend needs you.” He gives a nod to Aiden who doesn’t return it, and he leaves.

Aiden rolls his eyes and Aria shakes her head. I frown, “What?”

“He’s too nice,” says Aria, and Aiden nods in agreement.

“How can someone be too nice? He’s a gentleman.”

“All I know, is that if some guy came and interrupted my date with you, I wouldn’t have been the one leaving,” Aiden chips in.

“He was being nice,” I snap.

Aiden shrugs, then takes my hand. “Night Aria,” he calls as he leads me out to his car.

Ten minutes later, we stop outside a bar. It’s busy inside and Aiden twists in his seat to face me. “I want you to pretend to be my date.”

I notice he doesn’t look so upset now and I frown. What are you talking about?”

“There’s a change of clothes on the backseat.” He twists back to face the front. “I won’t look. ”

I glance back. The windows are blacked out so it’s not like anyone can see. “Why didn’t you call and ask me to do this?” I ask, climbing into the back.

“Because you’d have said no.”

“For good reason. I can’t help but feel you’ve ruined my date on purpose.”

“You owe me,” he complains, and I sigh heavily. He has been good to me, and I guess one favour isn’t too much to ask. Plus, he’s paid for the outfit and I’m a sucker for new clothes.

“Keep your eyes forward,” I mutter, wriggling out of my tights.

“I’ve already seen you naked,” he reminds me.

“I cannot be responsible for what the drunk me does, Aiden. It’s something you need to know if you’re going to continue to be my friend.”

I lift the lid on the Selfridges box and lift out the black dress. “Did you pick this?”

“Just put it on,” he says with a grin.

“Who does all this stuff for you?” I ask, slipping the dress up my legs and over my thighs. “Can you do anything yourself?”

“I wipe my own backside,” he jokes.

“Really? That surprises me.” I take a mascara from my bag and apply it, followed by lip gloss. I slip my feet into the heels he’s also brought. “Okay, I’m ready.” He gets out the car and rounds my side, opening the door and offering me his hand which I take. “What exactly do I have to do?” I add.

“Just be my date for the evening. If anyone asks, tell them it’s early days but we’re happy. And do not tell anyone you’re in my spare room.”

“Why would anyone ask that?”

“Oh, trust me, they will,” he mutters, leading me inside.

The room is impressive with large chandeliers and shimmering crystals dotted around. There are a lot of important looking people in suits and nice dresses, and I’m thankful Aiden brought me a black dress, it seems to be the most popular colour theme of the evening. He takes my hand and hooks it through his arm. “It’s going to be boring and for that, I apologise.”

He wasn’t kidding. Aiden is popular, with men constantly wanting his attention so they can talk business. I zone out after the third conversation about investment, slipping away to use the bathroom.

I’m topping up my lip-gloss when the blond I recognise from Aiden’s social media appears beside me. She sets about topping her own lipstick, occasionally flicking her eyes my way in the reflection. Eventually she smiles, but it’s not kind or friendly, and instead comes across colder and bitchier. “So, you and Aiden?”

“Yes.” I run my fingers through my hair, trying to ignore the feeling of dread in my stomach.

“Funny, he never mentioned you.”

“Should he have?”

She slowly pops her things back in her clutch bag, sniggering, “It depends how long you’ve been together. I’m a girl’s girl,” she states, and I almost laugh. “So, you should know he was with me on Saturday night . . . having sex.” She smirks before leaving me.

I brace myself against the sink unit and stare at my reflection in the mirror. I don’t know why her words affect me, but right now, as I think about her and Aiden together, my heart aches and my stomach twists into knots. I feel like she’s just thrown ice water over me, waking me up. Despite my protests to Aria, and even myself, I’ve been enjoying Aiden’s attention. He’s unobtainable, yet he was starting to convince me that wasn’t true. And she’s reminded me it is. Aiden is a player, and he will break my heart.

“He’s no good for you, Bella,” I tell myself out loud. “So, stop dreaming he’ll change for you. It’s never going to happen. ”

When I step out of the bathroom, Aiden is waiting for me, leaning casually on the wall. He pushes off and steps closer, “Are you okay? You’ve been ages.” I nod, not trusting myself to speak. “I want to introduce you to a solicitor.” It’s an odd thing to say and I wonder who this guy is and why Aiden wants me to meet him so badly. “It’s important he thinks we’re together,” he adds, not quite meeting my eye.

I force a smile, “Show me the way.”

He looks relieved as he grabs my hand and takes me back into the room. I can’t help but scan it for his blonde bombshell. “Isabella, this is a good friend of mine, Drake.”

I bring my attention back the tall gentleman before me. “Hi,” I say.

He holds out his hand and we shake, “It’s nice to meet you, Aiden’s told me so much about you.”

I narrow my eyes with confusion, “All good things I hope?”

“Of course. He tells me you work in a bakery?”

I open my mouth to answer when the blond bitch taps Aiden on the shoulder, he glances back, and I feel him stiffen. She hooks her arm through his, “Walk with me, Aiden.”

He immediately drops my hand and allows her to lead him away, throwing an apologetic smile our way before adding, “I’ll be right back.” Blondie smiles smugly and I watch them disappear into the crowd, leaving me alone with Drake, the solicitor I don’t know, yet am expected to lie to.

I offer Drake a small smile, “It must be important,” I say, “Shall we get a drink?”