High Stakes (A Deal With The Devil)

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Aiden

We drive back to Tremos in silence. I can’t shake the thought of Bella with someone else. The fact he saw her orgasm makes me want to rip his eyes out. I grip the steering wheel tightly. And I deserve this, I know I do. Each sordid image my mind has created, I deserve to have, because it’s exactly what I’ve done to her every time she’s seen me with Laurie.

We walk through the club, and JP and Raff pretend to busy themselves, avoiding any eye contact with Bella as she hangs her head like she’s ashamed. Once we’re in the apartment, I throw my keys on the side. “Go and shower,” I mutter coldly. “Wash every inch of him from your skin.”

Her eyes glisten with tears and she wraps her arms around herself before going to the bathroom.

I pull out my mobile and head into the kitchen, closing the door. I dial Raff who answers on the first ring. “She okay?”

“Yep. All intact.”

“And the PT? Is he in one piece?”

“Yep.”

“Now what?”

“Call the solicitor. Tell him to be here at nine tonight,” I say.

“You’re going directly to him?”

“If he sees it with his own eyes, he can’t argue it.”

Bella

I rest my hand against the kitchen door, stilling at Aiden’s words. See’s what?

I hear him disconnect the call, so I rush back towards the bathroom, closing the door and leaning against it.

There’s something more going on. None of this makes any sense. Aiden turning up like that, practically kicking the door down. And the way he’s suddenly changed his mind about a relationship. And forgiving me for being with Cal. Just like that. No questions, no anger. It’s almost like he doesn’t care, as long as I haven’t had sex.

Aiden taps on the bathroom door, and I jump in fright. “Yeah?”

“Open the door,” he says. I glance down at my gym gear, wincing. I pull my top off and grab a towel to cover myself, pulling the door open. Aiden eyes me suspiciously. “You okay?” he asks. I nod. “I’d like to cook dinner tonight,” he states. “Are you free?”

“You don’t cook,” I say, frowning.

“Is that yes?” he asks, sounding irritated.

“Sure.”

“Great, I’ve got some errands to run.” He leans closer, kissing me on the lips. I test the waters, cupping his cheek and pulling him closer to take the kiss deeper. He allows it for a second before pulling back.

“Maybe we could shower together,” I suggest, seeing as he’s always insisted getting in with me.

“I’d love to, but I have shit to do if I want to get back in time to make dinner.”

“Our first as a couple,” I say, adding a smile.

He forces a tight one in return. “Yep.”

“Are you mad with me?” I ask, running a hand over his chest.

“I’m mad with myself for almost blowing it,” he admits.

“So, let’s put things right,” I say, opening the bathroom door wider and dropping my towel. He stares at my breasts, almost lost for a moment before shaking his head and bringing his eyes to mine. “Later, Bella. I promise.”

I shower and dress in comfortable clothes. I pull my hair into a messy bun and curl up on the couch, going over everything that just happened in my head, trying to get it straight. But no matter how many times I go over it, it doesn’t add up. I call Aria.

“Oh my god, I was so worried,” she cries. “I’m so sorry. I was talking to JP trying to sort everything out, and Aiden saw your text. And yah know what else is weird. He put a call in and had Cal’s address in seconds.”

“Weird,” I agree.

“Are you okay? Is Cal?”

“Yeah, we’re both fine.”

“Did you . . . yah know, do the deed?”

“I didn’t get chance, but we were close. Aiden turned up like a crazy ex.”

“Yeah, he went off here before he left. He was so mad.”

“It doesn’t add up, does it?”

She pauses, “It’s definitely weird. Tensions were high but why is he so bothered when he’s made it clear he doesn’t want a relationship.”

“Apparently, he’s had a change of heart. The threat of me with someone else woke him up and now we’re officially a couple.”

The silence stretches whilst she processes my words, “Yeah, that does seem odd.”

“So, it’s got me thinking, is he just after my virginity, or is something else going on?”

“Like what?” she asks.

“I don’t know,” I mutter. “Jake keeps popping into my head. Is it really a coincidence he came to the bakery every day, and then his brother turned up to rescue me from men I’ve never heard from?”

“When you say it out loud, I guess it raises suspicions. Where is Aiden now?”

“Out. He wants to cook us dinner this evening, yet I overheard a phone call where he arranged for a solicitor to come over at nine.” I stand, heading for Aiden’s room. I put the phone on loudspeaker and place it on the bed whilst I pull open Aiden’s bedside drawer. “The entire thing feels off,” I add, finding nothing in the drawer but condoms. I slam it closed, sighing and looking around. “Do you think you could come over to Tremos?” I take the phone into the walk-in wardrobe.

“Sure, why? ”

“I need you to distract JP and Raff, and Aiden if he turns up too early.”

“What are you going to do?”

I pull down a box and lift the lid, rummaging through the photographs of Aiden and his brother. “I’m going to search Aiden’s office.”

“What exactly are you hoping to find?”

“I’m not sure. But if there’s a solicitor involved, maybe there’s a paper trail?”

“You could just walk away,” she suggests. “Leave and never look back.”

“I could,” I agree, “But if today is anything to go by, he’ll come and find me. I need to know why I’m suddenly so important to him.”

“Okay, I’m in,” she says. “I’ll text you when it’s safe.”

I search the apartment. Every cupboard, every drawer, even behind spaces, and I find nothing unusual. It’s another hour before Aria messages me.

“Now.”

My heart hammers in my chest as I take the elevator down to the club. I step out, to find the club empty. I push the office door and hold my breath, relieved when Aiden’s chair is empty. I go inside, closing the door quietly behind me .

I sit at his desk and have a brief look at the various letters and paperwork strewn across his desk. There’s nothing that stands out. I open his drawers and find bills and random paperwork that means nothing to me. I slouch back in his chair, huffing. Maybe I’m being paranoid .

Something catches my eye under the desk, a middle drawer, set back so it’s almost hidden. I pull it, but of course, it’s locked. Shit . I search the drawer again, this time finding a keyring with four small keys. I try each one, almost laughing in delight when the last key fits.

In the drawer is a file, I set it on the desk, staring at it. This could be nothing, or it could change everything and as I open it, I feel sick with nerves.

Pinned to the top of the inside cover, are two photographs of me. One of me leaving work and the other of me behind the counter serving a customer. My full name is scrawled in messy handwriting on the bottom of each one.

On the other side is an official looking letter from a law firm. Dobson Law I know you loved me despite insisting I was delivered by the stalk and dropped on our family.

What I’d give to have seen your face when Drake gave you the contract. As if I would just hand it over. You know me better than that, and let’s not pretend you wouldn’t have done the same.

So, why her? I spent months finding the perfect woman for you, and she is it, brother. Isabella is like a breath of fresh air on a stuffy day. She brightens the world, which I’m sure you’ve discovered by now. I made no secret of the fact I hate Laurie, and if I can come back as a ghost, I’ll be haunting that bitch. But in case I don’t, take this as a sign, Aiden. She broke your heart, and you’ve wasted too much time trying to forget her, only to have her pick you up anytime she wants. You’ll never heal if she has her way. With Bella’s help, you’ll love again.

So, the terms were set and I’m praying I gave Bella enough time to convince you she’s the one for you. She deserves happiness and I know you can give her that too. Make me proud, brother. And make her happy, for me.

I love you, Aiden.

Jake x Your better-looking twin.

I’m crying so hard; I can’t catch my breath as I stuff the letter back in the envelope. I hide it at the back of the file and stuff everything back into the drawer. Aria was right, I should never have come looking.

Jake was so kind and sweet, why would he do this to me?

I stagger back up to the apartment, sending Aria a text message telling her I didn’t find anything, mainly because I can’t face her right now. I can’t face anyone.

I go into my bedroom, collapsing on my bed. This must be what heartbreak feels like as I rub the pain my chest. I really thought he liked me. All the drama and the chasing he did, I thought that was because he was battling with himself. Turns out that he didn’t like me at all, not as a girlfriend and certainly not as a friend, because no friend would do this .

I dry my eyes and take a breath. I open the music app on my phone and put a plan into action. Fuck Aiden. And fuck Jake.

I wake with a start, sitting up to look around my dark bedroom. I grab my phone and see it’s half past seven. My eyes are swollen, and my throat is sore from the crying. I freshen up, trying my best to look slightly less broken and when I go into the living room, Aiden is just arriving home. His hands are full of bags, and I watch him struggle, taking a seat on the couch. He places them by the kitchen door, and I feel his eyes assessing me. “Everything okay?” he asks. I nod. “Have you been crying?”

Fuck . “Yeah,” I almost whisper. “I watched The Notebook; it always gets me.”

He laughs and I picture punching him right in the throat until he chokes on all his lies. “What have I told you about watching that romance crap? It isn’t real, life doesn’t work like that.”

I want to scoff at how true his sentence is. “It’s all lies,” I say firmly, and he pauses, confusion playing out on his expression. “Love,” I clarify, “Everyone is so selfish looking out for themselves, how can real love exist?” I ask.

He looks slightly relieved at my odd rambling, “Exactly. Glad you’re finally seeing sense.”

Aiden

I head into the kitchen and unpack the shopping. Bella looks exhausted and I wonder if that’s mostly my fault. Damn Jake. And now everything is set to go ahead, I almost feel a mix of relief and guilt. It’s making me paranoid and I’m examining every expression on Bella’s tired face, wondering if this will break her.

I cook duck breasts with vegetables. Not exactly Gordan Ramsey, but its edible and with my lack of skills, it’s the best I could do at this short notice. I set the table up with candles and flowers. I’ve even splashed out on a bottle of Champagne, instead of taking it from the bar. Hopefully by the end of tonight, I’ll have something to celebrate.

I go back into the living room and Bella looks lost in thought. “Dinner is served,” I say, causing her to jump. She offers a sad smile and follows me through to the kitchen. She stares blankly at the table as I pull out her seat. She lowers and I tuck her in, placing a gentle kiss on her head. “You look shattered,” I whisper, squeezing her shoulders. She shudders under my touch, and somehow, I don’t feel like it’s with need .

“It smells delicious,” she mutters, shifting slightly so my hands fall away.

I take my seat; my mind racing to try and work out what’s going on. “Is everything okay?”

“Champagne,” she says, ignoring me and nodding at the bottle, “What’s the special occasion?”

I take the bottle and pour her a glass, “Us,” I reply, and she takes the glass before I’ve even pulled the bottle away. I frown, watching as she downs it, coughing as the bubbles tickle her throat. “Careful. This is expensive shit, you’ll be on your back,” I joke, as she thrusts her glass under the bottle for a refill.

Her lip curls slightly at the corner, “That’s how you want me, isn’t it?” The way her eyes burn into mine, makes me shift uncomfortably. Before I can raise my concerns, she claps her hands in delight and jumps out of her chair. “I forgot, I made you a surprise,” she announces, “A playlist. It’s what couples do,” she says, connecting her phone to the built in speaker system. She grins, pressing play and taking her seat as Gnash’s, I Hate You, I Love You, fills the room.

We eat in silence, occasionally she sings the lyrics ‘I hate you’ and I’m wondering if she’s singing those words to me. My concern deepens when Eminem’s, Love The Way You Lie, comes on .

I fidget uncomfortably, if only she knew how these songs were so close to the truth. But she doesn’t seem to be taking any notice apart from humming the odd part with a far-away look in her eyes.

“Not exactly love songs Bells,” I tease.

She grins, popping some duck into her mouth and I relax a little. At least she seems to have cheered up. “They all have meaning,” she says, “I connect with them.”

When Alec Benjamin’s, Let Me Down Slowly, comes on, I stand abruptly, taking her by surprise. “I’ll clear the dishes,” I mutter. I’m being paranoid, I need to relax and get my shit together. I check my watch and Bella notices, “Eight-thirty,” she confirms. “Any plans?”

I turn the taps on, keeping my back to her. “No plans,” I say.

She causes me to jump in fright when she slides her arms around me. “Maybe we should make up properly?”

I smile to myself; she’s playing right into my hands. “It’s been a long day,” I reply.

“You’ve waited long enough,” she says, as I turn to face her. “Unless you’re put off by earlier?”

Her sad eyes cause an ache in my chest, and I cup her face. “Fresh start, remember?” I whisper, kissing her gently .

She nods in confirmation, “Fresh start,” she repeats. “No more lies.” Her eyes pierce me, like they’re waiting for my confession. Damn this guilt. I slam my lips to hers and lift her into my arms, wrapping her legs around my waist and carrying her to the bedroom. I’m too close to quit now.

I lower her to the bed, not breaking our kiss as I crawl over her body, forcing her to lie back fully. I try to slow my kisses, her words from earlier about Cal being gentle, haunting me. Fuck. Why am I thinking about that now?

I pull back and she frowns, “Are you okay?” she asks. I see hope in her eyes, she wants this, so why am I being a fucking pussy? I stare down at her, a thousand things going through my mind. “Aiden?” she says gently, snapping me from my thoughts. “You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to,” she adds, gently cupping my cheek. Those damn sad eyes.

I give my head a shake. “I’m fine,” I mutter. I slam my mouth to hers, hard and demanding, just how I like it. I move down her body, pushing her top up. Did he kiss her here? Fuck, Aiden, stop this shit.

I lick her smooth stomach, nipping her skin between my teeth. When I glance up, she’s wiping a stray tear. “Shit, are you okay?” I sit up and she does the same .

“Yeah, I’m just nervous with it being my first time,” she says softly.

“Do you want to stop?” I ask.

She shakes her head, “Not if you don’t?” I shake my head too, and she gives a stiff nod, pushing to her feet and lifting her top over her head, dropping it to the floor. I take a moment to appreciate her flawless body with her perfect curves. I’ll miss her being wrapped in my arms every night. Her warmth. Her breathy moans when I make her come. I groan and she stills, “Keep going,” I mutter, not meeting her eye.

She slides her leggings off, standing before me naked. “Now you,” she says.

I lift myself off the bed, and she takes the hint, taking hold of my shorts and tugging them down. My cock springs free and I grip it, easing the ache as I rub it. I grab her wrist, tugging her back onto the bed, she yelps in surprise, but I don’t give her time to react as I lean over her, kissing down her body hungrily. I drop to my knees and part her legs, licking through her folds. She bucks up, groaning and all my doubts are forgotten. I push my finger inside, something I’ve not done as yet, and fuck she feels tight. I add another, moving them slowly at first to help her adjust to the intrusion .

I subtly check my watch. It’s ten to nine but if I don’t fuck her soon, I’m going to combust. “Tell me you’re on the pill?” I ask, knowing she is because I’ve seen them in her bedside drawer.

“Yes,” she whispers.

“Thank fuck,” I mutter, climbing between her legs and gripping my cock. I rub the head through her folds, “Are you sure?” I ask, one last time.

“If you are,” she says, and those fucking eyes send me on another guilt trip.

“Bella, are you okay with this or not? I need you to say the words.”

She hesitates and for a second, I think she’s going to say no. I stare down at my glistening cock, taking a breath to calm myself. “Just do it,” she whispers.