High Stakes (A Deal With The Devil)

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Bella

I’m relieved when Cal suggests we spend Sunday at home chilling and watching movies. It’s hard to get him to sit still and relax most of the time, but it’s exactly what we need.

“How was your date?”

He groans dramatically, “God awful.” I laugh because I expected that exact reaction. He never has any luck. “She practically licked her soup bowl like she hadn’t eaten in forever, you don’t eat like that in posh restaurants. I could feel everyone judging me,” he complains, “and she snorts when she laughs. I was trying my hardest not to say anything funny in case I set her off. I can’t ever show my face in that place again.”

“You’re too picky,” I say.

Cal rolls his eyes but chooses not to argue because we have had this discussion too many times before. “Shall I come to the doctors with you tomorrow?” he asks, changing the subject and I smile gratefully.

“I would really love that, Cal.”

“Any closer to a decision? I noticed you didn’t drink last night.”

I shake my head. “I’ve never really thought about kids, it all seems a bit unreal, like a dream. I don’t want to be tied to that bastard forever, and keeping this baby would mean just that, but the thought of terminating kills me,” I admit.

“There are other options, Bella. Adoption maybe?”

It’s not like I haven’t used the internet to research. I stay awake well into the night looking it up, but giving a child up destroys my heart even more. I don’t want it to feel like I didn’t love it, because I do. But the thought of subjecting it to Aiden’s rejection lies heavy on my mind. “The pregnancy has come at such a bad time for me. The business is just getting off the ground, and I’m going to be crazy busy if even half of the brides that came to my opening, place an order.”

“Is there any right time to have a baby?”

“Yes Cal, when both parents want it,” I answer, and he laughs.

“Look, things don’t have to change that much. Parents work around their children all the time. You have your own business, so you can take it to work. I can just imagine a mini Bella helping to bake cakes.” I picture that scenario and tears spring to my eyes. “Oh, sorry Bells, have I put my foot in it?” he asks, pulling me into a hug.

“No, I just never thought of it like that,” I snivel, “Plus my hormones are crazy right now, I literally cry at anything.”

We settle down to watch reruns of our favorite biker drama, and I think of different ways in which I can hide this pregnancy from Aiden. None of which, will end well.

When I arrive at work on Monday, a florist meets me at the door holding a huge bouquet. “Bella?” she queries, handing me the flowers without waiting for my response. She rushes off and I unlock the shop, going in and placing them on the counter. Once I’ve dumped my bag and coat, I take the note from them and open it.

I’m never going to give up. Please, forgive me xxx

I throw it straight in the bin. Champagne. Flowers. So cliché. But I place the bouquet on the counter. They’re too pretty to waste.

After a busy few hours, I go to my appointment. Cal’s already waiting outside and I’m relieved when I spot him. He grabs my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze and we head inside.

The doctor takes the pee sample I handed to her and does her own test to confirm the pregnancy. And after sharing my doubts, she talks over various options available to me. She explains everything much better than the internet, and my head feels clearer.

“Until you make a decision,” she says, ripping off a prescription, “I want you to take these vitamins. They’re vital in the early stages of pregnancy.” I take it, and then she adds, “Your first scan will be due around twelve weeks. So I’ll refer you to the midwife for around that time. If at any point you make a different decision, just call this office and explain. They’ll cancel the appointments for you, and we’ll arrange whatever you need. There’s no pressure at all, Bella. It’s down to you. But because you think you’re round ten weeks, I want to put things in place, should you decide to go ahead.”

We take a slow walk back to the shop. “What are you thinking?” he asks me.

“That I should keep it.”

I feel his eyes on me. “You’re serious?”

I turn to him and we come to a stop. “Am I crazy?” I whisper.

“No, not at all.” He grins, “Congratulations.”

We begin to walk again. “It’s not the babies fault it’s got a terrible father. And I have enough love to give it for the both of us.”

“You’re not alone, Bella. You have me and Aria.” I notice his smile is still huge. “We can find a bigger place,” he adds.

“You still want to share a place?” I ask, wide eyed. I was certain he’d want me to go.

“Of course,” he says, grabbing my hand. “I’ve told you, we’re all in this together.”

He leaves me at the end of the road to go and meet a client. I walk the rest of the way with a happy heart. It’s the first time I’ve felt like there was light at the end of the tunnel in weeks. It’s short lived when I step into the shop to find Aria and Aiden toe-to-toe. I freeze, taking it all in as Aria shoves him hard in his chest. He doesn’t budge but it doesn’t deter her from doing it again. “Just leave. She hates you.” She spots me and rushes over, “I’m so sorry, I tried to get rid of him.”

Aiden turns, his eyes are still full of sadness. I give Aria a reassuring smile. “It’s fine. I’ll speak to him.” I didn’t tell anyone about how he cornered me in the bathroom at the weekend. But since then, I’ve felt more able to handle him, like he’d ripped off the band aid by forcing me to face him.

She gives a stiff nod, propping open the door that joins our shops. She gives Aiden a warning glare as she leaves. “She thinks I’m scared of her,” he says, looking slightly amused.

I go behind the counter and shrug from my jacket. “What are you doing here?”

“You got my flowers,” he notes, nodding at them sitting proudly on the counter. Damn. I should have thrown them in the bin.

“Don’t send me anymore,” I tell him clearly. “I don’t want anything from you.”

“Aria mentioned you were at a doctor’s appointment,” he says casually, picking up a catalogue and flicking through.

“So?”

“Are you sick? ”

I sigh. “What do you want, Aiden?”

“You weren’t drinking on Saturday. You sent the champagne back too.” He places the catalogue down and stares at me like he’s expecting me to explain myself.

I place my hands on the counter to show I’m not threatened by him being here in my space, and I fix him with a look of contempt, hoping I’m conveying everything I feel about him in my stare. “I don’t like you, Aiden. I don’t want gifts. I don’t want apologies.”

“How about dinner?” he suggests, and I want to scream.

“No thank you.”

“You can choose. No expense spared.”

I scoff. “You really think this can be fixed with money.”

“Everything has a price,” he points out.

I shake my head sadly, heading for the conjoining door. “I paid the price. Now please leave me alone.”

I hear the shop door open and close and release a breath. “You okay?” asks Aria, gently rubbing my arm. I watch Aiden get into his car and nod. “How did it go at the Doctors?” she asks, and I give her a big smile.

“I’ve decided to keep the little bean.”

Aria squeals in delight, throwing her arms around me. “I’m so happy for you. And I’ll be there every step of the way. I’ll be the best aunt.”

“Good, because I’ll need all the help I can get. ”

“And Aiden?” she asks, wincing.

I shrug. I haven’t decided what to do about him. I hope he’ll get bored before I have to tell him. But who knows with him, maybe I’m worrying about nothing, and I’ll tell him, and he’ll run a mile. We all know he can’t commit.”

Aiden

I head back to the apartment with a heavy heart. Bella’s not falling for all my usual shit, which I expected, but it doesn’t give me much hope for winning her over.

My mood doesn’t improve when I spot Laurie sitting on my doorstep with a bag at her feet. She looks up as I approach and it’s obvious she’s been crying. She pushes to her feet, tipping her head for me to kiss her on the cheek. I hesitate, but do it anyway, like an old habit that’s hard to kick. “Are you okay?” I ask, unlocking the door.

“No, he’s kicked me out,” she sniffles, following me into the club.

I stiffen at her words but show no reaction as we head through to the elevator. “Does he know about us?” I ask, punching in the code.

She pulls out a tissue and dabs her eyes. “No. He’s in love with someone else.” A few more sobs leave her. “She’s eighteen,” she suddenly wails angrily. “How can I fucking compete with a someone barely legal? ”

I sigh as we go into the apartment. “Do you care?”

“Of course I care,” she spits.

“Laurie, you’ve been seeing me for years behind his back. We fucked on your wedding day.”

“That doesn’t mean he can leave me,” she snaps.

I pour her a whiskey, placing it on the kitchen table and she sits down, placing the bag down. “I need a place to stay.”

I’m already shaking my head before the sentence is finished. “No.”

“You’re going to see me out on the streets?” she wails.

“Laurie, he’s loaded, ask him for money to get your own place.”

“He’s blocked all my cards,” she cries. “Said he knows I’ve not been faithful through the marriage so until we’ve seen lawyers, I can’t have a penny.”

“He can’t do that,” I mutter, “I’ll put you in touch with a great lawyer.”

“You have to let me stay, Aiden,” she says quietly.

“No, Laurie, it won’t help in your divorce if you’re shacked up with your ex. Plus, I don’t want to blur the lines between us, not anymore.”

“It’s too late for that,” she spits. “I’m pregnant. ”

She throws a box on the table, and I grab it. My heart hammers wildly and there’s a loud ringing in my ears as I pull out a pregnancy test. “What the fuck is this?” I snap.

“It’s yours,” she adds. “Before you accuse me of sleeping around.”

“Bullshit,” I snap, throwing the stick on the table. “You’re married.”

“And he was too busy fucking his teenage knockoff,” she spits bitterly.

I feel around blindly for the chair before lowering into it. “But . . . you don’t want it, right?” I almost whisper, terrified of her answer.

“Of course I want it,” she snaps.

I stare wide eyed while my heart pumps so fast, I’m dizzy. “You’ve never wanted kids,” I hiss. “In fact, you’ve always stated that you’d hate to have a kid hanging from you.”

“I’ve changed my mind. Doesn’t this mean something to you, Aiden?” she asks, her tone pleading as she stands and makes her way towards me. “We created this child together.” She takes my hand and places it on her stomach. There’s a definite bump and I panic, pulling my hand free and standing, putting distance between us. How the fuck didn’t I notice her bump?

“You need to leave,” I snap .

“I’m not going anywhere,” she hisses, her tone full of venom. “Grow the fuck up, Aiden. It takes two to tango and you were very keen to do the dance. So, we’re having this baby and the sooner you accept that the better.”

I go into the lounge, perching on the edge of the couch with my head in my hands. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. How have I let this happen? I’ve been so damn distracted with Bella. The couch dips as Laurie joins me, gently rubbing my back in a soothing manner. I resist the urge to shudder. “You loved me before, Aiden. We can get back to that. I made a huge mistake leaving you before and I know I broke your heart. But this is a sign. We were meant to be together.”

A few months ago, before Bella came along, I might have accepted it. After all, I’ve got to settle down one day and Laurie would be the perfect woman, too distracted getting her lips filled and her hair toned to notice what I was out getting up to. But now, the only person I can imagine spending my life with is Bella. And once she finds out about this, she’ll hate me even more. There’s no way she’ll forgive me now. I stand and her hand falls away. “I need to think,” I mutter, heading for the door.

“Aiden, don’t run,” she calls out with a heavy sigh.

JP and Raff are in my office. Raff drags his feet from my desk and he gets out of my chair. “Sorry, Boss, didn’t expect you.”

“Clearly,” I mutter dryly, grabbing the whiskey decanter and a glass. I half fill it before dropping down in my chair and turning so my back is to them.

JP clears his throat, “Did you go and see Bella?”

“She would have forgiven me,” I grit out, taking a large mouthful. “If Laurie hadn’t just dropped a bombshell.”

“What’s happened now?” asks Raff.

“He went to see Bella,” JP whispers.

“I came back here, and Laurie was waiting to tell me her husband has kicked her out.”

“Probably sick of her whore arse,” says Raff. “I don’t blame him.”

I turn my chair. “She’s pregnant.”

Raff shrugs, “Doesn’t he want kids?”

“Not by him,” I say arching a brow.

JP’s mouth falls open, “Holy shit.”

“No fucking way,” snaps Raff. “That baby is not yours.”

“She said it is.”

“And you’re just taking her word for it?” he yells. “Jake would lose his fucking mind if he heard this bullshit.”

“Why would she lie?” I ask, “If it wasn’t mine, she’d keep quiet and raise it with that prick. He’s loaded. ”

“So are you,” JP points out.

“Not like him,” I say, finishing my drink and pouring a second. “And now, Bella will never forgive me.”

“What are you gonna do?” asks JP.

“What can I do? She’s keeping it.” I put the drink down and scrub my hands over my face. “I’ve gotta grow up and take responsibility.”

“Just cos she said she’s having your kid, doesn’t mean you have to marry her and settle down,” says Raff.

“I’ve already lost Bella, I may as well accept my fate. Maybe this is karma for what I did to her,” I mutter.

“Are you going to tell her?” JP asks.

I shake my head. “I can’t watch the disappointment in her eyes,” I admit. “I’ve already hurt her so much, and I can’t make this one better, can I? Laurie will always be in my life now. The kindest thing I can do for Bella, is stay away from her.”

Bella

The last couple of weeks have flown by. And as I sit waiting to be called in for my scan, I’m a bundle of nerves. So many things are going through my mind. “What if there is no baby?” I whisper and Cal laughs.

“Why would you think that?” asks Aria, rolling her eyes.

“Tests can be wrong. ”

“What if there’s more than one?” asks Aria, gasping.

I stare wide eyed, terror filling me. “Ignore her,” says Cal. “The chances of twins is highly unlikely.”

I sit straighter. “Aiden was a twin,” I hiss.

Cal shrugs, “Still unlikely. Just relax. And Aria, stop winding her up.”

“I need to pee.”

“Hold it. It makes the scan clearer,” Cal instructs.

“How do you know?” asks Aria. “Been to many scans, have you?”

“He’s been reading books about it,” I tell her, rolling my eyes. “He’s taking uncle duties very seriously.”

Aria folds her arms, “You’re such a suck up.”

“I’m prepared so I can answer Bella’s million questions when she wakes me every night with another anxiety attack,” he teases, and I narrow my eyes playfully. The truth is, I am terrified. I’ve been having dreams about Aiden finding out and stealing my baby. Or worse, finding out and demanding he move in with us.

I stand, “I really have to pee,” I say, rushing towards the toilet. The door to the scan room opens and I freeze at the sight of Aiden and Laurie. They don’t immediately see me, but it’s too late for me to back track, I’m within touching distance. They’re staring at the scan pictures she’s clutching, and they’re both smiling .

Laurie sees me first and it must feel like all her Christmases’ have come at once as her grin gets bigger. “Bella, what are you doing here?”

Aiden’s head shoots up and he immediately pulls an arm from Laurie’s shoulders. It’s like time is stood still, and for a few seconds, we’re just locked in each other’s pain. His eyes then travel down to my stomach with his brows pulled together in confusion.

Laurie clears her throat around the same time I feel an arm slip around my shoulders and Cal appears. I glance at him, unable to find the words, and he gives me a reassuring smile, before looking at the pair. “Are congratulations in order?” he asks, his voice friendly.

Laurie places her hand on her small bump and I’m instantly jealous. I’m not showing at all, even though I’ve stood in front of the mirror each night to check. “Sixteen weeks.” She slips her hand in Aiden’s, bringing him out of his shock. “We were really hoping to find out the sex today, but this little one is as stubborn as his father.” She laughs and the sound irritates me. “I say he because I know that’s what Aiden is hoping for, but secretly I want a girl.”

“Congratulations,” says Cal. “This is our first scan but we’re super excited.” He gives my shoulder a squeeze and I force a weak smile. This isn’t how I wanted my first scan to go. And out of all the questions I currently want to ask him, my top one is why he hasn’t been to see me at all these last two weeks. He said he wasn’t giving up, and yet here he is, with Laurie. And they’ve created a life together.

“Bella?” Aiden mutters, and I’m not sure if he’s questioning Cal’s statement or if deep down he knows I’m carrying his baby. Either way, we’re interrupted when my name is called, and we all turn to the nurse.

“Me,” I whisper, “That’s me.” And I rush into the room.

The sonographer is already waiting, and he instructs me to get on the bed. Aria and Cal look as shocked as me, but we can’t discuss any of it now as they each take a seat beside the bed.

Cold gel is squirted onto my stomach and the wand is pressed there, causing me to wince because I’m desperate for that pee. “Do you know roughly how far along you are?” he asks.

“Twelve weeks and two days,” I say firmly.

“Yes, I’d say thirteen weeks,” he corrects.

I narrow my eyes, “I am twelve weeks and two days,” I repeat.

He eyes me warily and Cal gently pats my hand. “She’s just had a shock,” he explains .

The sonographer gives a stiff nod before peering closer at the screen. “I think you’re right,” he adds. Twelve weeks and two days since Aiden Tremos broke my heart.

We leave the hospital, and Aria is the first to address the elephant in the room. “I can’t believe it,” she says, “He’s having a baby . . . with that witch.”

I shrug, “She always did hold something over him. I guess it was only a matter of time.” I turn to Cal, “Thanks for rescuing me back there. I felt like all my words were getting stuck in my throat.”

Cal grabs my hand, giving it a little squeeze. “You’re better off without him Bells, let him shack up with that bitch. Your baby will be surrounded by love.”

“How come he hasn’t ran from her?” I whisper, tears stinging my eyes.

Aria throws her arms around me. “You did right by not telling him, Bella. If you had of done, you’d have her as part of your life too.”

Aiden

The second I get back after dropping Laurie at her mother’s, I grab JP and shove him up against the wall. “Did you know?” I yell.

Raff pulls me off, “What the fuck is going on?”

“Bella is pregnant by the fucking gym guru,” I snap.

“I didn’t know, Aiden, I swear,” says JP.

“Shit man, that’s tough,” adds Raff.

I hate the thought of her being with him. I groan out loud. “Fuck.”

“It was gonna happen eventually,” Raff says gently. “She wasn’t going to stay single forever.”

“I just wasn’t . . . prepared,” I mutter.

“As long as she’s happy,” says JP.

I nod, even though my heart is aching and all I want to do is see her. “You’re having your own kid,” says Raff. “It’s done. You’ve both moved on.”

Before I can talk myself out of it, I grab the keys to the Audi and head to Bella’s shop. I park across the street, and watch her inside, chatting on the phone. There are no customers, so once she hangs up the call, I head inside.

She doesn’t look up when I enter, she’s busy looking at something on her iPad.

“I’ll be with you in just a sec,” she says slowly, trying to concentrate on whatever she’s looking at.

When I approach the counter, she finally looks up, the smile on her face fading when she sees it’s me. I remember a time when she would smile as soon as I entered the room.

“Aiden, what are you doing here?”

“Seems we’re both full of surprises,” I mutter, fighting the urge to touch her .

“I don’t think this is a good idea,” she mutters.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were with Cal?” I have no right to sound upset, but I can’t hide it.

She narrows her eyes, “You failed to mention you and Laurie were expecting,” she snaps. “I thought she was married?”

I shrug, sighing heavily. “He left her. Long story.”

“Sixteen weeks,” she mutters, “Around the same time you were trying to con me.”

“I wish I could go back in time, Bella. I would change it all in a heartbeat. I was so wrapped up in Jake’s death and getting the club signed over . . .” I trail off. “Sorry, you don’t wanna hear all this shit again.”

“Are you happy?” she whispers.

I could tell her I am and make this easier. I could walk out of here and never look back, but I owe her some honesty, so I shake my head. “No. I don’t want a baby, especially not with Laurie,” I add an unamused laugh. “But here we are.”

“You loved her once, maybe in time . . .”

“Funny, she said the exact same thing. But honestly, I don’t think I ever loved her really. I didn’t know what true love was, not until . . .” I trail off.

Bella shifts uncomfortably. “Jake went to an awful lot of trouble to get you away from her. But now a baby is involved, I think he’d tell you to do the right thing by Laurie.”

I nod, “I am. But you didn’t ask me that, Bella, you asked if I was happy.”

The shop phone rings and she looks back, “I need to-”

“Sure,” I say and she disappears into the back. I wait a second until I hear her speak, before taking her mobile phone off the side. I unlock it using the code she had on her old mobile, smirking when it works. I enter my phone number, then call my phone so I have her number again.

Bella returns a minute later. I’m browsing through her designs on one of the iPads. “These are great,” I tell her.

“Well, you know where to come when you pop the question.” She winces.

I laugh, “Can you honestly see me getting married?”

“I didn’t see you having kids,” she mutters.

“Good point. I never asked you,” I say, moving closer to her. She steps back. “Are you happy?” Without hesitation, she nods. My heart crushes. “I’m glad,” I tell her, feeling like the words are choking me. “Take care, Bella.” And I force myself to leave.

Bella

The second the shop door closes, I burst into tears. Hot, fat tears that drip onto the counter. I miss him. And I hate that . I watch as Aiden gets into his car. He grips the steering wheel, staring straight ahead, and then suddenly he slams his hands against it over and over. It only makes my tears fall harder. He starts the engine and pulls away at speed, his tyres screeching in protest.

Aiden said himself that he doesn’t want a baby. I was right, he wouldn’t have been happy if I had of told him and that would have hurt me all over again. I don’t want him to be with me because he feels forced to do the right thing, what kind of relationship would that be? I’m glad he doesn’t know, and I intend to keep it to myself because he doesn’t deserve to be a part of our lives.

I grab my coat and bag. There’s no way I can concentrate on work now, even though I’d planned to work late into the evening. It was clear that was our last goodbye. We’ve both moved on. And even though I hate him with all my heart, it still hurts.

I grab some Chinese food on my way home, it’s all I want to eat lately but after my little crying episode, I’m not sure I can even manage this. I get home and head for the kitchen. I plate up the food and pull out my mobile, surprised when I see a text from Aiden. I frown as I open it. He doesn’t have this number, or at least, that’s what I thought.

Aiden: I’m sorry. I know I keep saying it, and it’s just words. But I really am so sorry. I keep messing my life up, Bella, but my one and only regret, is losing you. If you ever need me, I’ll always be here for you. Love Aiden xx

I take a deep breath and delete the message. “That’s it now,” I whisper to myself. “Let him go.”