High Stakes (A Deal With The Devil)

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Bella

We sit in silence for some time. I notice women looking over longingly at Aiden, but he doesn’t return their smiles. Something in him has changed, because a few months back he would have invited them over to the booth.

“No relationship on the horizon?” I ask, and he frowns. I just want to break the silence, but that question must seem weird coming from your ex.

“No, I’ve swore off women,” he says proudly.

I laugh, “Sorry, What?”

“It’s not so hard to believe. It’s easier than I thought.”

“You’ve sworn off women?” I repeat, “Like, as in girlfriends or sex?”

“I don’t do girlfriends, as you well know. But for the record, both,” he says with a cocky grin.

“Are the guy’s betting on this?” I ask, laughing.

He looks offended, “Not to my knowledge, but now you’ve said that I realise that they probably are.”

“What’s the longest you’ve been without sex?” I ask suspiciously. If it’s not very long, which I suspect is the case, then I want in on this bet.

He thinks for a minute and wiggles his fingers a few times like he’s counting, and then grins. “Thirteen years,” he says proudly, and my mouth opens in shock.

“Thirteen years, no way.”

He nods, still looking proud of himself. “Yep, from when I was born until I turned thirteen,” he laughs.

I swipe his arm playfully. “That doesn’t count.”

“Then, never. There has never been a time when I’ve been without sex,” he admits.

I feel sad for him, all those women and no connection. “Since you were thirteen, you’ve been having sex? Was that every day, week, month?”

“Maybe a couple of times a month at first, but as I got older it was more regular. And when I got the club, it was more like weekly . . . daily,” he says with a shrug, and I see a hint of shame in his eyes. “Let’s have a sleepover,” he suggests, taking my hand dragging me towards his office.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I mutter without much conviction.

Less than five minutes later, I’m wearing a long t-shirt of Aiden’s, and we’re curled up on the sofa with coffee. There’s a nagging voice in the back of my head telling me this is a bad idea. He’s worming his way back in, and now I can’t even use Cal as my buffer. But another part of me wants to spend time with him, especially when I feel this sad inside.

“Who was your first time with?” I ask, keen to continue the conversation from the club.

He lets his head fall back with a groan, “My babysitter.”

“You had a babysitter at thirteen?”

“She was my former babysitter and we bumped into each other at a party. She was eighteen.”

He laughs when I make a face. “So gross.”

“And when I was fifteen, I slept with my friend’s mum,” he admits.

My eyes go wide. “Not JP or Raff’s mum?” I gasp.

He shudders dramatically, “God no, Bells, I’m not that bad.”

“Oh, suddenly you have morals and standards,” I tease. “When did Laurie appear on the scene?” I ask cautiously .

“I was nineteen. Jake and the boys hated her, to me that was a good thing because I knew none of them would use her against me in a challenge. We were fire in the bedroom and so she became like a drug. I needed to have a regular fix.”

I suddenly regret asking and he places a finger under my chin, tipping my head back to look me in the eye. “I realise now, all we had was sex. It took meeting you, to see that.”

“Are you sad she left again?” I ask.

He shakes his head, “Relieved, not sad. Now, are we watching a film or not?”

I wake feeling stiff and as I stretch out, I open an eye. I’m in a bedroom but it isn’t mine. I lift my head slightly and recognise its Aiden’s room. I don’t even remember falling to sleep let alone getting in here.

I roll to the side and hit something solid. Aiden . His arm snakes over me and I freeze. He mumbles something incoherent, and then pulls me to him and tucks me into his side.

He's still asleep, I can hear his deep, relaxed breaths. I feel like I should move but he’s so warm and for the first time in months I feel calm, so I snuggle into him and drift back off to sleep.

Aiden

I wake and I’m far too hot. I feel a weight across me, and it confuses me for a second, until I remember yesterday, and Bella. It brings a smile to my face, and I feel content knowing she’s here with me. Where she belongs.

I carried her to my bed last night after she fell asleep on the couch. She looked so peaceful that I didn’t have the heart to wake her.

We took a step forward last night and talked, something we hadn’t done the first time around. But we also agreed to no more secrets, which means I have to tell her about the orgy before Aria or Gemma does.

I sneak out of bed and head to the kitchen. I want to impress her with breakfast, or at least impress her with the effort, because my breakfast skills aren’t up to much.

Ten minutes later, I have everything on a tray and I head to the bedroom to find Bella sitting up staring at her mobile. “Cal’s been texting. I think he’s annoyed with me,” she sighs and spots the tray as I place it next to her on the side table. “You cooked me breakfast?” she notes, smiling .

I nod. “Something I’ve never done for anyone. Well maybe once, but that’s another story,” I say awkwardly.

Bella eyes me suspiciously and takes the tray, placing it carefully on her lap. “I feel like there’s more you want to say.”

I perch on the edge of the bed. “I think I slept with one of your friends.” I groan, “Actually, I know she was one of your friends. Gemma.”

She holds bacon halfway to her mouth. “Wow, Gemma. She likes to put it about, maybe you should get all of that checked,” she says, screwing up her face and waving her hand in the general direction of my crotch.

“I just thought that since we weren’t keeping secrets anymore…”

Her expression changes, and she puts the tray back onto the side table. “I’m not very hungry. Besides, I should be getting back. Cal didn’t want me to go out last night. I’m still supposed to be resting, and he doesn’t sound happy in the messages he left.” She throws the covers back and I take in the sight of her in my T-Shirt.

“I thought you’d text him last night to say you were with me?”

“I did, he wasn’t happy,” she mutters.

“You aren’t even together?” I say gently, not wanting to upset her .

“He’s my friend, he cares about me.”

I take a calming breath. I hate that he’s dictating who she can see. “I care about you, Bella. But I wouldn’t stop you seeing someone if I could see you were happy.”

“I’m not arguing about this,” she says firmly, and she suddenly bends, gasping and gripping her stomach.

I rush to her, “Are you okay?” I ask, easing her back into bed. She lets me. “Sorry,” she winces, “I keep getting these twinges.”

“Look, stay. Let me look after you. I can take some time off from the club.”

“I can’t ask you to do that.”

“You’re not asking, I’m offering. It’s got to be better than bedrest at Cal’s. Is he even around during the day?”

“He has to work,” she says. “But he’s been amazing.”

“Let me help him out by sharing the load. I’ll even let you watch Notebook.”

She smiles. “Wow, true sacrifice.”

“Just once though,” I add, and she laughs.

Her phone vibrates, and I snatch it off the side before she can grab it.

“Aiden,” she screeches, and I grin at her as I leave the room, pressing accept call.

“Cal,” I say cheerfully. “Good morning, how’s the nose? ”

“Why are you answering her phone?” he demands.

“She’s resting.”

“Bullshit, she just text me back.”

“I’ve had a chat with her, and she wants to stay here for a few days.”

“Put her on so I can talk some sense into her,” he snaps.

“I think you’re still feeling bitter over last night, which reminds me, Bella insisted I apologise. Although, you brought it on yourself, but for her, I’m sorry. Please accept six months VIP membership at the club.”

“Fuck you, Aiden,” he spits angrily. “What’s your game?”

“Why are you so pissed at me, Cal? You knocked her up and got a new girlfriend. Concentrate on your new relationship and let me take care of Bella.”

“She’ll never let you back in, you’re wasting your time.”

I grin, “We’ll see. I mean, there’s nothing standing in my way anymore is there.” And I disconnect.

I take the phone back to find Bella sleeping. I turn it off and place it on the side next to her. I take a minute to watch her in her peaceful slumber, gently moving a stray piece of hair from her face before placing a kiss on her forehead.

Bell a

I’ve spent the entire week with Aiden. And I’m not in any rush to leave, because he’s been amazing. He’s been true to his word and waited on me hand and foot. He’s stuck around for every romantic film, including two rounds of The Notebook. And even when he’s had to nip out to the club, he’s been less than an hour each time, and even text me to check I’m okay. The fact I’m always on his mind, makes me feel special, and I can almost forget the way he’s treated me.

But today, after getting the all-clear from the doctor, I’ve decided to go back to work. So, when he enters the bedroom and sees me fully dressed, he looks confused. I wince, regretting not speaking to him about it properly. I knew he’d fuss, just like Cal did when I mentioned it to him.

“It’s just a few hours,” I say but he’s already shaking his head. I laugh, “I’m not going to break, Aiden. The doctor called and said it’s fine, I just can’t over do it.”

“It’s not a good idea.”

“Didn’t you say you had some meetings today?” He nods. “So, we’ve both got things to do.”

“Will you come back here after work?” he asks.

I sigh, “Aiden, I don’t live here. I really should go back home.”

“I like having you around,” he admits, and I smile .

“I like being here too, but it’s not like we’ll never see each other again. I appreciate everything you’ve done for me. You’ve been the bestest friend.” I reach up on my tiptoes to kiss him on the cheek and he swiftly turns his head, so I catch his lips. I pause, a breath away and he uses the hesitation as his chance to kiss me properly.

We break apart and I’m breathless. I forgot what it was like to kiss Aiden Tremos, and as my heart beats wildly, I almost smile. “I should go,” I whisper.

“I’ll text you soon,” he says, pressing a gentle kiss to my head. “Take it easy.”

I step into the elevator and my mobile pings.

Aiden: I miss you already.

I don’t get time to have a proper chat with Aria because I have bride after bride booked in to discuss designs. It’s not like we haven’t spoken every day anyway, but I was looking forward to seeing her for a proper catch up.

I’m about to slip out to grab us both lunch, when the door opens and Laurie saunters in. I inwardly groan as a sneer spreads over her perfectly made up face. “Isabella,” she greets coldly .

“How are you?” I ask, remaining professional.

She rubs a hand over her swollen stomach and a pang of heartache hits my chest. “We’re doing great. You? How far along are you now?” Her eyes fall to my stomach. It’s clear I’m no longer pregnant just by my skinny jeans hanging low on my hips. She covers her mouth, “Shit, sorry, Aiden did tell me, but I’ve got baby brain.” She forces a sympathetic smile that doesn’t look very sincere. “How are you? Aiden said you’re coping well, considering.”

The lump in my throat swells and I fight the tears threatening to fall. I won’t give this bitch the satisfaction. “I wasn’t aware Aiden was still speaking to you after you lied to him.”

“Oh sweetie,” she says in a condescending tone that instantly irks me. “Aiden and I . . .” she taps her chin thoughtfully. “We’re meant to be. And it doesn’t matter what happens between us, he always comes running back because no one,” she narrows her eyes, “And I mean no one , can handle him the way I can.”

“You think he’s going to take you back when you’re having your husband’s baby?” I laugh, shaking my head. The woman is delusional.

“You poor thing,” she says, smirking, “He already has.” And then she turns on her heel and leaves .

I brace myself against the counter. She’s lying, of course she is. Aiden’s been with me the entire week. Unless . . . well he did pop out here and there, maybe he met her, and they sorted things out. The thought makes me sad. My phone alerts me to a text message.

Aiden: Still missing you. It’s been a long day. Stay with me tonight. I’ll make dinner.

I stare at the words and realise I don’t trust him. I have no idea if Laurie is telling the truth and that terrifies me. What if we get a year down the line and she’s still in his life, causing us shit? What if she gives birth and the baby turns out to be his? I ignore the text, turning my phone off and putting it away.

I head home and am disappointed to see Cal isn’t here. I take a long bath and get into my pyjamas. It’s nice to be home, but I’m missing Aiden’s company. I climb into bed and read a book until my eyes grow heavy.

I wake sometime later. It’s dark and I feel around for my mobile and turn it on. It’s almost midnight. My phone immediately begins beeping with text message alerts. The first is from Aiden.

Aiden: Dinner is getting cold, are you okay ?

Followed by . . .

Aria: Aiden called and said you’ve missed dinner? Are you okay?

Aria: Bella, call me. Aiden is seriously blowing up my phone.

Aiden: Bella, why is your phone off? I called by the shop and you’re not there. I’m heading over to the apartment.

That was sent over an hour ago and I wonder if he knocked on and gave up or if he decided to camp out on the doorstep.

Me: Aria, I’m fine. Aiden is being dramatic. See you tomorrow x

I place my mobile back on the nightstand and snuggle back into bed.

“You’re not going to reply to me?” I scramble to sit up at the sound of Aiden’s voice. I make out a figure in the chair by the window.

“Jesus, Aiden, you scared me.”

He moves quickly, crawling over me until I’m flat on my back. “And you scared me, Bella,” he hisses. “I was going out of my mind with worry. ”

A pang of guilt hits my chest. “Well as you can see, I’m fine.”

“Unlike the steak I cooked for you, which is now cold and dried up.”

“I never said I’d be there.”

“You never said you wouldn’t,” he counters. “Don’t scare me like that again, Bella,” he adds in a whisper, before pressing his lips to mine. I groan into his mouth, enjoying the closeness. He pulls back, “Where were you?”

“At work, and then I came home. I turned my phone off,” I admit. “I needed some space.”

He drops down beside me, placing his hands behind his head and staring up at the ceiling. “From me?” I shrug. “Come on Bella, talk to me. No more secrets, remember.” The guilty feeling intensifies.

“I saw Laurie,” I mutter, and he turns his head to stare at me. “She came into the shop.” He pushes up on his elbows. “To rub my face in it mainly,” I add.

His brows pinch together, “Hold on, Laurie came into your shop?”

“Did you tell her I’d lost the baby?”

“Christ, No. Bella, why would I tell her that. I haven’t seen her since I left her at the hospital the morning of her scan.” He looks so sincere, that I find myself believing him. “I mean, it’s obvious looking at you,” he adds, adding a sympathetic smile.

“I guess so,” I mutter.

“What else did she say?”

“That you were talking again. She gave the impression you were a thing.”

He groans, “And you believed her?”

“I didn’t know either way,” I say defensively.

“I spent last week with you,” he reminds me. “You think I had time to go and see her?” I shrug and he rolls over me, propping himself up on his elbows that lay either side of my head. “If you think I can fuck and walk away satisfied, within around half an hour, you’re wrong.” And he kisses me, not pulling away until I’m breathless. “I’m not interested in anyone else, Bella. Just you.”

“For now,” I mumble, hating how needy I sound.

“Laurie calls and texts constantly. She turned up three times to the club last week and I had her removed the second she tried to speak to me. We’re done. For good.”

“Not if the baby is yours,” I say.

“That baby is not mine. I always used protection, and her husband told me straight they’d been trying for a baby.”

“But you still want a paternity test. ”

“Cos I can’t have her keep popping up in my life trying to convince me the kid is mine. And she’ll do that, just to come between us. The test will put an end to it all, and it’ll put your mind at rest.”

“I don’t want her turning up at my shop, Aiden,” I whisper, stroking my hand down his cheek.

He leans closer, kissing me again. “I’ll sort it.” This time, when he drops beside me, I notice the bulge in his jeans. He adjusts himself, smirking. “Sorry.”

“If you’re staying over, you need to undress,” I say, biting my lower lip.

He laughs, unbuttoning his jeans and lifting his backside to slide them off. “Don’t get any idea’s, I’m here to make sure you rest.”

I get out of bed, heading for my drawers where I grab a silk nightie, before heading for the bathroom, “I need to pee,” I say. When I return in just the nightie, Aiden stares wide eyed. “What?” I ask, innocently.

“It won’t work,” he says, narrowing his eyes, “I can see what you’re trying to do.”

I run my eyes over his bare chest. My first time wasn’t exactly perfect, and I want to try again. I slip into bed and turn out the bedside light, keeping my back to him. Aiden snuggles up behind me, wrapping me in his arms. His erection pokes my backside, and I shift closer. He hisses and I smile to myself. “Bella,” he grits out, placing a hand to my hip to still me.

“We spent weeks not having sex and just pleasing each other,” I remind him. “If you don’t want me, we can just-”

He leans over to kiss me hard, “I do want you, Bella. That’s not why I’m holding back. I don’t wanna hurt you,” he says, placing kisses over my face. “Now go to sleep.”

I smile. It’s nice he’s thinking about me like that, with concern and love. “I really feel fine,” I say. “Maybe if we take it slow?”

He groans. “You’re making this impossible.”

I grin, turning over and sliding my leg over him, before lifting myself to sit over him. I feel his stiff cock brush against me, and I shudder. “Can we just try?” I lean down to kiss him, making sure to rub against him. I slip my hand between us, easing him into me.

His fingers dig into my thighs, and he groans, “You’re so tight,” he murmurs.

“Is that a good thing?” I ask, wincing as I stretch to adjust to his size.

“Fuck, yeah, Bella. It’s a really good thing.”

I take him as far as I can, then still. “Does that feel okay?” he whispers, reaching up to tuck some of my hair behind my ear. I nod and he smiles, “It feels really good for me. ”

I brace my hands against his chest and lift slightly. It sends tingling sparks through my body, and I release a breathy sigh. Aiden’s hands travel up to my breasts and he massages them, teasing my nipples. “I missed this,” he whispers, “I’ll never mess up again.”

I lean down to kiss him, gasping at the pressure against my clit. I shift slightly, realising how good it feels to have my breasts brush his chest whilst my lips find his. I keep in this position and ride him. Every nerve ending in my body feels alive, and the way he’s cupping my face while I fuck him, makes everything feel so much more sensual. We’re not just fucking anymore, we’re making love.