High Stakes (A Deal With The Devil)

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Bella

I pull up in my little hatchback outside my dad’s house. I stare at the run down little terraced and wonder for the hundredth time whether I should just leave without seeing him. The rain is pouring down fast and I’m wearing summer clothes and sandals, it’s typical of the British weather.

I make a run for the house, holding my jacket above my head. I knock on the door, reasoning I can’t just walk in. It no longer feels like my home. A small lady with greying hair opens the door. “Oh, my goodness, come in quick it’s pouring down,” she insists, stepping to the side. I go in and she shuts the door and turns to me. “Finally, I’ve been wanting to meet you for some time. He’s told me so much about you, Bella.” I’m confused and she realises by my baffled expression, “I’m Claire. Come on through, he’ll be so pleased to see you.”

I follow her, noticing the house is clean, not what I expected seeing as I did all of that. The sitting room has had a lick of paint, and it looks bright and fresh. Dad is on a new sofa, watching television and even he looks clean and well groomed.

“Look who I found standing in the pouring rain,” announces Claire excitedly, and dad looks up.

When he sees me, his eyes brighten, and he stands. “Bella, wow you look amazing,” he says, looking surprised to see me. He pulls me into a hug.

“Hey Dad,” I whisper, hugging him back. I’m shocked by his physical appearance. He’s thin, and he looks so tired and gaunt.

We sit down, and Claire goes off to make a drink. “So, Claire is…?” I ask, and he blushes slightly.

“She was my nurse; things have progressed, and she moved in last month.”

“Nurse?” I repeat. “You’ve been sick?”

He laughs, “Don’t tell me you thought I looked well?” he teases .

My smile fades, “Is it serious?”

“I haven’t seen you in such a long time, Bells. I don’t want to waste it talking about me getting old. How have you been?”

I shrug, “Up and down. I brought a shop,” I add, “Just a small bakery, but it’s busy. I specialise in wedding cakes.”

“That’s fantastic. Well done you.”

Claire returns, placing a tray on the table with tea and biscuits. She sets about pouring each of us a small cup. “Did you hear that, Claire, my little girl is a businesswoman.”

She smiles too, “Amazing. You always said she’d do good things. Maybe we can come and see it?”

“Actually, that’s why I’m here,” I explain. “I’m moving away.”

Dad instantly looks upset, but he covers it well with a grin, “Anywhere we know?”

I shake my head, “No. It’s quite a way.”

“That’s not a good-” Claire begins but dad shushes her.

“It’s a great idea. A fresh start is exactly what you need.”

I nod in agreement. “What about your shop?” Claire asks.

“I’ve hired a manager. And I’ll call regular to check he’s doing okay. Who knows, maybe I can branch out. ”

I take out a piece of paper with my phone number, placing it on the table. “This is my number if you need me. Eventually, I’ll forward my address and maybe you can both come and stay?”

Claire exchanges a worried look with dad, but right now, I don’t want to know the reasons behind it. Because no matter what, I can’t stay here. Nothing can change that.

Aiden

“Relax,” says Raff, holding me against the nearest wall.

I growl out in frustration. “Just tell me,” I yell.

Cal gives Raff a look that says, ‘ take him away’. “I have no idea where she’s going, Aiden. But if I did know, I wouldn’t tell you.”

“Not helping,” snaps Raff.

“She’s freed herself,” Cal continues. “And I’m glad. I hope she meets the perfect man who will treat her like the queen she is.”

“Fuck you,” I spit, pushing Raff away and rushing down the steps.

We go to the nearest bar, and I order two beers and two shots. “Not a good idea,” says Raff.

“How the fuck can she just disappear?” I demand, knocking the shot back.

“Maybe it’s for the best,” he mutters .

“Why do I keep fucking up?” I yell and a few of the other customers glance my way. “Why the hell did I tell her I didn’t want kids with her?”

He frowns, “She asked that?”

I nod. “And I told her there was no chance after everything.” His frown deepens, “What?” I ask.

“It’s just a weird thing to ask, isn’t it?” I shrug, thinking back to her earlier words. “Like she’s checking she’s made a right decision?” he pushes.

“You’re saying she’s pregnant?” I ask.

“I’m saying it’s a weird thing to ask, Aiden.”

I shake my head. “She’s not. I saw her take the morning after pill myself.”

“I think you should see this as a sign, man. She’s gone. It’s for the best.”

Maybe he’s right. And after everything we’ve done to one another, this feels final. She’s gone and now we both get to see what life is like now we’re fully apart.

I take another drink and sigh heavily. “I joined a dating app.”

He stares for a long moment before a smirk spreads over his face. He laughs, “You had me there.” When he sees I’m not laughing, the smirk fades. “You’re serious?”

“And, someone messaged me. We matched. ”

“You matched,” he repeats, “Just hearing you say those words gives me nightmares. What the hell made you join a dating app?”

“I always find women in bars, right? My thought is, if I meet someone outside of a bar, maybe re-invent myself somewhat, I can change my behaviour.”

He pinches the bridge of his nose. “Aiden, just stop shagging around.”

“Exactly. That’s the plan. I’m going to meet Emmie in a coffee shop.”

He eyes me, “You’re serious?”

“Yes.”

“Holy shit. Aiden Tremos dating.”

I grin. “Jake would love it.”

“Jake would have you sectioned. You don’t date, in fact you do everything you can to avoid it.”

“Well, being with Bella made me realise there’s more to it than I thought.”

“You weren’t even dating Bella,” he cries.

“We spent a good few weeks there where things were really good. It’s not my fault she messed it all up.”

He rolls his eyes. “And you were so innocent.”

“We both fucked up, so maybe you’re right and we’re just not good for each other. I’m going to meet Emmie and try to do things properly. ”

Bella

I arrive in St Monanas in the early hours. The small cottage I’ve rented on a short lease, takes my breath away, much like the tiny Scottish village did on my drive through. I push the green wooden gate, smiling when it creaks in protest, and head up the path. There are flowers either side of me, and I can’t wait for daylight so I can take in their beauty.

I find the key under the matt, just like Mr. Limes instructed. Inside, the smell of lavender immediately hits me, reminding me of my mum. It feels like a sign, maybe she’s right here with me.

I place my bag on the floor and close the door before turning on the lights. I gasp in delight, it’s exactly how I pictured it. Cosy, cute and with all the original features a cottage boasts, including wooden beams. Aria would hate this. But to me, it’s homely. I feel like I’ve made the right decision and when I pull out my mobile to send Aria a picture of the ornamental horse on the fireplace, and realise I have no signal, it’s almost like this cottage knows exactly what I need. Peace and quiet.

I briefly check the kitchen and notice Mr. Limes has left me a fresh pint of milk in the fridge. It’s just another reason to make me smile. But I’m far too tired to make a drink, so I head upstairs to find my bedroom.

I’m relieved to see the bed is made up, and almost cry happy tears when I realise it’s freshly washed. I’d ordered home comforts like this and the towels, to come directly here. Everything was so last minute, and I didn’t want to drag everything over in my car. Besides, I wanted new things for my new start. I must remember to buy my new landlord a gift to show my appreciation.

I manage a few hours’ sleep but excitement to explore wakes me the second the sun rises. Once I’m showered and dressed, I head out. The village is literally a two-minute walk, and I was told everything I’d need was there. But right now, all I’m craving is a hot breakfast and a coffee.

I find a small coffee shop and head inside. The smell of fresh bread hits me and my stomach growls in anticipation. There’s a woman behind the counter around my age and she smiles wide. “Hi, I’m Blair,” she introduces, holding out her hand.

I shake it, returning her smile, “Bella.”

“Are you just passing through?” she asks .

“No, I’m renting the cottage over the road, April Cottage.”

“Aww, Mr. Limes’ place. Welcome, I own this place. And you’re first order is on me, so what can I get you?”

“Thank you so much, I’ll take a coffee.”

“And you have to try my home baked bread with jam.”

I nod and take a seat. Minutes later she brings over a coffee and two thick slices of toasted bread, smothered in butter and Jam.

She takes a seat opposite me, “Let me fill you in.”

We spend some time chatting. She tells me about some of the places to see and where to go for things like groceries. She tells me about the two village pubs and how everyone knows everyone, so I should get used to people dropping in and chatting. It sounds like the perfect place. She offers to meet me later and introduce me to some of the locals.

Blair points me in the direction of the local bakery, I want to see if they have any vacancies, but she seems to think that there won’t be any. She told me to try the local farm though as they need help in their farm shop.

I pass the doctors surgery on route to the bakery and decide to pop in and fill out any forms. The receptionist hands me a clip board. “Would you like to meet the doctor today and perhaps get a health check?” she asks with a friendly smile, “he’s free now. ”

I’m not used to such an efficient service, it’s refreshing. “That would be great.”

After the forms are completed, I hand them and she leads me along a passage, knocking lightly on the door. “Come in,” shouts a male from the other side. She glances back at me with a glint in her eye, before opening the door to announce my arrival. “A new patient, Doctor.”

The Doctor stands, and I momentarily forget to breathe. He’s gorgeous and not in a big, muscle Aiden kind of way, but a Chris Hemsworth kind of way. The receptionist smiles at me like this was what she was waiting for, to see my reaction.

He shakes my hand. “How lovely to meet you, Mrs...?” and he waits.

I continue to stare open mouthed, unable to find any words. What’s my name? He smiles, shifting uncomfortably under my gawping eyes, then he glances to the receptionist, probably wondering if I’m some kind of mute.

“Bella,” I huff out, grinning like an idiot.

“Come in, take a seat. I’m doctor Lain. Grant Lain.” I sit opposite him. He glances through my paperwork then stands. “Can I?” and he holds up his stethoscope.

I give a nod, and he proceeds to round the desk, rubbing the metal against his palm, “I’ll warm it up,” he adds with a small laugh. He stands behind me and places it down the back of my shirt and against my back. He listens before moving to my front where I open my top slightly, so he has access to my chest. After a few more seconds, he gives a satisfied nod, then takes my blood pressure.

“Slightly higher than I’d expect,” he says, “Are you feeling well in yourself?” I nod again, and he laughs. “You can talk, can’t you?”

I blush , I’m such an idiot . “Sorry, I’m a little tired. It was a long journey through the night.”

“London to Scotland really is a long journey,” he agrees.

“There is a reason for me popping in to register today,” I add, “I’m pregnant. Only a few weeks but I recently miscarried and so I’m a little stressed and anxious.”

He sits back down and makes a note. “Okay, well congratulations. You and Mr. Bella May must be very pleased.”

“There is no Mr, just me,” I confirm.

I have to get used to that line in a small village like this. People will probably talk about the single pregnant woman that’s run away to Scotland.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have presumed like that. How far along do you think you are?”

“Only four weeks, very early stages. I’d taken the morning after pill but was sick within an hour of taking it, I stupidly didn’t really think much of it at the time. ”

“Would you like to discuss options?” he asks, frowning.

I shake my head, “No, I want to keep the baby. It was a mistake to take the morning after pill.”

He smiles, “It worked out well then,” and he gives a laugh to ease the tension. “Let’s get you started on vitamins. I’ll send for your notes today and then I’ll be in touch. But you’ve come to the best place, Bella, we’ll keep a close eye on you. So for now, rest and take it easy.”

I release a long breath, “Thanks. I appreciate you seeing me.”

“This isn’t London,” he says, “We’ll always see you no matter what time or day.” I stand, and he follows. “It was lovely to meet you, Bella. I look forward to seeing a lot more of you.” Images of my smear test flash through my mind and I cringe. I can never have a smear again.

The bakery is a few doors up. The lovely elderly woman tells me she doesn’t have a vacancy, but she’ll hire me anyway because she could do with the help now she’s getting older. I’m so happy I could cry. It’s only a few hours a day, which is perfect for me, and with the monthly money from the shop back in London, I’ll be fine.

Life here is going to be amazing. I can feel it.

Aide n

It’s been weeks since Bella left and even though she’s still on my mind most days, I’m starting to relax in the knowledge, we’ve both made the right decision. When I popped into the bakery last week to collect the books, Aria wasted no time filling me in on how amazing Bella’s new life is. She even made sure to tell me all about the hot doctor she’d met. And although I left there feeling jealous, which was clearly Aria’s intention, I know it’s the right thing for Bella. She deserves to be happy.

I take a deep breath to clear my mind, and turn back to the stacks of paperwork in front of me. JP pops his head around the door, “Any news?” he asks.

Laurie is having a c-section today and the DNA test will be done right after if all is well. I shake my head. “Aria asked me to go to Scotland,” he adds, stepping further in.

“A mini break,” I say, my tone teasing, “Whatever next, marriage?”

“You sound bitter,” he says, also grinning.

“Just be careful, that scary little she devil will get her claws into you, and you’ll become her little bitch.”

“I welcome the pain,” he says, smirking.

“Why Scotland?” I ask, tapping some figures into the calculator. When he doesn’t reply I glance up and he shifts uncomfortably. I sigh, “She’s in Scotland.” Everyone is treating it like some big secret, scared I’m going to chase her down and drag her back here. I roll my eyes in irritation, “Just go to Scotland, JP. Say hi to the Doctor from me.”

“Aria told you?” he guesses.

I scoff, “Of course she did. She couldn’t wait to tell me. But I’m good with it. I don’t know how many times you want me to say I’m over Bella. So I don’t care where she is or who she’s fucking. I’m done.”

He gives a nod, a smirk playing on his lips. “If you say so.”

I ignore him, letting him leave. I’ll need to cover his shifts whilst he plays happy families. I groan out loud, grabbing my mobile and opening up Bella’s social media. I haven’t been on since she left, and part of me is praying she’s locked her account so I can’t see it. Her beautiful smile fills my screen and my heart twists. I swipe through her recent pictures where she’s at the beach with a group of people, looking amazing in a bikini. She’s started to put weight back on and she looks healthier for it. The next picture catches my eye, and I stop scrolling. She’s with a tall guy. He’s clean cut and preppy looking, most likely the doctor. They’re staring at one another and laughing, and I hate that I’m not in on the joke.

I sigh heavily and put the phone down. I’m torturing myself with my past, and if I don’t stop, I’ll be driving to Scotland just so I can hear her laughter or smell her vanilla perfume.

I lose myself in office work until my phone alerts me to a text message. It’s a picture. I wait for it to load on to my phone. A close up shot of a tiny baby’s face fills my screen, it’s captioned. ‘A baby boy. Send your doctor.’ I’m holding my breath but I’m not sure why. I knew this day would come and it’s time to find out what my future holds.

I fire off a text to my doctor, asking him to complete the test. I look at the picture again. It’s hard to see who he looks like; he’s just a baby and he doesn’t look like anything but a sleeping baby. I expected my heart to react in some way but maybe it’s protecting itself until I know the truth. I go to the safe and pull out an envelope ready for the doctor, I pay handsomely for the extra services I keep using.

Bella

The weeks are blurring into one, each passing as quickly as the last. I find myself missing home, yet not wanting to leave here because it’s perfect. The people are friendly, and there’s a sleepy feel to the village, a stark contrast from London. I can even leave my front door unlocked, which is perfect for when the doc pops around to check on me, which he often does seeing he lives right opposite me.

“How’s the sickness?” asks Grant, sitting in the flowery armchair by my window.

I’ve spent the entire morning laying on the couch battling the ‘morning’ sickness which seems to last most of the day at the minute.

I open one eye to see him watching me. “I can’t even go into the garden to enjoy this beautiful weather,” I complain. “I hate spending my Saturday like this.”

“Ginger tea?” he suggests, standing and heading for the kitchen. “The farmers boys are celebrating Georges thirtieth birthday in the village; I’ve just passed them and it’s messy. I feel like there will be many complaints in the Dog I don’t want to.”

“The whole reason you and Aiden split was because of lies,” she reminds me.

I nod, “I know. He lied, I lied. And now I’m keeping more secrets.” I sigh. “You saw how he was before I left, Aria. I can’t risk being hurt all over again. He took half my business just to spite me,” I say with an empty laugh. “He hates me and that’s no way to raise a child.”

“He was angry, Bella. We all say things when we’re upset.”

“I’m not taking the risk. He’s entitled to walk away, and I respect that. But I already lost one baby, and I won’t lose another. I’m not asking him for anything, so he doesn’t need to know.”

Aria takes my hand in a reassuring squeeze. “You’re right. He won’t find out from me.”

“Is he okay?” I didn’t plan on asking but it slips out.

Aria gives a shrug. “I don’t ask JP about anything Aiden related, and he doesn’t tell me. I’ve seen him a couple of times when he’s popped into the shop to get the books. He’s the same arrogant arse he’s always been.”

“And the business, how’s things working out?” I miss working with Aria, but I still send my designs to Guy to create, making sure to keep my stamp on the place. And he’s amazing at bringing my creations to light. I also run the website and do the books.

“I love Guy,” she says with a smile. “We have fun and if I can’t have you, he’s the next best thing.”

“That makes me feel better about deserting you,” I admit.

An hour later we join the guys in the pub. It’s still rammed with the farmers plus some other locals. The sunshine seems to have everyone out. JP is fitting in well and chatting with random locals, but it’s how this place is. It’s how I got sucked in.