High Stakes (A Deal With The Devil)

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Aiden

I stare hard at the applications in front of me. The sound of Jenifer’s phone irritates me as she concentrates on the screen. It’s another reminder that she’s younger than me with an addiction to social media.

It’s been two weeks since I last saw Bella, which is two weeks since I decided to break up with Jen. It’s harder than I thought, and no amount of hinting is giving Jen the message. Because like the coward I am, I thought it would be better all-round if Jen dumped me. That way I could avoid Aria giving me the whole, ‘I told you so’ speech, and I wouldn’t have the guys on my back, laughing because I’ve failed at dating.

“How come you’re not at the shop today?” I inquire.

“They closed for today, its Bella’s dad’s funeral,” she mutters, not bothering to look up from her phone.

“He died. Since when?” I ask.

“Don’t know,” she shrugs.“Jenifer, put the damn phone down. I’m trying to have a conversation with you.”

She sighs, dragging her attention to me. “I don’t know when he died, all I know is they told me the shop would be closed today because they were all going to the funeral to support Bella. JP and Raff went too,” she tells me, shrugging. I hate that everyone knew except for me. It’s another reminder I’m not a part of Bella’s life anymore.

“Did anyone happen to mention when Bella’s going back to Scotland?” Maybe I can arrange to meet her for dinner so we can clear the air properly.

“Straight after the funeral. Not surprising really, now she’s on countdown.”

“Countdown?”

She meets my eye. “Well, it can’t be long, can it? My sister looked like that right before she dropped it.”

I frown, “Dropped what?”

“The baby,” she says with a laugh, like I’m stupid.

“Baby?” I repeat, “What baby? Who’s having a baby. ”

“Bella.”

I scoff, “Don’t be ridiculous. My ex, Bella? She’s not pregnant.”

“Aiden, I sat next to her in the restaurant, she’s pregnant. She had a perfectly round bump.” She laughs, “How didn’t you notice?”

I grip the arms on the chair, trying to focus on Jen’s words. There’s no fucking way Bella could be pregnant. Aria would have jumped at the chance to rub my face in it, unless . . . I stand abruptly and Jen raises a brow. “Are you okay?”

Questions race through my mind as I pull on my jacket . Is that why she ran? Did she know all along she was having my child again?

I grab my car keys. “I have to see for myself,” I mutter, heading for the door.

Bella

I stare at my reflection in Arias long mirror. I don’t look like a girl with no parents. Tears prickle my eyes again and I’m unsure if they’re for dad, or for myself. Maybe a little of both.

I got the call right after I left the restaurant after seeing Aiden. And I’ve spent the last two weeks making calls and sorting out the funeral. So today feels bittersweet because I’m sad to say goodbye to my dad, but I also can’t wait to leave London and go home.

I open my clutch to check my train ticket is there. I plan on leaving right from the church. I take a deep breath before heading downstairs. The sooner this is over with, the sooner I can head back and put London behind me.

I stand beside Claire outside the same church my mum is buried at. It was dad’s wishes to rest here too.

The car slows outside, and Claire takes my hand. “Are you ready?” she asks, with a sad smile. I give a nod, and we slide from the vehicle together.

We move along the line of guests, each of them offering well wishes, and then we stand by the door, waiting for dad to be taken from the back of the car. The guests begin to filter into the church, and we follow the coffin down the aisle.

We sit through the service together, both sniffling into tissues as the vicar talks about my dad’s early life, his marriage to my mum, and brief stories of happier times. I didn’t want to say any words, mainly because I didn’t have any to say. Our happy memories were few and far between and I couldn’t bring myself to lie. But when Claire stands to speak, my heart swells with happiness. Her tales of their short time together gives me peace that at least when he passed, he was happy.

We hold on to one another as they lower him into the ground. It’s the final goodbye and somehow this hurts more than the service.

We lie roses on top of the coffin, and once everyone has slowly wandered off, we stand in silence. Both lost in our own thoughts.

I eventually say my goodbyes to Claire, promising to keep in touch. I owe her for making my dad’s final months, happy. And she’s been a fantastic support to me, I like her.

Aria and Cal are waiting by the church. “Are you sure you have to go back?” asks Aria, pulling me into a hug.

“I know you can’t believe it,” I say with a laugh, “But there are way better places than London.”

I hug Cal. “Call the second you get back. Have a safe journey.”

“And we want news the second this baby arrives,” adds Aria, rubbing her hand over my stomach.

My taxi pulls in and I feel relieved. Cal puts my bags in the boot, and I get another hug. “Take care,” I say, rubbing a hand over my swollen stomach. It feels so heavy today after being on my feet for so long.

I turn to slide in the taxi, my eyes catching sight of a figure by the trees. Aiden. I gasp, immediately dropping my hand from my bump. But it’s too late, I can tell by his shocked expression that he’s seen me in all my pregnant glory. I get into the car, slamming the door. “Quick,” I mutter, “My train is due.”

The cab drives past Aiden, and our eyes lock for the briefest second before he calls out my name, running towards me. His hand catches the window, and I jump in fright. “Don’t stop,” I tell the driver. “Keep going.”

I lean my head back, slowly releasing a nervous breath. “Can you drop me at the tube,” I tell the driver. I’ll need to head to a different station further away, so Aiden doesn’t turn up and make a scene.

It’s not until I’m on the train pulling out of the station that I begin to relax. I pull out my mobile, cancelling the tenth call from Aiden. After today, we’ll never see each other again. I open the text messages he’s sent and read them again.

Aiden: Please don’t run, Bella. Talk to me.

Aiden: I just need to know if it’s mine.

I delete them both and sigh when my phone alerts me to a new voicemail. I reluctantly press play. “Please, I get why you ran. But just talk to me, Bella.”

I press delete and drop the phone in my bag. It was hard enough when Aiden rejected me, I can’t stand the thought of him rejecting our child. It’s the only family I have and I’ll protect it no matter what.

Aiden

Me: Meet me at Tremos now and bring Aria and Raff.

I hit send and wait for JP to turn up as I pour myself a double whiskey. The second they arrive, they look guilty. Raff speaks first, “What’s up?”

“Did you all know or just that lying bitch?” I ask, pointing at Aria.

“Know what?” asks JP.

I dive from the chair, heading right for him but Raff intercepts, holding me back. “What’s going on?” he asks.

“You all fucking knew and said nothing,” I yell accusingly.

“Knew what?” he demands, and I realise he looks confused.

“JP?” I ask, and he glances at Aria who sighs .

“They don’t know,” she admits. “I haven’t told them.”

“Told us what?” asks JP.

“How did you find out?” she asks me, ignoring him.

“Jen told me.” I groan out loud, “Fuck. It all makes sense now. That’s why you were sneaking around. That’s why she wouldn’t stand up at the restaurant.”

“She didn’t want you to know, Aiden, not after how you treated her before. What was I supposed to do?”

“What are we missing?” asks Raff.

“Is it mine?” I snap.

Aria gives a sarcastic laugh. “Of course it’s yours,” she yells. “She threw up after you forced her to take the morning after pill.” She narrows her eyes, “You treated her so badly, you made her vomit.”

“Bella’s pregnant?” asks JP, looking at Aria in shock. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Bigger problems right now, JP,” she hisses.

I pace, pulling at my hair in frustration. “I need her address,” I say, and Aria shakes her head.

“No chance. No way. Just leave her alone, Aiden. You’ve done enough damage. She chose to have this baby knowing she was alone. She doesn’t need you.”

“And what if I need her, Aria?” I snap. They all exchange looks that almost look pitying. “What if it was her all along?” I add .

Aria breaks eye contact, still shaking her head. “It’s not your choice, Aiden. You made her so sad and finally, she’s happy.”

“Does the doctor think it’s his?” I demand.

“No. But he’s been there for her. He checks on her all the time and takes care of her when she’s sick.” A tear slides down her cheek and she swipes it away. “He’s sad too and I know they can be happy together. Just let them be.” She turns on her heel, leaving. JP gives me a sad smile and a sympathetic pat on the shoulder before heading after her.

Raff takes my whiskey off the bar and downs it. “Fuck, Aid. What are you gonna do?”

“Tell her I know,” I say. “And then it’s her choice.”

I head for the office, closing the door and leaning against it to gather my thoughts. I take a deep breath before dialling her number, knowing she won’t answer. I wait for the voicemail to kick in and close my eyes. “Hey,” I almost whisper. “I don’t know what to do, Bella,” I admit. “I want to chase you to Scotland. I want to hear you say the words out loud, that you’re having our child. And I’m ready for that. I am. I know you don’t think it, but I’ve spent the months we’ve been apart, growing up. But Aria said you’re happier without me, that I just make you sad. So, tell me, Bella, what should I do? Pretend I don’t know, and we go on with our lives? Or come and find you?” I disconnect the call, surprised when a minute later, I get a text from her.

Bella: Walk away. Pretend we don’t exist. Please.

Bella

I lean over the couch for support as another pain rips through me. I reach for my phone, grabbing it from the cushion and I dial Grant’s number. It’s the middle of the night but he’s usually awake so I’m not surprised when the call connects.

“Baby,” I pant, “Coming.” And I disconnect, throwing the device on the couch as a second pain hits me.

Grant comes barreling the door minutes later, “It’s not time,” he says, his eyes wide as he takes in my ruffled state.

“I’m aware,” I grit out impatiently. “I thought it was Braxton hicks again but it’s not going.”

He places his bag down and reaches inside, retrieving a stethoscope. “Did you call the hospital?”

“No, I called you,” I snap. “My doctor.”

He presses it to my stomach and listens for a moment. “Heartbeat is nice and strong.” He stands again. “I’ll call the hospital. They may ask you to come in to be monitored seeing as you’re a few weeks early. ”

“Does it matter?” I ask, grabbing his wrist, “That it’s early?”

He smiles, “No. It’s just two weeks.” He goes into the kitchen to make the call. I stand straighter, trying to grab my phone to text Aria, when there’s a warmth between my legs. I look down as wetness soaks my pyjamas.

Grant comes back, “I need to examine you. The hospital wants to know how dilated you are.”

I stare in horror. “Absolutely not.”

He smirks, “Bells, I’m a doctor.”

“That has yet to see my vagina,” I remind him.

He laughs. “If you’re not dilated, there’s no point in us going all the way to the hospital. They’ll just send you home.”

He helps me to lie on the couch before putting on some gloves. I lift my backside, and he tugs my pyjama bottoms down, frowning. “Did your waters break?”

I feel myself blush. “I thought I peed.”

“Jesus, Bella, how long have you been having pains?”

“Hours,” I say with a groan as my stomach tightens.

Grant waits for it to pass before placing a sheet over me and removing my underwear. “I need to feel,” he says, wincing slightly.

“Knock yourself out,” I mutter, “although this isn’t how I imagined our first time to go,” I tease, and he laughs .

After a few silent minutes he arches a brow. “You’re almost ten centimeters.”

“That’s good, right?”

“It means you’ve done all the hard work, and your baby is almost here.”

“No,” I say, trying to sit up. Another pain forces me to lie back. “But what about the pain relief?”

“You’ve done the hard work, Bella, didn’t you hear me?” He laughs again, “When you feel the urge to push, go for it.”

I stare wide eyed. “What? Here, on the couch?”

He looks around, “Um, good point. Maybe we should lay sheets on the floor and move to an area we can clean easily?”

“You’re missing my point,” I cry. “I’m having the baby here in the cottage?”

He smiles wide, “Yep. It’ll be my tenth delivery,” he announces proudly. “Now, shall we move to the floor? Maybe all fours might feel more comfortable?”

“So you can see my backside to,” I hiss, holding out my hand so he can help me up. “Not a chance.”

I waddle through to the kitchen and Grant lays out some sheets and towels. Pain rips through me again and this time, there’s a pressure between my legs, telling me I need to push. I grab onto Grant’s hands and follow my body’s instinct, pushing down until the urge passes.

“That’s it,” Grant says, “Now pant between pushes.”

Aiden

I sit in the booth watching the after-party chaos, wondering when this all stopped being so much fun. I lived for these nights and yet, here I am, bored and eager to close up so I can fall into bed to enjoy another sleepless night.

Jenifer drops down beside me, “What’s wrong with you?” I shrug and she groans. “You’re so boring these days.” Her comment makes me laugh and she narrows her eyes. “I’m serious. Like, what is the point in even being together when you spend all your time working or mooching around like your life is about to end.”

“You’re right,” I agree, nodding. I take a breath; I’ve been waiting for this moment for weeks and she’s handing it to me on a plate. “You deserve better.”

She begins to shake her head and fury fills her expression. “Don’t you fucking dare,” she whispers in a low, angry voice.

“I don’t make you happy,” I reason.

“My god, you’ve been waiting for this haven’t you.” I stay quiet, admitting it will only send her nuts. “I saw it coming,” she says, scoffing. “But I thought you were just depressed over the whole Bella thing, but now I see it’s because you’re a selfish, self-absorbed, prick.”

“That I am,” I mutter.

“No wonder Bella left.”

“Exactly,” I agree.

“She’s better off without you. That baby boy deserves better.”

My head whips up in her direction and I stare wide-eyed. “Baby boy?”

Her expression softens slightly. “Yeah, a few days ago.” She pulls out her mobile and opens Bella’s social media account. I frown, wondering when they became friends, especially since I’d blocked Bella’s account to stop me searching her up. She turns the screen towards me, and I inhale sharply. A blue eyed, tiny baby boy fills my heart, and suddenly, it’s too hard to breathe. I tug at my collar, taking the mobile from her and peering closer.

“A boy, she had a boy,” I whisper.

“You miss her don’t you?” she asks.

I could lie, it might make her feel better, but for once in my life, I want to be honest, so I nod. “More than anything.”

“You’ve wasted all this time,” she says sadly. “You could have been making things right with her.”

“Aren’t you mad? ”

She shrugs, “It’s not like you were ever really mine, Aiden. We haven’t even had sex, I was beginning to wonder if it was me.”

I shake my head, taking her hand. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have dragged you into any of this. I just wanted to move on, and I thought dating you would help with that.”

“Well, for the record, it just makes things messier,” she says, “But, I get it.” She takes her mobile back, even though I resist because I want to stare some more at my son. “I can give you Bella’s address,” she mutters. I release the handset immediately and she laughs. “But if you tell anyone it came from me, I’ll gut you like a fish.”

I grin, “You’ve been spending way too much time with Aria.”

“At least now we can bitch about you at work, and maybe she’ll like me.” My phone beeps and I open the screenshot she’s sent me. “It was on an invoice. I don’t know why I took the picture,” she admits, “I guess I knew you’d need it eventually.”

“Thank you, Jen. This means so much to me.”

“You’d better not fire me,” she adds, standing.

I smirk, “Wouldn’t dream of it.”