Page 46 of High Stakes

Aria: That’s crazy. You’re upset over last night and not thinking. Meet me, let’s talk about this.

I tuck my mobile away. I’m so sick of talking. My virginity has been the topic of so many discussions, always demanding the top conversation slot. It’s even been the butt of my friends’ jokes.I’m done holdingon to it.

“Everything okay?” asks Cal.

I shift closer so our arms brush, he eyes the connection. “Where were we?”

He stares at me, and my breathing quickens. He leans closer, until his lips are a breath away. “Am I reading this all wrong?” he whispers. I give my head a slight shake, too scared to speak. His lips brush mine, like he’s giving me the chance to back out. Instead, I slip my arms around his neck and slide between him and the worktop. His hands cup my face, tilting it slightly before he seals his lips over mine in a slow kiss. There’s no urgency or rush as he tastes me, and he’s gentle, just how I like it. And it’s nothing like Aiden’s.

He runs his hands over the bare skin on my back, sliding them up my arms and resting on my shoulders. His eyes darken and his chest heaves with controlled breaths. He carefully slides the straps of my top down until my breasts are exposed, then he lowers his mouth to my nipple, sucking it into his warm mouth. My head falls back, and I close my eyes, enjoying the way he swirls his tongue over the swollen bud.

My phone vibrates and he reaches into the waist band of my leggings, pulling it out and holding it out for me to look at, all the while still teasing my nipple. Aiden’s nameflashes on the screen. I cancel the call, taking the phone and laying it face down on the worktop.

Cal’s fingers hook into my waistband, and he pushes my leggings down, kneeling before me and peeling them away. He takes my leg and guides it over his shoulder, and then I feel his hot breath at my opening. I grip the worktop, staring down in wonderment as he runs his tongue through my folds, keeping eye contact. It’s hot. He keeps an intense pressure on my clit, and I’m so close to coming, that when he pushes a finger into me, I cry out. I’ve needed the intrusion for so long, it’s a relief.

He stands, kissing me so I can taste myself. “Are you sure about this?” he asks, his voice strained. I nod, gripping his hard cock through his shorts. He hisses, leaning past me to grab his wallet where he retrieves a condom. He shoves his shorts down to his hips and I stare at his thick cock as he sheathes it in rubber. It’s on the tip of my tongue to explain I’m a virgin, when a loud bang on the door causes the words to die on my lips.

“Ignore it,” he whispers, lifting me onto the worktop, then dragging my backside right to the edge.

“Bella?” It’s Aiden. I freeze, staring wide eyed at Cal. “Bella, open the fucking door.”

“Oh my god,” I whisper. My heart slams in my chest.

“Is that your landlord?” asks Cal in a hushed voice.

I nod, gripping his shoulders tightly and holding my breath while I listen for any movement outside. “Just stay quiet, he’ll leave,” I whisper.

“Why’s he here?” he asks.

“The door’s locked, right?” I add.

“What’s he doing here, Bella?” he asks, his voice angrier now.

I shrug, “I have no idea.”

“Bella, I know you’re in there,” Aiden yells, banging harder. “Open the fucking door or I’ll kick it in.”

“You should deal with that,” mutters Cal, tucking himself away.

“He’ll leave in a minute,” I reassure him.

“Please, Bells, don’t have sex with him, I’m begging you,” mutters Aiden and my heart twists at the pain lacing his words. “Not because of me.”

Cal pulls my top into place. “Put him out his misery.”

I jump down off the counter, pulling my leggings up. I pause at the door, gathering myself before unlocking it and opening it just enough for him to see me. Our eyes connect and I’m mildly satisfied to see he looks stressed and maybe even desperate as his eyes run over me.

“Have you done it? Did you sleep with him?” he asks, urgently.

“What are you doing here, Aiden?” I whisper hiss, angrily.

“Did you fuck him?” he repeats. I give my head a slight shake and he exhales in relief, taking a few steps and running his hands through his hair. “Thank god,” he whispers to himself.

“How did you find me?”

He stills, “Aria.” I roll my eyes, and he rushes to defend her, “I saw your text over her shoulder. She tried to stop me coming here.”

“Well, now you’ve seen me, you can leave. I mean, this is taking our friendship too far.”

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