Page 80 of High Stakes

I hear the front door and move away from her. She looks confused but I don’t want to disrespect the guy in his own place. “I don’t think Cal will be too happy,” I say as a way of explanation.

Cal comes in with a glass of water and some tablets. He kisses her lightly on the head and hands her the pills. “Take these, baby girl. They’ll help you sleep,” he whispers gently, and I watch as he strokes her hair.

“If you need anything, just let me know,” I say, backing out the door.

Cal follows me out, “Thanks for coming to see her,” he says tightly, and I know that this must be awkward for him.

“Like I said, if she needs anything just let me know.”

Bella

The days are a blur. Cal gives me all manner of pills and I’ve lost track of what I’m taking and why. It’s a good jobhe’s here to look after me. Him and Aria take it in turns to be with me, even though I’ve told them to stop fussing. I’m fine. Aria is running both shops, she mentioned that JP and Raff have been around helping, which made me laugh because they’re far to big and clumsy to work with delicate cupcakes.

I throw the television remote to the end of my bed and lay my head back onto the soft pillows. I can’t stand all this resting. It’s driving me crazy. Plus, I’m feeling much better and more like myself.

I decide to shoot a text to Aria and try my luck.

Me: I need a night out, what do you think?

Aiden: Not a chance.

Aria: Sorry, he was looking over my shoulder. I have all three of them under my feet today. But yes, if you’re feeling up to it. Friday? x

Aiden

Friday night soon comes around and the club is heaving. All the promotion works I’ve been doing seem to be paying off. I’ve swore off the drink since Bella caught me that day in the kitchen, and it’s helping me keep a clear head.Especially on night like this when I need to network and meet new potential clients. The VIP area is full of Rugby players from a local team. Sports men bring me a lot of business.

I help behind the bar; I smile and chat to lots of people including a few team managers. Jake would have loved this. He was good at talking the talk and could have the VIP area full to the maximum every weekend.

I look over the balcony to the lower club area. It’s mainly public that walk in from the street, but we always have people queuing around the corner to get in. I spot Cal entering and I watch, making sure he hasn’t been stupid enough to let Bella out partying. I’m horrified when he grabs the hand of another woman who’s not Bella. She throws her arms around his neck, and they kiss. Anger rushes through my body and before I can think, I race down the stairs, taking two at a time. I push through the crowd, upsetting people as I shove them out of the way.

Cal sees me approaching him but before he can lie, I bring back my fist and shove it full force into his face. He flies backwards into a group of people standing behind him, and I hear screams and shouting.

“You piece of shit,” I yell, leaning over him and grabbing him by the shirt, “Why would you do that to her whenshe’s just lost your baby.” I haul him to his feet. “You fucking scumbag.”

“Baby?” asks the woman, “Cal, what’s he talking about?”

“This piece of shit has a girlfriend; she just lost his kid,” I tell her, hitting him again in the face. His nose bursts and blood sprays down his white shirt.

“I can explain,” he splutters.

I get into his personal space, “Then get talking.”

The doormen appear. “Want us to remove him boss?” one asks, taking Cal by the arm.

“Aiden! What the hell are you doing?” I turn to see Bella glaring angrily at me. Her hands are on her hips and for a second, I’m distracted by how beautiful she looks.How the hell am I going to tell her?

“Oh my god, Cal, are you okay?” she cries, shoving past me and rummaging in her bag for tissue. She pulls out a handful and holds it to his nose.

“Tell her,” I yell at him.

Bella ignores me, turning to the woman who’s crying. “Ellie, are you okay?” The fact she knows her, makes this so much worse and I resist the urge to punch him again.

“Your ex has the wrong idea,” Cal hisses.

“I don’t see how I got the wrong idea, gym boy,” I snap, “I was watching you from up there. I saw you stick your tongue down her throat.”

Bella bites her lower lip and winces. “Oh.” she says looking guilty.

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