Page 105 of Playing For Keeps
Aiden raises his eyebrows and nods. “I needed a source of income, and he was willing to help me out. It was surprising, considering what you did to him.”
“I had to end it with him. We wouldn’t have worked out in the long run when my heart has always been with Jami.”
“I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about telling Hunter you’re marrying Jami on his birthday. That’s pretty cold. I thought you were more compassionate than that.”
My heart drops out of my chest. “What?”
“That day you told him. It was Hunter’s birthday.” Aiden gestures to where my hands are hidden under the table. “I didn’t see a ring on your finger. Is it true, or did you tell Hunter that so he wouldn’t fight for you anymore?”
I’m losing all my leverage and letting Aiden run this interaction.
I steady myself and focus on what I’m here to discuss. “First of all, I would never hurt Hunter like that on purpose. I wasn’t paying attention to the date so I didn’t realize it was his birthday. Second, I’m telling the truth. Jami and I are getting married. That’s why I’m here.”
“Then where’s your ring?”
“It’s getting sized.” I lie because I need to get back on equal ground with Aiden. My engagement ring has nothing to do with that.
He throws me an unconvinced look. “I’m sure it is.”
“Do you want to mend our relationship or sit here and try to make me feel bad about every decision I’ve ever made?”
He takes a slow drink then places his mug down. “I don’t want to fight with you, but?—”
“No. There’s nothing to add. It’s a yes or no answer. If you try to bring things up that are irrelevant to our relationship, I’m going to leave. And if I do, it will be the last time we speak.”
“Then tell me what you have in mind. Let’s see if your intentions are sincere.”
I glare across the table. “One more comment like that, and this discussion will end.”
“Sorry. I’ll focus on what you have to say.”
“Where do you stand regarding Mom and Dad?”
“Nowhere. Once Dad was brought in for questioning for his involvement in the trafficking rings, I was cut off. I haven’t spoken to either of them since.”
“So, working for Hunter is your only source of income?”
“I already told you that.”
I reach for my purse and hold my palm over it. “You did what Dad wanted because you were promised a trust fund to support your dream of becoming a private detective and running your own business. Is that correct?”
Aiden’s cheeks grow red. He stands and treks to the coffeepot. “It didn’t start out that way, Dori. He would come down on me every time he saw you and Jami getting closer. It got worse every time I failed to keep you two apart.”
“Is it true he abused you?”
He pauses for a moment then straightens his back. “It is, but I don’t want to discuss that. It’s in the past.”
My heart aches for him. “Aiden?—”
“No. Don’t bring it up. I have nothing left to share regarding that.” He turns to me, looking like a scared little boy.
“Understood. Just know I’m sorry he did that to you, but it wasn’t and isn’t my fault. It’s not Jami’s either. Dad has mental problems, and you fell victim to that. Where you went wrong was hiding things from me. I would’ve helped you if you had told me.”
“I was young when it started, and then it just got out of hand.” Aiden drops his head back and stares at the ceiling. “I didn’t want him to go after you.”
“He made you his pawn. It’s always been his game with us, but it doesn’t have to ruin us.” I stand and walk over to him.
He faces me. “What are you saying?”
