Page 71 of Playing For Keeps
I take it from him and work myself off him, shoving his shirt between my legs as I do. “Is your wound hurting?”
“A little.” He waits until I’m off his lap and then pulls his sweatpants up. “Don’t worry. It’s nothing to stress about.”
“But I feel bad. I haven’t been taking care of you like you deserve.” I snag my pants off the floor and start wobbling to our room.
He follows close behind. “I can take care of myself.”
There’s a knock on our door. I peek over my shoulder at him.
He halts and peers at the entrance. “Let me see who that is. You go freshen up.”
“Okay.” My pulse quickens.
That’s either Hunter or Aiden at the door. Well, it could be housekeeping, but something tells me that won’t be our luck.
Jami stalks away as I disappear into the bathroom. I getswept up in what just happened and soar to the heavens above as I get ready for the rest of the day.
I’m going to be Mrs. Jamison Stone. It’s my dream come true. I quietly squeal. I can’t wait to tell Melanie.
Deep muffled voices make their way through the wall, bringing me back to the here and now. Jami’s talking with someone, and I get a sinking pit in my gut. I guess telling Melanie will have to wait. I finish primping and go to find out who’s here.
Jami’s controlled words fill my ears. “It doesn’t matter, Aiden.”
“What doesn’t matter?” I round the corner and stop at the edge of the living room area.
Aiden spins my way as Jami stands near the balcony with his arms crossed over his chest.
Aiden takes a few steps in my direction. “Dori. I’m sorry I stopped by without calling first, but I was afraid you wouldn’t see me.”
All the devious things he’s done over the years slam into me. “Do I even know who you are anymore?”
He stops. “I’m the same brother you’ve always known.”
“Are you?” Jami takes large strides to get to my side.
Aiden growls as his hands curl into fists. “Stay out of this and give Dori and me some space to talk alone, Jami.”
“He’s very much a part of this, so you can forget about speaking to me without him here.” I take Jami’s hand in mine.
Aiden’s angered gaze drops to the movement. “You can’t be serious, Dori. You know this won’t work.”
Jami's shoulders square as he takes in measured breaths. I squeeze his hand and flash him a look, telling him I can handle this. He releases a relenting puff of air.
I take my glare to Aiden. “There’s no reason why Jami and I won’t work. That’s just something you’ve made yourself believe. Or should I say that’s something Dad has made you believe?”
Aiden snarls at Jami. “Is there anything you can keep between us?”
Jami’s face reddens. “No. She has every right to know what’s going on around her. Especially when she’s directly involved.”
“I can’t believe you let him control you all these years. You know how toxic he is.” Tears creep into the corners of my eyes. “He has you brainwashed, and you need to get help.”
Aiden’s hard exterior cracks for a second, but then he straightens up. “I did it for you.”
I huff away the betrayal. “No, you did it for yourself. You were promised a trust fund if you could keep me away from Jami. He’s the most decent guy I know. Why would you want me to have anything less than what he wants to give me?”
“You’re in danger if you stay with him!” Aiden waves his hand in Jami’s direction. “And if he’s so great, why did he go back on every promise he’s ever made to me the second I turned my back?”
“Dad has you in some kind of warped trance. I’m not in danger being with Jami. Dad just made you believe that for some fucked-up reason.” I glance between him and Jami. “Jami betrayed your trust because I gave him no other choice.”
