The Girl He Craves

84

Sophie’s pov

When Aiden leaves, I plop down on the chair with a sigh while lifting Ashton onto my lap.

I let him play with my fingers as I look at my Mila who sat on the loveseat mirroring the sofa I sat on. She’s staring at me in confusion and shock.

“Sophie….” She trailed off in a stunned tone.

Knowing what she was going to say I nodded. “Yes I know. I’m shocked too. Even more confused.” I admitted.

She saw how Aiden acted with Ashton just a few minutes ago. He was warmer, more friendlier, and calmer than he had been years ago.

It stunned us all.

“From how bossy, arrogant, and intimidating he was earli- er to now warm, smiley and friendly is a huge leap within hours. He was so stern this morning and then in his office he

was-

I stopped and blushed furiously as I played with Ashton’s tiny fingers.

Mila’s eyes narrowed as her brows lift and she stared at me in amusement. “He was what?” Her lips tug up as if she was fighting a smile or a laugh.

“Yeah. He was what Soph?” Ria teased as she walked over with three mugs filled with coffee on a platter. She gives one

to Mila and then walks over to me to give me one.

“Nothing,” I blushed and lifted the rim of the mug to my lips, and took a sip of the coffee.

I winced. It was way too sweet but I knew better than to tell Ria that her coffee making skills were not top notch.

Unfortunately, Mila didn’t have the same thoughts as me.

“Ria you added way too much sugar in this coffee.” Mila cringes as she wipes her top lip.

Ria glares at her as she plops down on the other loveseat on the left.

“Well then you should have done your own coffee b**h.” She snapped.

I shot her a furious glare that she winced to and mumbled an apology.

I sighed and then brushed some of Ashton’s hair.

“I seriously thought you had been kidnapped Soph when I got here and you were nowhere in sight. Mila sent me that text seconds before I was about to dial 9-1-1.” Ria grumbles.

I winced. “Sorry. It’s not like I had a choice too. Aiden be- ing Aiden threatened an innocent man’s job. He literally threw me across his shoulder and left the apartment with me kicking and screaming.”

I need to call Bernard later and set a date for coffee so we could talk about what’s been happening between Aiden and me. He deserved that much for going out of his way to help.

Mila rolled her eyes. “It wouldn’t be Aiden if he hadn’t threatened you.”

Ria snorted. “Was he always like this in high school?”

I nodded. “Annoying, rude and bossy then yes. A bully too.” I grumble and then looked down at Ashton.

Sighing heavily I admitted. “But I’ve considered giving him the benefit of the doubt and will let him have a chance to show me if he truly cares about Ash at all. Tonight he showed he did. Hopefully, he’ll continue to show me and convince me that he has changed.”

Mila nods. “I agree. Give him a chance maybe he has changed. I also saw the way he looked at you two, especially you Soph-

I shook my head and cut her off. “No. Don’t go there, Mila. We both know how it ends up when I give him a chance back in my heart. I’m not going to let my guard down so easily be- cause of a few stares here and there. I’m tougher now.”

Well I hoped I was tougher now.

Mila nods and looked at Ria.

I knew they were thinking the same. They were doubting that I can resist Aiden.

Especially with the way he looked at me tonight while he was playing with Ashton on the rug.

But I’m about to prove them wrong.

Aiden’s pov

I tried to move the tie off my neck as I closed the door be-

hind me.

thought but I managed to make

the living room and stopped as I felt the heaviness in my

room was

loved all three. But

it missed toys s**ered messily on the floor. Maybe it missed coffee

gaze sweep over to the couch. It was

the rug. It

penthouse way too quiet. Way too

I came to the pent- house tonight and found every room

no sharp happy giggles from my son as I tick- led him lightly

at us. As she watched me play

I

into her heart and hopefully make her forgive me for all the s*it

not only doing this to get into her good graces. I re- ally did want Sophie and Ashton in

And clearly…

scan over the empty living room

them to live

wasn’t s**id to not know that she would definitely give me hell before she

never want to leave her friends, and the apart- ment she’s known for

trust.

do if I wanted us to

much was clear,

and walked over

really love it

fling the tie somewhere on the sofa and throw my head back and

loneliness. I hated how so quiet it

see them in

74.72

suddenly blares in my pocket and I fished

out.

jaw clenched when I

Sergio.

the answer button and lift

I’ve received the files. Al- so, I want to have a

pinched between

to go to another

it?” I asked

family to fight for, I didn’t

found

Sophie’s pov

his

Aiden Xavier?” He asked with

make sense to not tell him the truth. Bernard has after all

to lie to his

told

Aiden and I were in high school. The reason why I wanted to leave the job. The

Aiden was Ashton’s dad. I told him

nodded, wincing as I brought the

the diner, the very same one I have

years.

daycare, I came here to have coffee with Bernard and to tell him

Mila approaches us.

two need anything else? A croissant?” Mila

were actually late for work and I’m surprised Aiden hasn’t called my phone

a different edge in his voice when

Running late.” I said to

smile.

also declined anything else

away

why he reacted that way when I said you left the building.”

sighed. “I’m so sorry I pulled you into that mess with Aiden, Bernard. He had no right to threaten your

the diner, those talks with me

Aiden cost the innocent man his job. I’ll not be the cause of

the first time Aiden has threatened my position. But that time he meant it. He would’ve done anything to keep you by his side. I don’t know if to

my lips together as I frowned. Bernard was

al- ways got it. But

give him

so when he got out of jail

was powerful. And that was something to