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.

business dinner took longer than I thought but I managed

over the living room and stopped

room was clean.

But now, the room looked like it was

the floor. Maybe it missed

sweep over to the couch. It was

to the rug. It was way too

penthouse way too quiet. Way too

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

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

at us. As she watched me play with our

that I was reaching her. That it

long to get into her heart and hopefully make her forgive me for all

not only doing this to get into her good graces. I re- ally did

And clearly…

scan over the empty

them to live with

not know that she would definitely give me hell before

was a huge possibility that she’d never agree. She’d never want to leave

trust.

I wanted us to

much was clear,

over to the huge

would really

sofa and throw

really hate this feeling of loneliness. I

To see them in here. To wake

74.72

suddenly blares in my pocket

out.

jaw clenched when I saw

Sergio.

answer button and lift the phone to

that I’ve received the files. Al- so, I want to have a word with you.” Sergio said over

between

to go to

it?” I

family to fight for, I didn’t need him to stress

I found

Sophie’s pov

across from me, his gaze swirling with

is Aiden Xavier?” He asked with a perplexed

the truth.

bare to

I told him

why I wanted

Aiden was Ashton’s dad. I

brought the cup of

very same one I

years.

here to have coffee with Bernard and

Mila approaches us.

two need anything

late for work and I’m surprised Aiden hasn’t called my phone as yet to ask

he called to speak to Ash, but there was a different edge in his voice when

I’m going in a few. Running late.” I said to Mila

smile.

anything else other than

away soon

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

He had no

the diner, those talks with me let me

would not make a little disagreement with Aiden cost the innocent man his job. I’ll not be the cause

softly. “Honestly this wasn’t 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.

lips together as I frowned. Bernard was

determined to get what he wanted and he al- ways got it. But was that something to fear? Yes. Was

him his props

can achieve anything. It was clear so when he got out of jail earlier when

was powerful. And that was something to both