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.

took longer than I thought but I

room and

room was clean.

days ago I loved all three. But now,

toys s**ered messily on the floor. Maybe

gaze sweep over to the couch.

to the rug.

way too quiet. Way too

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

from my son as I tick- led him

coming from his mother as she stared at us. As she watched me play with our son with

that I

heart and hopefully make her forgive me for all the

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

And clearly…

scan over the empty living room

them to live with

she would definitely

was a huge possibility that she’d never agree. She’d never want to leave her friends, and the apart- ment she’s known for years to live

trust.

I

much was clear,

sighed and walked over to the huge sectional

would really love it

the sofa and throw

I hated how so quiet it was right

To see them in here. To wake up to

74.72

phone suddenly blares in my pocket and I

out.

clenched when I saw the caller

Sergio.

over the answer button and lift the phone to

you know that I’ve received the files. Al- so, I want to have a word with

between

go to another business meeting

it?” I

family to fight for, I didn’t need him

think I found you a

Sophie’s pov

from me, his gaze swirling

Ashton’s father is Aiden Xavier?”

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

bare to

I told him

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

him that Aiden was Ashton’s

the

the diner, the very same one I have worked at

years.

here to have coffee with

Mila approaches us.

two need anything else? A

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

Ash, but there was a different edge

Running late.”

smile.

also declined anything else other than

walks away soon

I understand why he reacted that way when I

so sorry I pulled you into that mess with Aiden, Bernard. He had no right to threaten your job. But don’t worry I

diner, those talks with me let me

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

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 worry about this man’s determination or

as

ways got it. But was that

to give him

anything. It was clear so when he got out of jail earlier when he was supposed to

something to both fear