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.

longer than I thought but I managed to make that woman agree to sign the

scanned my eyes over the living room and stopped as

room was

I loved all three. But now,

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

over to the couch.

eyes fall to the rug. It was

too quiet. Way too clean.

felt so lonely in my life until I came to the pent- house tonight and found every room spotless

happy giggles from my son

no soft giggles coming from his mother as she stared at us. As she watched me

I was reaching her.

and hopefully make her forgive me for all the s*it I put her

to get into her good graces. I re- ally did want Sophie and

And clearly…

the empty living

wanted them to

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

want to leave her friends, and the apart- ment she’s

trust.

work to do if I wanted

much was clear,

sighed and walked over to

would really love

sofa and throw my head

hate this feeling of loneliness. I hated how so quiet it

them in here. To see them in here.

74.72

phone suddenly blares in my

out.

I

Sergio.

answer button and

to let you know that I’ve received the files. Al- so, I want

between

must want me to go to another business

it?” I

I didn’t need him to

think I found

Sophie’s pov

across from me, his gaze swirling with

So Ashton’s father is Aiden Xavier?”

to not tell him the truth. Bernard has after all done so

couldn’t bare to lie to his

I told

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

Ashton’s

as I brought the cup of

very same one I have worked at

years.

I came here to have

Mila approaches us.

two need anything else? A croissant?”

surprised Aiden hasn’t called

was a different edge in his voice when he spoke

a few. Running late.” I

smile.

else other

away soon

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

mess with Aiden, Bernard. He had no right to threaten your job. But don’t worry I

diner, those talks with

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

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 give him his

press my lips together as

get what he wanted and he al- ways got it. But was

to give him

clear so when he got out of jail earlier when he was supposed

something to both fear and