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.

but I managed to

and

was

few days ago I loved all three. But now, the room looked like it was missing

on the floor. Maybe it

to the couch. It was way

eyes fall to the rug.

penthouse way too quiet. Way too clean. Way too

in my life until I came to the pent- house tonight

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

mother as she stared at us. As

that I

to get into her heart and hopefully make her forgive me for all the s*it I put

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

And clearly…

over the empty living

to live

wasn’t s**id to not know that she would

want to leave her friends, and the apart- ment she’s known for years to live with someone she

trust.

do if I wanted us to be

much was clear,

sighed and walked over to

really love

and throw

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

them in here. To see them in here. To wake up

74.72

phone suddenly blares in my pocket and I

out.

jaw clenched when I saw the

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 the

between

to go to another business meeting

is it?” I asked

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

found you

Sophie’s pov

from me, his gaze swirling with

is Aiden Xavier?” He

figured it wouldn’t make sense to not tell him the truth. Bernard has after all done so much for

bare to lie to his

told him

I wanted to leave the job. The reason why

him that Aiden was Ashton’s dad.

as I brought the cup of coffee to

very same one I have worked at

years.

here to have coffee

Mila approaches us.

anything else? A croissant?”

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

was a different edge in his

Running late.” I said to

smile.

else

away

way when I said you left the

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

years Bernard visited the diner, those talks with me let me know that he loved

would not make a little disagreement with Aiden cost the innocent man

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 worry about this man’s determination

my lips together as I frowned. Bernard

to get what he wanted and he al- ways

give him his props

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

that was something to both fear