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I hear muffled conversation coming from Niall’s office. I can’t quite make out what’s being said, but it gradually becomes louder and louder, making the conversation crystal clear.
“This is a place of work, not a damn brothel! You should know better. What if clients arrived early and saw your little stunt?”
“Right, so now Jeni’s a hooker? Nice, Father!”
I open my eyes wide in shock.
“She may as well be, and a bad one at that. She isn’t even pretty, son. Remember what I said… women are simply a convenience and one you don’t need. Now is your time to shine at work, not in the bedroom. Bed as many women as you need to get it out of your system. You don’t need to settle with just one.”
My mouth falls open as I stare at the closed door, my heart racing frantically as the argument erupts out of control.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?” Aiden yells.
“What’s wrong with me you ask? Her. That’s what’s wrong with me. You’re exceptional at what you do. You’re extremely clever, son, with a very bright future mapped out ahead of you. She’s a distraction. You don’t need distractions in your life, and especially not a damn woman. They’re more trouble than they’re worth. Trust me, Aiden, I know what I’m talking about. You need to get rid of her. Now. I don’t mind her being your PA if she’s good at it, but this whole romantic bullshit has got to stop. Got it?”
I gnaw down on my bottom lip, to try to stop my emotions from overflowing.
“Father, stop! She has a name. It’s Jeni. She’s the love of my life, and I’m not going to simply give her up. We live together. She’s more than a fling. Love does exist. It’s not a convenience as you ridiculously put it. Get over it because if you don’t, I’m gone.”
My eyes snap toward Brielle as a lump forms in my throat.
“What do you mean, you’re gone?”
“I mean if you keep this up, I will quit.”
My stomach churns as my hands ball into fists with nervous tension.
“Ha! Whatever! Then you’ll both be jobless. You won’t quit, boy. You don’t have it in you.”
Brielle stands abruptly, rushing to the door, and swings it open before Aiden says something he’ll regret.
“That’s enough, you two. We can hear you out here, and I’m sure three floors down can hear you as well. The Andersons will be arriving soon so cut it out!”
Aiden looks at me through the open door, but I don’t want him to know how badly I’m affected by what I’ve just heard, so I look away and concentrate on my computer screen. My bottom lip quivers as I take a deep breath to control myself. Aiden walks out of his father’s office and slams the door shut leaving Brielle and Niall in there alone.
Aiden makes his way to me while I continue to keep my eyes focused on my desk. He swings my chair around and pulls me up from my seat with an exhale. “I’m sorry,” he expresses, then he drags me by my hand into his office and slams the door. He takes hold of my chin and forces me to look at him as I let out a long breath. “Baby, I know you overheard all of that. I’ll never leave you just because he wants me to.”
“He thinks I’m a slut, Aiden,” I blurt out.
“Jeni, you and I both know that’s not true. Don’t even go there.”
I shake my head and huff. “Maybe I should go back to ADF. It would make life easier for you, and maybe for your father as well.”
“No! I want you here with me. He needs to learn he can’t always have everything his own way.”
I need to do what’s best for the both of us.
I sure as hell don’t need Aiden coming out of jail and straight into hellfire here at work.
“You. Are. Not. A. Convenience. You are the reason I exist. My life revolves around you, and I see a bright future for us with you by my side. I won’t have him tear you away from me.”
I swallow hard. “I thought I was fine with his taunts and abuse. I’ve been coping with it fairly well, but that really stung. Comparing me to a prostitute and saying I’m a distraction.” I shake my head. “Aiden, what if he’s right? What if I am distracting you? Your job is extremely important to you, and it’s not fair. Maybe I should leave, and—”
“Stop! Just stop! You’re not going anywhere, and you’re certainly not a distraction. You help me to be a better man. Trust me, if you leave, that will distract me. Anyway, if you leave, then I’m going with you. I’ve had enough of his fucking ludicrous crap. He’s driving me crazy.”
I exhale and move in to embrace him. “I’ll stay, but no more kissing in the elevator and definitely no more being late for work.”
Aiden doesn’t say anything. He simply runs his finger along my cheek, then he kisses me on my head and lets me go. “I’m in love with you, Jeni. Don’t you ever forget that. And I’ll do anything for your happiness, even if that means leaving the family business and my father behind.”
