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I ignore the growl that’s rumbling deep inside me at the memory of how Marlee kept Decker busy when she was last at the club. “As long as you don’t keep Decker busy like you did last time, then sure,” I say sharply, sounding like a jealous judgemental asshole but when it comes to this woman, I cannot help it.
“Message received, Aiden. Thanks for reminding me that there is still an asshole hidden under that old Aiden Lawrence charm.” There’s no missing the snark in her tone. Oh look, I just keep fucking this up with her. “I’ve got to go. Keep this phone with you. Be careful. Don’t take any unnecessary risks on Saturday and I’ll be in touch Sunday morning after your shift.”
“Marlee, I didn’t mean—”
She cuts me off, all business now. “If you need me, send me an SOS that only I will know.”
I arch a brow even though she can't see me. “Only you'll know?
“That's what I said, Aiden.” Damn. Still cold and annoyed with me.
“OK.”
“Decide on a phrase and send it through after this call so I know what it is.”
“Sure thing. Marls?”
“Yeah…?” she says, the phone being jostled in my ear.
“I didn’t mean it. I know you’re only doing what you have to with Decker and I’m being a jealous dickhead who still thinks you’re mine and mine alone. Or maybe that’s more wishful thinking anyway. And for what it’s worth, I know you didn’t mean for things to play out the way they did with Barrett the other night. Despite everything that’s happened, you’ve never once done anything against me. I just need to know that you'll be straight with me from here on in. I need to have someone I can trust because going in blind is not something I'm prepared to do again.”
“Our past doesn’t factor in this, Aiden. Whatever has happened or will happen, we’ve got your back,” she replies quickly.
“I don’t care about anyone else. I care about you.” I take a deep breath. “Do you have my back, Marls?”
She hesitates for a moment before giving me the only word I need to hear. “Always.”
“Saturday then.”
“Yeah. Be careful, please. I don't want to have to save your ass again.”
“Again?” I scoff. “The only danger I’ve been in lately was when you orchestrated a fake kidnapping.”
“You know what I mean. Bye.” Then she ends the call and I’m left standing there in my rented, non-descript kitchen. Staring out the window and up toward the bright sky, thinking that fate has a funny way of leading you to places and situations you are meant to be in.
Even if it does mean I have no fucking idea what the hell I’ve been caught up in, and who’s pulling the strings. But I’m determined to find out. Especially if it means I get ‘some day’ with Marlee.
Chapter 16
Aiden
“Boss in the building,” Hawk announces over comms, and all of the heads in the control room lift to watch the bank of monitors covering one wall of the control room. “Hallway, north side,” he confirms and looking up, I spot Decker on the camera feed.
“The boss turning up is probably going to be the highlight of our night,” Chris jokes, his crinkled eyes and grin sweeping over the room. “The dance floor may be pumping, but nothing has happened. It’s like everyone’s on their best behavior or something. Is it too much to ask for a fist fight, or some drug dealing or something, jeez.”
Ben chuckles. “It has been unusually q--”
“Don't say it, man,” I remind him. The man at least has the decency to look apologetic.
A flash of red on the VIP lounge stairs catches my attention, and like the last time she made an entrance at the club, I can't tear my eyes away from Marlee as she saunters across the floor, making a beeline toward the bar.
“Damn. Decker sure does know how to choose them,” Chris notes, also enjoying the view.
“Excuse me?” My voice is a little too sharp and the surprised quirk of Chris's brow as he turns my way lets me know that.
“The woman in red in VIP. She's Decker's new lady, right? She's never here unless he is, and they're always together in a booth, so I figured he must be doing her. Or at least trying to get in there, anyway.”
I’m saved by two loud knocks on the control room door. Moments later, both Justin and Decker walk in, the boss greeting us all with a warm smile before he shifts his attention to the monitors. If I didn't know what the wolf beneath his sheep's clothing was capable of, he’d likely command my respect. Unfortunately, I know his hands are so dirty that it’s a miracle he can sleep at night.
