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“What happened?” I gasp.
Somehow he manages to shoot me a dark look before Elle’s face comes into shot.
“Stupid twat got himself mugged a couple of nights back. He had to borrow someone’s phone to call Daddy and arrange for the chopper to come get him. It was hilarious.”
“Wow. That looks bad. Ummm, I’m sorry. Hope he feels better soon.”
“He probably deserved it. He’s been an absolute asshole of late. Honestly, I don’t know how the rest of the family put up with it.”
I honestly don’t know what to say. My mind’s whirling and my stomach is churning. Aiden was absolutely fine when I saw him at the club. Yes, Don punched him and knocked him out, but one single punch couldn’t have done that level of damage. I should ask the guys what happened after we left. I didn’t want him to get hurt. I’m sure he wasn’t really going to hurt me that night. It was clearly out of character for him. But…he was at a sex club flirting with other women when he has a wife at home. I’m not saying that he deserved what happened to him for that reason, but maybe he’s not the guy I once knew. Maybe he’s not a nice guy full stop.
“I’d better go,” I say to Elle, my good mood at seeing her a little deflated suddenly. “Send my love to the family and say Merry Christmas from me.”
“Will do babe. You’re not alone today, right?”
“No. I’m happier than I thought I’d be.”
“I’m glad babe, just be safe, yeah?”
“Always.”
“Give me all the juicy gossip when you’re home. Love you.”
“Love you too, bye.”
I hang up feeling a range of emotions swirling in my chest. It was so good to see and speak to Elle but Aiden has left me…shook. Shaken. Shooketh. I can’t even think of the right word. My heart panged to see him hurt, but a voice in the back of my mind was glad.Rather him than me.But now I’m worried my guys had something to do with it.
Not my guys.
My bosses.
But why would they?
Deciding I need to get out of my room and out of my head, I slip downstairs, planning to grab a quiet coffee to myself before the others wake up.
“Happy Christmas, Candy,” an excited voice says as soon as my feet touch the bottom step.
I’m awe-struck. The lounge has been totally transformed into a magical Christmas scene. There’s a garland over the fireplace with stockings hung, and a fully decorated tree with presents underneath. It’s understated, but perfect, and I love it.
A grin stretches across my face and I beam at Dash. “Merry Christmas! This is amazing. Did you do all this?”
“I had some help from Don once he brought you home and put you to bed.” I blush a little. “Did you have fun last night?”
“I did. Thank you.”
“Sounds like I missed a good time,” he replies, stepping forward and handing me a coffee and kissing me on the cheek.
All of my doubt and worry from upstairs melts away as Dash takes my hand and guides me through to the kitchen where the others are all sitting around the breakfast table, talking quietly. Their voices stop when we walk in and for some reason it makes me shy.
“Merry Christmas guys.”
“Merry Christmas, Candy,” they reply in unison, making me chuckle.
“What’s funny?” North asks, frowning.
“It sounded like a school assembly just then.”
“Have some brunch.”
