CHAPTER 4

As soon as she was gone, Aiden sank into a chair, rubbing his temples. The encounter with Michelle had left him feeling more conflicted than ever. He wanted revenge, but he couldn't ignore the tiny voice in his head that told him Michelle might be right.

Hours passed as Aiden sat in silence, lost in thought. When he finally looked at the clock, he realized he had just enough time to get ready for dinner. He changed into a sharp black suit and made his way to the garage.

When he arrived, he found Alex and Michelle already there, sitting with their parents and a few close family friends. Michelle looked up as he entered, her eyes filled with a mixture of hope and fear.

***

Bianca's brain was fried. After hours of trying to understand the kind of person Aiden was, trying to understand the reason behind his errant behavior, she was mentally drained.

Aiden wasn't just a normal patient; he was a headache. He was the proper definition of trouble.

“Okay, so I'm good to go.” She twirled in front of her mirror. Bianca had dressed meticulously because she didn't want to appear inferior before Aiden.

On cue, she received a text from Aiden, announcing his arrival. Of course, the text was rude too.

“What are you wearing?” Aiden was staring at her weirdly, making her confidence falter.

“Um…a dinner dress.”

Her dress was a crimson red, with a deep V-neck. She had draped a long, black leather jacket over her shoulders, which gave her a classy look.

“My brother is engaged and I told you before, I don't date filth. Are you this desperate to seduce my father?”

By the time he was done, Bianca was fuming but she didn't reply. She got into the car and they drove off.

“Why are you so quiet? Are you hurt?” He glanced at her, a guilty expression crossing his face.

“It's alright. I thought I needed to dress this way to fit in with the Millers. I'm fine, don't beat yourself about it.” She smiled at him.

Sometimes Aiden was really a pain in the ass, but she knew he had a good heart beneath his cruel exterior, and she was glad he displayed it, even though it was rare.

“What do you mean? You never cease to amaze me. Why will I feel guilty about the truth? You're dressed to seduce my father or brother. It's common so don't feel hurt, women can do anything for money.”

“But don't be this desperate. You're embarrassing me.”

Bianca knew her breathing exercises were useless on Aiden. She just needed to hold on to her promise. This was a challenge to her.

“I know you're bored and lonely and in desperate need of attention since your life revolves around drinking and whoring. But I don't do unserious men.”

Aiden laughed long and hard at her attempt to get back at him.

“Sweetheart, is that your idea of hurting someone? Need I remind you that I'm a messed- up guy who values only money? You have to try harder, darling.”

He smirked as he ruffled her well permed bun. She started styling her hair in a bid to forget about his existence.

“Are those extensions or your natural hair?” He suddenly asked after minutes of silence.

Bianca was taken back as she wondered what was so special about her brunette hair.

“Extensions.”

“Michelle’s hair is natural. She doesn't need anything to look pretty.”

“Well, last time I checked, I'm Bianca not Michelle.” She snapped at him. She didn't like how he always made her feel lowly. Like a piece of trash.

Aiden glanced at her and suddenly placed his hand on her thigh, making her gasp.

“For a psychologist, you're very bad at controlling your emotions. If you're going to be my doctor, you should learn to do that.”

“A lot of people will try to use you to figure out my innermost secrets, so that they can destroy me. Learn to be in control.”

Bianca managed to nod, though she couldn't understand a word of what he said. Her body was on fire and it took her every willpower not to blush or move his hand underneath her dress.

“Did you understand what I said or are you busy yearning for me?” He asked, turning to look at her.

Bianca was speechless and the blush she had managed to hide spread across her whole face. Aiden noticed this because he grinned and pinched her thigh playfully.

“I understood. Don't give yourself too much credit for nothing.” She tried to sound mean and sassy, but Aiden wasn't having it.

“Oh really? It's not good to tell lies. Weren't you taught any morals?” He said as his fingers traveled farther under her dress, rubbing circles on her thigh.

Bianca bit her lip in sweet agony at the feel of his hand on her. She tried to restrain her body from reacting, but Aiden wasn't fooled. He abruptly withdrew his hand as he drove into the parking lot.

“As much as I want to prove you wrong. I don't do sluts and I don't want you getting wet and squirting on my leather seat. Come with me.”

He didn't wait, as usual, but walked into the house with Bianca hot on his heels.

They walked in and Bianca was surprised to see everyone seated in the dining hall, waiting for them. She checked her watch and it was still ten minutes to eight.

"Aiden," Alex greeted him, his tone cautious. "I'm glad you could make it."

“You're late. As usual. You know, it still amazes me how you are always early to anything involving business but whenever it comes to family dinners and personal commitments, you are always late or absent.”

“Just so you know, we decided to have dinner without you.”

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," Aiden replied sarcastically, his smile not reaching his eyes.

“Alex! You're always accusing Aiden unjustly. It's still some minutes to eight and though dinner was scheduled by seven, he was probably held up by something urgent. Or maybe someone.”

Bianca concluded that this new voice didn't like her.