Secrets Abound (Supernaturally Bound Book 1) (29 page)

“Did you have fun tonight?” I asked Aiden.

“Did
you
?” His tone held accusations.

“It’s not what you think.” I rolled my eyes at him. “But yeah, I had fun.” His scowl stayed put. “Gee, Aiden, what do you want from me? I mean, you broke up with
me
? Did you think I just wouldn’t date anyone else?”

“I was sort of hoping.” He gave me a side smile.

“And that right there is why you are
so
frustrating.” I told him.

“What?”

“Your back and forth shit. You kiss me, then pull away. We make out and you seem into it and then you just randomly pull away, again. Then, you break up with me, but you act jealous when I’m with Eli. What is it that you want, Aiden?” I was irritated by this point.

“I don’t know.” He muttered.

“Well, here’s a tip. Next time, figure it out before you lead a girl on.” With that I got up and left the room.

He didn’t try to follow me out. Back in the bedroom, I stared down at Eli’s sleeping body. He was smiling to himself, so he must’ve been having a pleasant dream. I crawled into bed next to him. He felt so warm I wished I could wrap him all around me. I settled for just his arm and fell back asleep.

Eli

Eli smiled to himself when he heard Bridget and Aiden’s conversation. Satisfaction filled him at the sound of the insecurity in Aiden’s usually cool voice. Eli’s entire family had attempted to bring Aiden down multiple times and it turned out his Achilles’ heel was a
girl?
It might’ve been poetic if it wasn’t just so damn pathetic. There were two things Eli was certain of by now. That Aiden was ordered to protect Bridget and that Aiden had fallen for her, two things that Eli had been using to keep Aiden right where he wanted.

Eli heard the bedroom door creak open and felt Bridget crawl into bed next to him. His pulse increased as she curled up against him. He was shocked by his reaction to her mere proximity. What was going on with him? He had been trying to convince himself it was simple lust and nothing more that he felt for her, but was it? When he found her in the woods, he had feared the worst. Her skin was so pale and turning blue. The distress that had grabbed hold of him that night hadn’t been from lust. He was terrified she was dead. A sharp pain had sliced through his chest at the notion. He had never expected to care so much for her, but somewhere along the way, it had happened.

The thought of this charade being over and not being with Bridget anymore made him ache in a way he’d never felt before. Maybe, there was a way to use her against Aiden without hurting her. Maybe, they could still be together, after everything.

Bridget

We woke up the next day around noon. The bed was so warm and comfortable I didn’t want to leave it, so Eli and I watched TV for an hour or so. It was pleasant hanging out in bed with him. We finally dragged ourselves out when Eli got a text from Hail saying they’d be at the hotel in a few hours. Their band was performing at a local bar tonight, and I couldn’t have been more ecstatic to see them play. If the rest of them were half as talented as Eli, then they were going to be magnificent.

While Eli showered, I ventured into Cassie’s room to see how she was doing. Not surprisingly, she was still sleeping. I crawled into the bed next to her and began nudging her awake. She let out a whine and rolled over.

“Cass, it’s already two. Are you going to sleep all day?” I whispered, continuing to shake her arm. She rolled over and peeked out the tiny slits of her eyelids. “Here.” I handed her a couple of painkillers and a bottle of water.

“I feel like someone beat my head with a bat.” She murmured as she took the medicine.

“I can imagine.” I gave her a smile. “You were wasted. Do you remember anything from last night?”

“Yeah, kind of, I think.” She muttered.

“You pissed me off last night.” I told her. Her eyes grew wide and filled with alarm.

“He told you? I’m so sorry, B. I was just so drunk, and you know how I get. I just kiss anyone who’s around. I didn’t mean it, and it was only like a second before he pulled away. It’s not like you guys are together or anything, but I know he’s your ex. I’m so sorry.” It took a moment for the meaning in her stream of words to click in, but once they did, I was fuming.

“You did
what?
” I leapt to my feet. “How could you?”

“Wait, isn’t that what you were talking about?” She asked.

“No, I was talking about how you called me lame. I didn’t know you
kissed
Aiden! How could you do that to me?” My voice became shrill. I was too lost in my anger to cover up my jealousy, which I knew I had no right to be feeling.

“Bridge, please don’t be mad. It was a
huge
mistake. I promise I won’t even so much as
talk
to him, again.” Her eyes were wide and pleading. My anger deflated, and I knew it was stupid to be irritated with her. Heck, my
boyfriend
was in the next room. I had no claim to Aiden, and it wasn’t like they had sex.

“No, don’t do that. It’s okay. I’m not mad.” I told her.

“You’re not?” She let out a sigh of relief.

“No. I mean, I’m with Eli now, so Aiden can kiss whoever he wants, I guess.” I smiled at her reassuringly.

“He didn’t kiss back at all, I swear.”

“It doesn’t matter.” I told her, but somehow, it did. “So, you hooked up with Hunter?” I asked changing the subject.

“Yeah.” She gave me a small grin. “It was awesome, too. Well, as awesome as it could be in a bathroom stall.”

“Ew.” I said pinching my face. “Anyway, the band has to be at the bar early for sound check, so I thought we could grab coffee.”

“Coffee sounds great.” She agreed.

The ride to the bar felt awkward with Aiden and Cassie. I hadn’t mentioned to him just yet that I knew about their kiss. We were in Aiden’s truck since he had volunteered to be the designated driver. I glanced over at him as he drove. I tried not to admire how sexy he was, so I stared down at my high heels. Cassie and I had never been to this bar before, so we weren’t sure how to dress. We ultimately went with skirts and heels. I thought I caught Aiden’s eyes glance at my legs once, but it was too quick to be certain. I could see the sign for the bar once we were only a block away. It read “Sméagol’s” in red lit up letters.

They let us in the door without a second glance at our IDs. The bar was already packed. We were lucky to find a table to sit at. Aiden disappeared to buy us drinks. My eyes searched the stage for Eli and the band, but all I could see was Hail setting up the drums. I wanted to wish Eli luck before the show, so I decided to go search for him.

“Hey, I’ll be right back.” I told Cassie and headed toward the stage. “Hail, where is Eli.” I screamed over the loud bar sounds. He pointed to a door that led backstage. It didn’t take long to find their “dressing room” or whatever it was. Eli was strumming his guitar, making sure it was in tune and Grey was bouncing in a corner to get pumped up, I guessed. “Hey.” Eli’s face lit up when he saw me.

“Hey.” He set down his guitar and embraced me.

“I’ll just go do…something.” Grey said leaving us alone in the room.

“You’re here.” Eli whispered in my ear, causing my skin to tingle along my neck.

“I’m here.” I laughed. “I wanted to wish you luck before you went on.”

“You’re all the luck I need.” He closed the distance between our lips and gave me a kiss that was full of passion. “I have a present for you.”

“Where is it?” I asked, glancing around the miniscule room.

“I can’t give it to you yet, but you’ll know it when it happens.” He said ambiguously.

“Um…Okay.” I had not a clue what he was talking about. He broke into a smile.

“We go on in five.” Hail yelled through the door.

Eli gave me one more kiss before I headed back to the table where I had a martini waiting for me. A man wearing black slacks and a white button up shirt strutted on stage with a microphone in his hand.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to welcome a new up and coming band to our stage. Now, keep in mind that these guys are Sméagol’s virgins, so let’s be gentle with them. These are The Imposters!” He gestured behind him where the band was in place ready to play. Eli was in front with a microphone on a stand in front of him. His guitar dangled from the shoulder strap.

“It’s true. This is our first time here, but please, don’t be gentle.” He gave the audience his charming smile as Hail began drumming and Grey joined in on base.

The audience loved them. Their sound was unique, their songs were catchy, and I’m sure it didn’t hurt that they were all good looking. The first song they did was a cover, but the second one was an original. Cassie and I moved closer to the stage while Aiden stayed at the table, watching our purses.

Cassie and I were having a blast dancing together, our fight from earlier was completely forgotten. Eli couldn’t have been sexier singing and playing his guitar. He kept staring at me, but then he’d realize he was supposed to be singing to the audience, and he’d glance around, again. I loved the way he looked at me like I was the only other person in the room.

“I’d like to slow it down with this next song I wrote for a special someone. You know who you are.” Eli smiled at me.

All the air fled my lungs as our eyes met.
He wrote me a song?
My mind couldn’t even wrap itself around it. It was probably the sweetest thing anyone had ever done for me before.

“OMG! He totally wrote this song for you! That is so hot.” Cassie exclaimed.

The song was incredible, and I couldn’t wipe off the huge smile that had plastered itself to my face. When it was over, he gave me a questioning look to ask if I had liked it. I made a heart with my hands, and he nodded with a smile. They started playing another song as we headed back to the table. To my surprise, our seats had been filled by two girls flirting with Aiden. One of them gave a fake laugh flipping her hair over her shoulder. I rolled my eyes and strolled up to them.

“Those are our seats.” I asserted. Aiden’s eyebrows went up at my brazen rudeness, but I didn’t care. “Move, now.”

“Whatever.” They said simultaneously and left the seats. Cassie and I sat down without a word.

“You can follow your dates to the bar if you want.” I told Aiden, and his expression became amused.

“If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were jealous.” Aiden commented.

“No, Aiden, if I was jealous, then I’d be upset with you and Cassie for last night.” I said. Aiden’s expression dropped. “That’s right. I know you and Cassie kissed, but it’s fine. I don’t care.” Cassie sat silently. I could tell she didn’t know how this would play out and didn’t want to risk getting on my blacklist.

“I don’t know what you want me to say.” He tilted his head to the side, and a single curl fell across his forehead.

“There’s nothing to say, that’s my point.” I shifted away from them in my seat and watched the band. I knew I was being bitchy, but I got my point across. After a few minutes, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

“Can we talk for a second?” Aiden asked.

I glanced back at the stage, but they were starting to clean up, so I nodded. I followed Aiden into the parking lot and back to his truck. The wind was making the cold unbearable, so we crawled inside the truck.

“What do you want to talk about?” I twisted toward him.

“First, I want to clarify about last night. You saw how drunk Cassie was and-.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know, she already told me. She was drunk, you pulled away, blah, blah. It doesn’t matter. I’m not mad.” I shrugged.

“Okay, then.” He seemed to be stunned into silence by my response.

“What else was there?” I asked.

“I thought about what you said last night.” He stared out the windshield.

“And?”

“You were right. The way I’ve been acting isn’t fair to you. I’m sorry.” His voice was low as he said the words. I was shocked to hear him say that I had been right.

“Thank you.” I said, all attitude gone from my voice.

“From now on, I won’t make any more comments about your relationship with
him
. I still can’t stand the guy, and I’ll probably still punch his face in if he pisses me off, but no more comments or snide remarks. What you do with him is your business.” He said the last words slow like it was hard for him to say.

“Seriously? That’s your deal? You won’t make comments, but you might still punch him?” I laughed.

“That’s all I can give you.” He gave me a side smile. I knew it was more like that was all he was willing to offer.

“Then, I guess I’ll take it.”

“Did I tell you how much I loved that song?” I asked Eli, giving him a flirty smile. It was the next night, and we were on our way to Club Ice.

“You might’ve mentioned it once or twice.” He laughed.

It had probably been closer to twenty times, but I couldn’t help it. The fact that he had taken the time and effort to write a song for me meant so much. These last few days had truly brought us closer, and I was feeling myself becoming more enamored with him. Eli shot me a smile, and my heart did its flip thing it always did around him.

I was finally getting to wear the sexy red dress I had bought. The red high heels I was wearing pinched my toes, but the way they accentuated my legs was completely worth it. Especially, the way Eli kept casually glancing over at them like I didn’t notice. A smile played at my lips when his eyes lingered as I crossed my legs.

“See something you like?” I gave him a teasing smile.

“Oh, I see a lot of things I like.” He said, pulling my hand to his lips.

My pulse raced as they brushed my skin. I loved how clear he always was with his intentions. He wanted to be with me in every way and never tried to hide it. He didn’t play games with my head, unlike some people.

As we drove up in front of the club, Eli tossed his keys to the valet and made his way around the car, opening the door for me. I took his hand and we headed toward the line where everyone was waiting. I caught Aiden’s eyes briefly scan me before glancing away. I wasn’t the only one who noticed because Eli’s arm circled my waist and tugged me closer to him.

I hoped things went smoothly between the two of them, tonight. Ever since the night I’d met Eli, I’d felt torn in two. How could two people I cared about so much have such hostility toward each other? I needed to find out what started all this. Later, I would interrogate Eli for answers since Aiden wasn’t willing to fork any over.

The club was as surreal as I remembered it to be. The illusion of ice was mesmerizing as the strobe lights sparkled across everything. Hunter was behind the bar and gave Cassie a wink when he spotted us. She responded with a flirty wave of her fingers. Ryan seemed oblivious to it all as he left in search of a booth.

I felt sorry for him. He was holding out in hopes that Cassie might change which was sweet but remarkably naïve. Cassie was who she was and that would never change, not even for Ryan. Eli placed his hand on the small of my back and led me over to a booth in the corner that Ryan had found for us.

All the guys were discussing the drag race that was apparently the next night. Well, all the guys except Aiden who seemed uncomfortable in this crowd. It didn’t help that Grey and Hail kept shooting him dirty looks. Although they all tried to play it cool, I could tell the tension was still right below the surface. I gave an internal sigh at the realization that my friendship with Aiden would always have to be separate from my relationship with Eli.

“Ryan, come on. Let’s dance.” Cassie ordered.

“Hold on a second.” He turned back to Eli still talking about cars. Cassie stood with a huff.

“Whatever, Bridget and I’ll just go find new guys to dance with.” Cassie tugged me out of the booth.

Eli glanced over to me when she said that, and I gave him a shrug. Following Cassie to the dance floor, we started dancing with each other. A few seconds later, we spotted Aiden making his way to the bar. It must’ve been too awkward sitting with Eli. I felt bad that he was so uncomfortable here. As he passed by near us, Cassie grabbed his arm and yanked him over to us.

“Dance with us.” She shouted over the music.

Aiden glanced at me as if to read my reaction. I gave him a smile to show I didn’t mind. Maybe if he started dancing, he might have fun, and I wouldn’t feel so guilty for dragging him here.

“Okay.” He danced next to us.

I had never seen him dance before and was surprised at how good he was. For the first few minutes, we were all three dancing and laughing. Not long after that, some random guy started dancing behind Cassie. She twirled around and began dancing with him, shooting looks in Ryan’s direction. Of course, he wasn’t the only one she was putting on a show for. She kept glancing over at Hunter, too. I could feel a fight brewing. This wouldn’t be the first time Cassie had guys fighting over her, and I’m sure it wouldn’t be the last.

With Cassie now coupled off, Aiden and I were left dancing together. There was still a foot of distance between us at first, but the crowd shifted in and bumped us closer. My eyes flitted to his, and I hesitated before continuing to dance.

Aiden’s hands circle my waist and rested on my back as our bodies moved to the music. I tried to tell myself the change in my breathing was due to the dancing, but I knew better. Being this close to Aiden still affected me in ways I wished it didn’t. We both fell into a trance as if hypnotized by the music. His eyes gripped mine as we swayed together.

“What the hell are you doing?” I heard Eli say as he pushed Aiden away from me.
Oh, crap.
Snapping out of the moment, I realized how inappropriate this probably appeared.

“We were just dancing.” Aiden shot back at him, knocking his hand away.

“Yeah, with
my
girlfriend. And you were awful handsy for just dancing.” Eli gave Aiden’s chest another shove. I guess there
was
going to be a fight tonight, except Cassie wasn’t causing it. I was.

“Stop it.” I said, tugging at Eli’s shirt, but he ignored me completely.

Grey, Hail, and Ryan finally made an appearance. Hail held back Eli and Ryan held back Aiden, trying to break up the soon to be fight. Grey moved me back out of the way to a safer distance against my protests.

“She didn’t seem to have a problem with it.” Aiden taunted, and I could have smacked him.

Eli ripped free from Hail and grabbed Aiden by the shirt, shoving him back into a table. The table smashed underneath them as fists began to swing. The bouncers broke them up and grabbed all the guys, escorting them out of the club. I started to follow, but Cassie grabbed my arm.

“No, don’t let their stupidity ruin
our
night. This party just became girls only.” She smiled as Tiffany joined us. I reluctantly spun around and followed her to the bar. Hunter grinned as Cassie slid onto a stool right across from him.

“That was quite a scuffle. Can I assume it was over you?” He asked me, and my cheeks reddened.

“Yes it was.” Cassie answered since I didn’t.

“Well, what can you expect, coming to a club of ice dressed like fire? Someone was bound to have a meltdown.” He gave me a wink, and Cassie’s eyes narrowed.

“So, anyway, can we get tequila shots?” Cassie asked, directing the attention back to her. “I am way too sober for eleven o’clock.”

Sitting on the stool next to Cassie, I checked my phone, hoping there would be a text from Eli or Aiden, but there was nothing. I messaged Eli telling him Cassie was holding me hostage and asking if he wanted to meet up later.

Sure, whatever,
he texted back.

I bit down on my lip as guilt flooded through me. It was unusual to have Eli upset with me. He was always so nonchalant about everything that I wasn’t sure how to handle this side of him. I took a couple of shots with Cassie and Tiffany, but it did nothing for my mood.

I wanted to talk to Eli and regretted not following him out. I stared off into the crowd as Cassie chatted with Hunter. After a couple of hours, Cassie and Tiffany were hammered, so we left the club. They had their arms wrapped around each other as they stumbled down the sidewalk behind me.

“Let’s go to that bar down the street.” Tiffany said loudly.

“Yes!” Cassie agreed.

“I just really want to find Eli.” I told them.

“Fine, you go find Eli, and we’ll go to the bar.” Cassie tugged Tiffany toward the bar.

They disappeared through the door as I stared after them in disbelief. I was left by myself. Letting out a sigh of frustration, I whirled around heading back toward the club. I dug through my purse and realized I had forgotten to bring any money. I felt disgusted with how rapidly I had gotten used to having either Eli or Cassie pay for everything. With a taxi no longer an option, I headed in the direction of the hotel. I called Eli, but it went to voicemail.

“Hey, it’s me. I’m headed back to the hotel now, so… come by if you want to talk… I guess.” I hung up feeling deflated.

After a few blocks, I realized I had no idea where I was going, so I flopped down on a step outside an apartment. After I lit a cigarette, I searched for the hotel in my phone. It was fifteen miles away. The only option I had left was to call Aiden, but I knew that was a terrible idea. I exhaled a puff of smoke as I wondered when exactly my life got so damn complicated.
Everything used to be so simple.
Even as the thought passed through my head, I knew it wasn’t true. My life had never been simple. Bad luck followed me around since the day I was born.

Are you still in the area?
I messaged Aiden.

Yes, where are you?
He wrote back, instantly.

A block from the club.

I bit my lip as I stared down at Aiden’s text messages. If there was anyone in my life that I could count on, it was Aiden. No matter how pissed I was at him or how pissed he was at me, if I needed him, he was there, no matter what. It was something I could count on with one hundred percent certainty. It was more than I deserved most of the time. I wasn’t the easiest person to be friends with. I had a tendency to push people away, and Aiden was no exception. I had pushed him away more times than I could count, but he never went anywhere. He was far too stubborn.

A few minutes later, Aiden’s truck drove up to the curb in front of me. I put out my cigarette on the ground and hopped inside.

“Why are you out here by yourself?” Aiden asked.

“Cassie and Tiffany went to a bar, and I wanted to go back to the hotel.” I told him.

“You should’ve called me right away. You shouldn’t have taken off by yourself. This isn’t Waverly, Bridget. Lincoln is dangerous, especially now.” Aiden dragged a frustrated hand through his hair.

“Can you save the lecture for tomorrow? I’m seriously not in the mood.” I grunted.

“Yeah, as if you’ll listen to me any better tomorrow.” He teased in a lighter tone.

I gave him a small smile, but it was all I could muster. My mind kept running back to Eli. I probably stared at my phone for the entire twenty minutes it took us to get back to the hotel, but I never received a message.

Aiden followed me to my room. I asked him if he wanted coffee, and he stepped into the room after me. After starting a pot, I decided I needed to change and headed to the bedroom as Aiden sat on the couch. I slipped into a pair of shorts and a tank top since all I had in the pajama department was sexy. As I made my way back to the living area, I heard a knock on the door. I raced over to open it and found Eli standing there.

“Hey.” I tilted my head to one side.

“Hey.” He glanced over my shoulder to where Aiden was, and a scowl covered his face. “Are you freaking kidding me?” He twisted around and started back down the hall.

“Eli, wait!” I caught up to him as he pressed the button for the elevator. “He just gave me a ride back to the hotel. We literally just got here.”

“Why did you have him bring you back?” He still didn’t look at me, but instead pressed the button for the tenth time.

“Tiffany and Cassie ditched me. I didn’t have any money, and my boyfriend wouldn’t take my calls.” I shot back. He turned to me this time, his face softening. “Please, just come talk to me for a few minutes.”

He didn’t answer me, but strolled back to the room. He waited outside the door for me. I knew the last thing he wanted right now was to see Aiden.

“Wait for me in the bedroom, and I’ll get rid of Aiden.” I told him. He nodded and waltzed straight through the hotel room without as much as a glance in Aiden’s direction.

“Can we get a raincheck on the coffee? I need to talk to Eli, right now.” I said.

“Okay.” Aiden rose and moved to the door. “I’m right down the hall if you need me.” He gave me one last glance and left.

Taking a deep breath, I joined Eli in the bedroom. He was sitting on the edge of the bed. I had to push through my instinct to fight with him. I didn’t want to break up, and if I let my mouth run this conversation, that’s what would end up happening. I leaned against the wall, watching him in silence. He was staring out the window. His hair fell in his eyes, and I fought the urge to brush it away. When I didn’t say anything after a few moments, Eli finally moved his gaze to me, but I couldn’t read his expression.

“Eli, I…” I took a step closer to him. “I’m sorry.” I stopped myself from saying “but I wasn’t the only one in the wrong.”

He let out a long sigh and said, “I’m sorry, too.” I was surprised. I hadn’t expected him to apologize. The knot in my chest eased, and I sat down beside him on the bed.

“Aiden and I are just friends. That’s it.” I affirmed.

“I know that, but the way you were looking at him tonight…” He trailed off.