Page 50 of Bitter Lies

“Not at all.” The detective shakes his head, flips his notebook closed, and looks at me. “I’m sorry for your loss, ma’am. Please know that we’ll do everything in our power to uncover who did this to your grandfather.”

His eyes shift to Aiden. “I’m assuming the Doyles will as well.”

A beat passes.

“If I have any more questions, I’ll be in touch. Have a nice day.”

He doesn’t give me a chance to ask what the fuck that was all about before he walks out.

That was odd. Now I have even more questions. I know the Doyles have connections, but what does that have to do with my grandfather? To my knowledge, he isn’t associated with Trent Doyle.

But then again, Aiden was at the penthouse with someone. Was it Trent or Silas? And why would either man have business with my grandfather?

“What was that all about?” I brush away the tears rolling down my cheeks. “As soon as you mentioned Mr. Doyle, he was ready to bolt.”

Ignoring me, Aiden leans down and cups my face. “I’m sorry about your grandfather. Whoever did this will be found and made to pay. You have my word.”

I don’t like the sound of that. “Aiden.”

He silences me with a kiss, leaving me confused and speechless. So much has happened, and I don’t know how to process the affection he’s suddenly giving me.

Aiden’s gaze is intense, his eyes boring into mine. “You can trust me, Izzy. Please, just let me handle this.”

Our eyes lock, and I see past the mask. The man beneath it. The one I shouldn’t trust but do. I’ve seen that look before in the men sworn to protect my family. Those men always told me to trust my gut, and my gut is screaming that Aiden is trustworthy. So, I listen.

“Okay,” I sigh, not sure why he has me this twisted in knots when I’ve only just met him. “As long as you promise to keep me in the loop.”

He doesn’t promise. Instead, he shifts the conversation, grounding me again. “Let’s get Dr. Hoyt to come check on you and give us an update on your grandmother.”

He smiles, and I melt, already knowing how rare those are. “You should know Alma likes me.”

I cough, and it has nothing to do with all the smoke I inhaled. “I know. She couldn’t stop talking about you last night.”

He winks and then waves down a nurse. While he waits, he shrugs. “It’s a common issue. Most women fall hard and fast. Not that I give a damn.”

“Do they?” This will ruffle his feathers, but someone needs to give him a reality check. “Weak women, maybe. Good thing I’m not a weak woman.”

It’s a lie, but he doesn’t need to know that. His effect on me is maddening. I’ve never been this irrational or consumed by someone before.

“Is that so? Should I prove you wrong?” Aiden growls, and I curse my body for reacting.

My nipples harden, and with this flimsy tank, I have no doubt he can see them. I should’ve kept my robe on, but the smoke clinging to it was unbearable.

He smirks, then surprises me with his honesty. “You shouldn’t lie to a man like me. I’ll ruin you and then leave. My life doesn’t have space for anything beyond an occasional fuck. So, unless that’s what you’re looking for, then don’t toy with me.”

A phone rings, cutting through the silence before I can respond.

He pulls it from his pocket and brings it to his ear. “I’ll call you back. Give me five minutes.”

I’m fuming, and the second he hangs up, I lash out, fed up with his mixed signals. “And if I do?”

“Then I suggest you prepare yourself.” His eyes darken, no hint of shame. “I’ve warned you. Now you know the risk, should you keep playing this game with me. I’m not a good man, Isabel. I won’t hold back or be gentle. You’ll get my best, and that could destroy us both.”

He checks his phone again, like he needs the distraction. “I’ll be back in twenty.”

And just like that, he’s gone. The silence stretches. He warns me away but then tempts me in the same breath.

He’s a walking contradiction… and I’m just naïve enough to fall straight into his trap.