Chapter 208
“You have a visitor.”
Bailey looked up from her computer screen, and frowned. “A visitor?” she asked the slender receptionist. “That’s impossible.”
No one knew she worked in the FBI office here, so who could it be?
“Is it a client?” Bailey asked, curiosity already simmering.
“I don’t know,” the receptionist said, shrugging. “But she’s hot.”
Bailey’s stomach sank. There was only one hot woman who might come looking for her. One she had been ignoring for days.
“Thanks, V,” she said, standing up.
“No problem,” V replied and walked off.
Anxiety surged inside her. As much as she was annoyed that Aaliyah had come to the Bureau office–which could potentially blow off her cover- she was eager to see her.
She ran a hand through her hair quickly and opened the door. The reception area was down a long hallway, and she found herself walking twice as fast to reach it.
When she passed the general office, filled with officers, all of them paused to look at her.
Oh, she knew that look. That teasing, hungry look.
“She’s mine,” Bailey growled, earning a couple of “wows” and desk claps.
Quinn found her, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Uhmm, I see why now.”
Quinn was the only one she told deeply about her and Aaliyah. She had spent nights in the hotel room, crying her eyes out, wishing things could be better.
To save herself from going crazy, she had confided in him.
She nudged his shoulder playfully. “Get lost.”
He chuckled as she continued toward the reception.
Just as she suspected, it was Aaliyah, and her heart skipped a beat.
Aaliyah wore a simple yellow top and jeans, but there was nothing simple about her presence, her curves, her permed hair, and those eyes watching her now.
Bailey cleared her throat as she approached. “Hi.”
Aaliyah smiled shyly, her cheeks pink. “Hi.”
“What are you doing here?”
“I’m sorry for showing up at your work, but I had to see you,” Aaliyah said, clutching her bag. “You haven’t been picking up my calls.”
Bailey frowned, her heart reminding her of the reason for the distance. “Well, you should’ve gotten the message. I don’t like that you’re here. What if you were followed? You could’ve ruined everything.”
“I wasn’t followed,” Aaliyah said quickly, reaching for Bailey’s hand. “Well… except for some press,”
The touch sent a rush of emotions through Bailey, and her knees almost gave out, but she steadied herself.
“Why would the press follow you?” she asked. Then, her thoughts drifted. “What happened? Are you safe?”
Aaliyah chuckled. “Yes, I’m safe. I… did it.”
Bailey raised a brow. “Did what?”
Instead of answering, Aaliyah pulled a small red book from her bag and handed it over. “I did this.”
Bailey’s confusion deepened, but she took the book. She opened it, and her heart pounded.
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Chapter 208
It was a photo diary with pictures of Aaliyah looking sexy, confident and beautiful.
“Read the back,” Aaliyah said.
Bailey flipped to the final page and read aloud: “Aaliyah Salvatore: The next level of…” She trailed off, realization dawning on her. “You came out?”
Tears welled in Aaliyah’s eyes as she nodded. “I did.”
Bailey’s heart dropped; not because the news wasn’t good, but because she knew what it meant. The tears. The freedom. The courage,
“Oh, baby,” Bailey whispered, opening her arms.
Aaliyah collapsed into them.
Bailey rubbed her back, her own body reacting to the familiarity. She let the position linger for a while before she spoke again. “When do you intend to release it?”
Aaliyah straightened up, wiping her eyes. “It’s already out.”
Bailey’s eyes widened. “It is? So… your parents…”
“They know,” Aaliyah laughed. “The whole world knows. It’s trending everywhere. I guess Ivy’s name carries fame of its own.”
“It was Ivy who packaged it? Nice,” Bailey smiled. “But… how do you feel?”
Aaliyah exhaled deeply. Her eyes lit up before a smile curved her lips. “Free. Better. I’m not afraid anymore.”
“I’m happy for you,” Bailey said warmly.
Aaliyah moved closer, touching Bailey’s arm again. An officer passed, glancing at them. Bailey expected Aaliyah to pull away like she used to–but she didn’t.
And it felt good. Too good, almost driving her to tears.
“I told my parents about us,” Aaliyah said, “and they’ve invited us for dinner tonight.”
Bailey blinked. “Tonight?”
“Yes. Unless… you’re busy?”
“No, no,” Bailey said quickly. “It’s just… I’m surprised, that’s all.”
“I know. And I’m sorry, Bai. Sorry it took me so long. I was fighting myself, afraid of what I haven’t tried, and I dragged you along.”
Bailey softened. She moved closer, gently playing with Aaliyah’s hair. “It’s okay. I’m just glad you’re free.”
Aaliyah nodded and kissed her. It was unexpected, but electric.
Bailey deepened the kiss, her hunger rising. “Do you want to dip? I can.”
Aaliyah kissed her again. “As much as I want to, that’s not why I came.” Then her voice dropped. “I love you Bai, and I miss you so much. But I’m not doing anything with you, until you’ve seen my parents.”
“But I don’t-”
“I mind,” Aaliyah interrupted gently. “And I want to prove that this isn’t about sex.”
Bailey nodded slowly. “Yeah…. I get it.”
Aaliyah smiled. “Get ready by 7. I’ll come pick you up.”
“I’ll send the address.”
They kissed again before Aaliyah whispered, “Bye. I love you.”
“I love you too,” Bailey said.
She walked her out and waited until Aaliyah was gone before heading back inside.
As she returned to the office, the officers greeted her with claps and whistles.
“Do you know who her father is? Girl, you’re made!” Quinn teased.
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Chapter 208
“Her father is Mr. Salvatore,” Bailey replied, walking away.
“Great job, smarty–pants!” Quinn called after her.
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She chuckled but didn’t look back. Once inside her office, she dove back into work, finishing three hours later.
Right after work, she texted Aaliyah her hotel address and got ready. She picked a black dinner gown first, but changed into a black suit because she didn’t want to wear heels.
A while later, Aaliyah texted that she was downstairs.
Bailey finished her makeup and headed out. Aaliyah was in the
car, dressed
in
a black gown, looking gorgeous as ever.
“Oh, someone finally used the hair tips I gave,” Aaliyah teased as Bailey got in.
“Don’t flatter yourself. This look is for your parents.”
“Well, aren’t I a lucky girl,” Aaliyah said, leaning in to kiss her.
Bailey’s hand instinctively reached for Aaliyah’s breasts. She felt Aaliyah shudder when her hands fought her erect nipple,
“Don’t,” Aaliyah said, pulling back.
“Are you sure you don’t want to make out?” Bailey asked, her voice husky.
“I’m sure,” Aaliyah chuckled.
Bailey straightened up but didn’t give up. “My tongue is aching for you.”
“Bailey.”
She laughed. “You want me too.”
“I didn’t deny it.”
“I can use my fingers until you come on your car seat.”
“Bailey!”
Bailey laughed harder. “Fine. Dinner first, then sex later.”
“I like that,” Aaliyah said, finally starting the car.
The ride was filled with laughter, conversation, and catching up on all the things they had both missed.
When they arrived, Bailey stared in awe at the massive mansion. Emotions settled inside her, threatening to burst out.
Aaliyah chuckled, parking the car properly. “Easy. They don’t bite.”
Bailey turned to her. “I knew your dad was rich… but this…”
“Don’t judge just yet.” Aaliyah said, squeezing her hand. Then she leaned in and kissed her. “I got you, baby.”
Bailey nodded and stepped out of the car. Aaliyah came around and adjusted her suit jacket.
“You look great, babe.”
They kissed again and held hands. Just as they were about to enter, Bailey’s phone rang.
She checked the screen, and frowned when she saw it was Quinn. “I have to take this, sorry babe.”
“It’s okay,” Aaliyah said softly.
Hey, Quinn. What’s up?”
“I just got information that Mateo Castro has been spotted at a club called Night bird,” Quinn said.
Bailey gasped, her stomach clenching. Night bird was Uncle Mike’s club.
“I know, right?” Quinn added. “You’re coming, yeah?”
Her chest tightened as an unsettling thought seeped in.
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Chapter 208
Was this a coincidence that the Stone family was yet again connected to Mateo Castro?
Only one way to find out.
“Yes. I’m on my way,” Bailey replied.
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