The Absolution of Aidan (The Syndicate Series Book 3) by Kathy Coopmans Page A

unwelcome guests. They’re unwelcome because I need to rush my ass to the bathroom and change my god darn panties. I may as well never wear a pair of them again.
    There went my plan from a few hours ago about keeping my head on straight and only wanting to parent with Aidan. That shit is never going to happen.
    “Nah. Alina and I have to get going. Dude, you moving in or what?” Roan approaches Aidan while I think, To hell with these guys, I’m having a drink . Walking the long way around the couch to avoid the hot male scent of Aidan, I approach the kitchen, place my hands on the counter, and take a deep, well-needed breath.
    “Hey. What’s wrong?” I can’t help but laugh, then lift my head to look into the eyes of my best friend.
    “I agreed to let him stay here. That’s what’s wrong.” Alina lets out a deep sigh, sensing what’s coming next. I brace myself for her talk.
    “I’m proud of you for letting him stay here. I’m sure it won’t be easy. Just keep telling yourself it’s for your son.” My mind knows it’s for my son, but my body sure as shit doesn’t, and herein lies the problem. I’m lonely, desperate to be touched by a man and not just any man, but by Aidan, and that shit scares the living hell out of me. I push back from the counter and tell her that in a quiet whisper, and what does the little bitch do? She laughs.
    “This is not funny, goddamn it,” I snap.
    “Oh, but Deidre, it so is. I remember a conversation similar to this not so long ago… now, wait for it. It went something like ‘my pussy being a bank vault and frozen.’” She waves her hand in my face then stifles her laugh with her hand over her mouth.
    “Oh no, you don’t. You will not throw my words in my face,” I say a little too loudly.
    “I would never do such a thing,” she leans in as if she has to tell me a secret. “Just so you know, my pussy is like one of those twenty-four hour bank ATM machines.”
    “You are such a slutty, little bitch. Now, come here.” I pull her in for a hug.
    “I’m scared,” I say into her ear.
    “I know, honey, but don’t be. Let things fall how they’re supposed to. If the two of you get together, then let it happen; if you don’t, then it doesn’t, but for god’s sake, Deidre, don’t fight it. The two of you made a beautiful little boy. Not to mention Aidan stepped right up to the plate. There aren’t many men who wouldn’t demand a paternity test or go right ahead and claim that the baby is theirs. That right there should show you what kind of man he is. ” Our arms stay locked around each other, confusion written on my face.
    “How do you know all this?” The only one who knows anything is my mom. And she’s as tight-lipped as they come.
    “Aidan called Roan the minute he left here. Told him everything. He’s happy about the baby. Not to mention he’s here, sweetie.” I stumble away from her and reach for a bottle of wine and a glass out of the wine rack.
    “He’ll be a great dad,” I reply unsteadily as I uncork the wine and pour half a glass.
    “Don’t be so stubborn.” Alina grabs the glass from my hand, taking her own healthy sip.
    “You ready, baby?” Roan peaks into the kitchen.
    “Yeah.” She hands me my glass back, kisses my cheek, and squeezes my arm. God, I’ve missed her. She’s always been the level-headed one in our friendship. I sigh once more and take another sip, contemplating her words. Aidan didn’t deny our son. He never questioned me once. It’s just that for once in my life, I need more than sex from a man. I want a family. Someone to take care of and for him to take care of me. I’m not sure if Aidan is the man for it.
    We undoubtedly have a physical attraction to each other, which is important in any relationship. But the question is if he ever wants more than that.
    By the time I make it back to the living room, everyone is gone. The room is quiet. My boy isn’t on the floor anymore, either.
    I place my glass on