Touched (21 page)

“That’s understandable and thank you Sloan for sharing this with me.” I said, unsure as to the truth in those words.

“You’re welcome. Hey … you know Allison will be here tomorrow. Maybe we can do a girls outing, excluding Mother of course, she added.

“That sounds like fun.” Although I liked Sloan, Allison had found a place in my heart almost the instant I’d met her and her presence would certainly make this trip much brighter.

Sloan and I started discussing the launch of The Writer when her phone rang and she excused herself. I had a feeling she’d be a while based on her facial expressions as she listened to the caller. I sat quietly in the room watching the flames dance in the fireplace as I sipped my wine and considered what I was in for if I intended to remain with Aiden.

*****

I was bored and went in search of Aiden, I was walking by the study; I had no intention of eavesdropping but the words rang out.

“You’re me now ... have you accepted that?” Connor asked.

“You’ve given me little to no choice,” Aiden replied, bitterly.

“Aiden, when will you stop with this resistance?”

“One son resists, yet you force it upon him. The other is eager to assume the role, yet you spit on him,” Nicholas said.

“I don’t know why you bother Nicholas,” Connor stated.

“Because I’m your son. Obviously not your favorite one but I
am
the one who really wants this. I don’t treat it like a burden as Aiden does,” Nicholas replied. I could hear the resentment in his voice.

“And you feel that entitles you to what exactly?” Connor asked.

“A position of authority … a chance.”

“Nicholas, I know you think I favor your brother to you. That simply isn’t the case. I’m doing what’s best for the viability of Raine Industries and you don’t have the foresight or the aptitude to be at the helm of this company son.”

“How the hell do you think Aiden does? Because you’ve groomed him for years while Sloan and I sat on the wayside,” Nicholas responded, indignantly.

“Nicholas, calm down,” Aiden said.

“This is bullshit Aiden and you know it as well as I do,” Nicholas said.

“I practically built an empire from the ground up but it means nothing if I can’t pass this on to someone who can do it justice … to carry on the family name and the family tradition. Both of you … hell this entire family has known for years that Aiden is that someone,” Connor said. He’d started to raise his voice.

“Dad, Nicholas is right. I’ve seen him lately and he has become quite the businessman. I’m very impressed and if you take the time to truly review his contributions, you would be also. You shouldn’t so readily dismiss his abilities,” Aiden stated.

“I’ve received glowing reports on both Nicholas and Sloan from you Aiden, but you … you have responsibilities to the family – to the business. I’ve been more than understanding of the goofing off with these other businesses of yours but I need you here. I need you to stop playing around.”

“Playing around? Those companies are important to me but you wouldn’t know it because I’ve
delegated
all of my playing around, as you put it, so that I could take the reins of this company. This was to be temporary but you insist on making it permanent.”

“You speak as if this is news to you son. You knew this was coming, yet now you reject it. I can’t help but think that you’re resistant because of the other distractions in your life.”

“Just say it. You’re referring to Aria. She’s off limits to this discussion,” Aiden warned.

“Just as I suspected,” Connor replied.

“I’m not your only offspring. Nicholas is anxious to take over and hell, he’d date and possibly marry someone of whom you would approve. So would Sloan for that matter.”

“Son you’re getting off track here that’s not what I’m saying. I don’t need to approve of who you date but I would prefer it be someone who doesn’t bring about a disruption to your obligations to this family.”

I didn’t want to hear anymore. I walked upstairs to ready myself for bed. I wanted to go home.

*****

I felt a light kiss on my cheek and opened my eyes to see my handsome king. I’d fallen asleep fully dressed. “You did it,” Aiden said, smiling at me.

“Did what?” I asked.

“Survived a night at my family home,” he replied.

I wasn’t so sure that I had. I was exposed to more than I’d expected. Although I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about it, I could see how being a member of the Raine family could be a huge undertaking. I had actually started to see why Aiden had made some of the choices that he’d made in regards to skipping out on the family name ever so often.

I had watched how Aiden interacted with his family and their affection for each other was apparent but so were the carefulness and the structure. Months ago when he’d made an attempt to explain his reasons for deceiving me, he’d mentioned that I didn’t understand the misery of what accompanies the Raine name. At the time, I’d had no empathy. I’d felt that his issues with his privileged life were inconsequential but after the few encounters I’d witnessed and especially after today, I was sympathetic to his ordeal. I was damn near close to understanding how he must have looked forward to escaping his identity.

“I cringed when Dad brought up the
Aiden Wyatt
thing. You know that, right?”

“I figured as much, but it’s okay Aiden. I’m past that.
We’re
past that.”

“You really mean that don’t you?”

“Yes, I do. Why do you sound so surprised?” I asked.

“Because I know what it cost you. I know what wounds it opened.”

“Yes, it did. It was horrible for me. It took me to a place that I couldn’t share with anyone, not even April, which was odd because I used to tell her everything.” I think I was starting to see that I didn’t have to place everything into one person. April would always be a great friend but I could now see that we had both been crutches for each other and that wasn’t the type of friendship that I wanted anymore; it wasn’t healthy. I wanted a friendship based on the simple desire to be friends, not one in which we were place holders until something or someone came along to make one of us not need the other as much.

“How did you forgive me? How did you get past it?” he asked.

“I realized that what you
did
is not who you
are
,” I replied.

He took me into his arms and held me. I sighed and rested my head against his chest. This felt good, it felt right.

“I don’t think your parents want me here,” I said.

“I told you, don’t worry about them.”

“That’s easy for you to say, they actually like you,” I said, jokingly.

“I know you don’t think so, but they do like you Aria. I wouldn’t have brought you here otherwise. They just want what they want but once they see they aren’t getting it, they’ll come around.”

“Will it always be so hard? Will we have to always fight everyone to be together?” I asked.

“What? You don’t think I’m worth the fight?” he asked.

“Worth the fuck, without a doubt. But the fight? Eh, I don’t know,” I replied.

“You and that mouth. It’s lucky for you it’s good for much more than foul language and smart comments or you’d be in trouble.”

“Maybe I like being in trouble. Maybe I want to be punished,” I said.

“Maybe you should be punished,” he replied, sitting up. He grabbed me and tossed me face down on the bed.

“Don’t move,” he said.

I looked over my shoulder at him. “Hey, I was only kidding,” I said.

“Well, I wasn’t.”

“Are you really going to punish me?” I asked.

“Do you really question if I’m worth the fight?” he asked.

I didn’t say anything.

“Just as I thought, therefore a little reminder is necessary. You’ll never question if I’m worth the fight once I’m done with you.”

He reached over to pull at my pants and lifted me up to access the button and zipper. He had me out of my pants in one swift tug.  He positioned me on my knees and before I had a chance to take in what was happening. He smacked me hard on the butt.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

The next morning, I awoke snuggled with the man who had mercilessly spanked my ass the night before. Aiden continued to shock me. He’d once said, that he hoped I would stick around to get to know more about him and despite the unpleasant parts, I’m glad I did. He needn’t worry. I wasn’t going anywhere.

I sighed happily as his arms tightened around me.  “Good morning, Princess,” he said, placing his cheek on the nape of my neck.

“Good morning Mr. Worth The Fight,” I said, grinning.

I felt him smile on my neck. “See you can be taught.”

“My backside tends to agree with you, sir.”

He turned me to face him and I watched as his eyes darted my face. “You’re okay?” he asked.

“Yes, I’m better than okay. I was making one of those smart comments that I’ve become famous for,” I said.

“You know I don’t like when you joke around about that shit, Aria.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t know why you get so touchy about it.”

“Because I don’t want to do anything you’re not okay with and I especially don’t want to hurt you. When you make comments like that, it puts me on edge.”

“When you spank me, it puts me on edge … in a good way.”

He planted a small kiss on my cheek. “Let’s get showered, dressed and downstairs for breakfast.”

I moaned as I sat up in bed.

“I know, I know. On the bright side, it’s only one more day,” he said, kissing my hair.

“I’m glad you’re here with me. It makes it almost bearable,” he said.

“Can I ask you something?” I asked.

“Anything.”

“Why does your family treat you so strangely?”

He laughed. “What do you mean?”

“I don’t know. It’s weird. It’s as if you’re the second coming or something.”

He sighed and I could see the tension my statement caused.

“Aria, I’ve told you. They expect a lot of me. They always have.”

“Yes, but why? It’s not as if you don’t have other siblings. Two of which would gladly ascend to the throne.”

“What? Why do you say that?”

“Sloan and I had a talk yesterday and she sort of cued me in on some things.”

“Sloan needs to keep her damn mouth shut,” he replied, as he walked past me to the bathroom.

What the hell? Was he upset with me now? I followed him to the bathroom entering just as he stepped into the shower.  I didn’t know if I should get in with him considering his abrupt change in moods. I surveyed him through the glass. From head to toe, he was visual overload. My pull to him overtook my reservations and I stepped into the shower behind him.

He turned and looked at me, raking his eyes over my nakedness as I positioned myself below the second showerhead. He moved closer and looked down at me. What was he thinking? His eyes darkened and he stepped closer and pressed me flush against the cold marble wall. He lifted my face to his and sealed his mouth over mine, assaulting my senses with a deep probing kiss, parting my lips and stroking deeply into my mouth.
He reached down between my legs and pushed a finger inside me. The things this man did to my body should have been illegal. His touch was electric, like heated bolts of lust penetrating my skin. He stepped back and looked at me as he pushed a second finger in and out of me, watching as I started to lose control. He touched a sensitive spot that made me shutter and I pressed my head against the wall and closed my eyes.

“Look at me,” he demanded.

I lifted my head and met his eyes. They were molten pools of lust. His pupils dilated as his irritation with me morphed into desire.

He had me right where he wanted me and I didn’t care. The unrestrained sexual craving overtook every other feeling. This was the only feeling that mattered at this moment. All I cared about was the feel of his fingers violently fucking my aching pussy and the sensations that flowed through my body. I started to tense and within seconds I was cumming on his fingers, panting and moaning as I stared into his eyes.  He dropped to his knees and lifted my leg, placing it over his shoulder and started licking my pussy like a starved man.

*****

“How many other women have slept in your bed?” I asked.

“Why would you ask me something like that?” he asked, not looking at me.

“Are you going to answer?” I asked.

“No,” he replied.

“Why?”

“You shouldn’t concern yourself with things like that,” he said, turning to face me. His eyes traveled  down the length of my naked body as he walked past me.

I don’t know why I asked him that ridiculous question. Sloan … damn you. I wish she’d kept all of her information to herself. It provided me with more questions than answers. And so far, I was batting zero.

I saw Aiden pull on a pair of jeans so I figured I’d follow his lead dressing in jeans and a white blouse. I went to the bathroom to do my hair and makeup. I thought about wearing it loose around my shoulders but I could see that this wasn’t going to be a good hair day so I pulled it into a loose ponytail high on my head, teased it to give it some volume and a messy texture and pulled a few rogue pieces out around my face.

Aiden was on the phone when I walked into the bedroom. I stepped out in the hallway to look around as I waited.  Each level of the five-story mansion offered delightful details that spoke to the Raines’ massive wealth. I wondered down to the second floor to see the room that Sienna had mentioned.  Most of the rooms on this floor were bedrooms, each with a theme for every taste and the one she’d chosen for me was absolutely beautiful, decorated in a vibrant floral motif. It was something out of a magazine but then again, the entire house was probably featured in luxury home magazines on a routine basis.

Aiden found me wondering about and led me downstairs for breakfast. I felt self-conscious going downstairs, as if everyone had heard us.

“What’s wrong, Aria?” Aiden asked.

“Nothing.”

“Then why do you look like that?” he asked.

“Like what?”

“Like something
is
wrong,” he replied.

“It’s silly actually. I feel as though everyone, especially your mom, heard us last night; I was quite loud.”

He grinned.

“It’s not funny,” I said, slapping his arm.

“I told you to keep quiet but I guess you couldn’t help yourself. That’s what happens when you get good cock.”

“Ugh. You ass!” I said, laughing.

We walked into the dining room and Sienna was the first one to greet us.

“Good morning you two.”

“Good morning.” We replied in unison.

“How did you sleep, Aria?” she asked.

Not at all. Your son fucked me all night. “I slept very well. Thank you.”

Did she know? Had she really heard us? I looked up to see Aiden grinning and I wanted to die.

“What’s so funny Aiden?” Sienna asked.

“Just thinking about something I heard last night, Mother.”

I was excited to see that Allison had shown up. She rushed over to embrace me and her brother. My excitement was mingled with a tinge of upset when she mentioned that the Lanes were expected later; they were flying in for the charity event tomorrow.

“Where is everyone?” Aiden asked, as he helped his mother with her chair.

“Something on the news caught their attention, they should be here any second,” she replied.

As if on cue, the remaining members of the Raine family came strolling into the room.

After breakfast I went to the restroom to wash up and came out to see that Michelle and Allen had arrived. I didn’t see Nadia so hopefully she wouldn’t be coming. We exchanged pleasantries and when the subject of tomorrow’s charity event came up, Aiden pulled me aside.

“How about we go for a tour of the grounds,” Aiden suggested.

“Sure, let me grab my jacket and phone first.” I needed my phone close to keep check on my sisters. I walked upstairs and opened the door to Aiden’s bedroom and the darkness of the room shocked me. Why would the block-out curtains be closed this time of day? As I reached for the light switch, someone spoke.

“I was hoping you’d gotten my message.”

I flipped on the lights to see Nadia lying naked in Aiden’s bed. “What the hell?”

“What are
you
doing here?” she asked.

“I think that’s a question I should be asking you,” I said, stalking towards her. I’d had about enough. I was about to strangle that bitch.

“Aria, change of plans. How about a ride before –” Aiden entered the room and stopped mid-sentence upon seeing Nadia lying on his bed.“What the hell is going on?” he demanded.

Nadia directed her attention to Aiden, her eyes glistening with salacity as they coveted his irresistible frame.  I watched Aiden’s reaction to her. His frustration with the shameless redhead was immediate.  He walked past me and tossed her the robe that was lying near the foot of the bed. “Cover yourself,” he ordered.

He turned to face me as Nadia reached for the robe. “Aria, can you give us a moment?” he asked.

Was he serious? Hell no, I could not give them a moment.  I gawked at him ... dumbfounded by his request. “I can give you the entire fucking day. I’m going home,” I said, walking past him. I grabbed my purse from the chair near the bed. I knew he was upset but I didn’t give a damn because so was I. I walked past him.

“Aria –”

“Aiden, don’t,” I said.

He grabbed my arm and I tried to shrug him off but he held tightly.

“Let go,” I demanded.

“Why? So you can run? You’re not going anywhere.”

He ushered me outside the door and closed it. “Please let go of my arm.”

“Will you stay if I do?” he asked.

“Hell no. All things considered, whatever you need to say to that bitch can be said in front of me.”

“I know that Aria. It’s just that she and her family have been very close with my family for years. I’m sure she’s humiliated at this point and I was hoping to avoid embarrassing her further.  I thought it would be easier if she didn’t have an audience.”

“Oh, so you’re concerned about making it easier for her? Are you fucking kidding me?”

“It’s not like that Aria.”

“Then why don’t you tell me how it is Aiden?”

“How can I if you’re planning to leave?”

I sighed. It was one obstacle after another with him. I was quickly tiring of this dynamic.

“Will you stay?” he asked.

He saw the stubbornness in my eyes. I was not backing down on this.

“If talking to her together is the only way to remedy this, I’ll do it. Just don’t leave.”

“Fine, I’ll stay,” I replied, indignantly.

He breathed a sigh of relief. “Why do you fight me on everything?” he asked, leaning over to kiss me softly on the lips. He grabbed my hand and turned to open the door to his bedroom.

I was surprised to see that Nadia at least had the decency to put on the robe. She was sitting on the edge of the bed with her legs crossed. Her eyes were immediately on Aiden’s face and then dropped to our intertwined fingers. Her cheeks reddened.

“Nadia, I’m not sure what you expected to happen but I thought I made it clear that you and I are just friends,” Aiden said.

“It’s fine Aiden. No need to hash out the dynamics of our relationship in front of others,” she said. My fingers tightened around his. I knew he was aware that I was about to let her have it.

“Nadia, you know how important Aria is to me. I’ve made no secret of that. And I’m pretty sure that you know she’s here as my guest and this was very disrespectful to her. I’m not asking that the two of you get along but you will respect her. Are we clear?”

“I’m sorry Aiden and, of course, you too, Aria. I wasn’t aware that you two had transitioned to more than business associates. Well, as fun as this has been, I think I’ll run. I do hope I get the chance to speak with you in private, Aiden. Unlike you, I think this is between the two of us.” She stood and tossed a hateful look at me and walked past us.

That bitch! I could have pulled her red flames out by the roots. I yanked my hand from his and turned to face him.

“What. The. Fuck? Are you going to let her just waltz out of here saying shit like that?”

“Aria, I can’t control what she says any more than you can,” he replied, angrily shoving his hand through his hair.

“And it’s so fucked that she’s even here,” I said.

“I can’t very well tell her not to come to a home that’s not mine.”

“So, is there anything you would like to tell me? Because this was not some random act of lust on her part.” I said.

“What do you mean?” Aiden asked, walking over to close the door.

“You know what I mean. I’m asking if you had sex with her.”

“Aria, I don’t want to discuss Nadia with you,” he said.

“Did you fuck her?” I asked, calmly.