Touched (7 page)

“Did you expect anything less?” I asked.

“I can’t say that I did but in the future, you should take heed to my suggestions and trust that I know what’s best.”

“This is my job, not yours and I will not go along blindly with everything you say. I’m not one of your corporate neophytes who think you’re all-knowing.”

“It would appear I struck a nerve. That was not my intent. I only want what’s best for you. You know that, right?”

“Aiden, can we just dance in silence?”

The last time I’d danced with him, it resulted in him fucking me against the wall of a dark room on a yacht. I looked up when he didn’t answer. I was prepared to denounce anything inappropriate that he may have had in mind but I lost my words; my resolve weakened as soon as his eyes captured mine. His dark green eyes were as breathtaking and spellbinding as a thick blanket of stars; enchanting anyone who fell under his gaze. His eyes, just as his temperament, were strangely mercurial. At times, they were a brilliant emerald green, inviting you into his amazing world. And there were times when they were hooded with lust as they morphed into two dark smoldering pools of liquid green and then there were the times when he was angry, spitting green bolts of flashing fire.

He smiled as he looked down at me, the light was bouncing from his chiseled features; he was utterly jaw-dropping! His only blemish was that his brows often knitted in frustration, at least when it came to me. When I’d last seen him, he was sporting that sexy stubble but tonight he was clean-shaven. I wanted to lick the side of his face. Dancing with him was a very bad idea. 

“You’re nervous; don’t be. What do you expect me to do in a room filled with hundreds of people?”

Torture me. You seem to enjoy that, I thought, as I again was reminded of what happened on the dinner cruise.

“Well, one never knows with someone like you Aiden,” I replied bitterly.

“I suggest you drop the attitude Aria … and maybe go one step further and give the pretense of getting along,” he scolded.

“Is that an order, Mr. Raine?” I asked.

“If it needs to be, then yes.”

“Do you get a perverse kick out of exerting control over your employees?”

“Aria, you should really watch what comes out of your mouth,” he warned.

“Professionally, I intend to but privately, what comes out of my mouth isn’t something you will ever control,” I retorted.

“What about what goes into your mouth?” he asked.

“There’s nothing of yours that I want in my mouth.”

“So no pineapple? And here I thought you wanted to corner the market on that commodity.”

“Oh, I did until I found I was highly allergic so I’ve moved on to something that won’t give me cause for concern.”

“So it’s back to the battery operated boyfriend, I presume. That’s not enough for someone as sensual as you Aria.”

“Presume whatever you wish.”

“You’re so very beautiful Aria.  Does your B.O.B. tell you that? Does it kiss you or tell you how sweet you taste? Does it whisper the dirty things that you like to hear as it plunges deep inside that tight cunt of yours? I know how very wet you get when I tell you how hard I want to fuck you. And I’m certain your pussy is seeping for me right now. Tell me it’s not.”

Virginia’s quiet murmurs swiftly transitioned to pounding throbs “Will you please stop?”

“I can’t.”

“You mean you won’t.”

“No, I mean just what I said. I can’t. You’re a hard woman to forget.”

We stared at each other in silence. Now that I was engulfed in his aura, my mind was fluttering. He was a hard man to forget but no way was I telling him that.

“Enjoy your evening Aiden,” I said, when the song ended. I turned to leave but he reached for my arm, pulling me back.

“Can you at least give me a minute?” he asked.

“You just had several, so that would be a no.”

He placed his hand at the small of my back and pressed me forward. I reluctantly walked alongside him. As soon as we were away from the glare of prying eyes, he stopped and turned to face me.

“What is it?” I demanded. “What do you want Aiden?”

“You know what I want. I want you.”

“Is your date aware of that?” I asked.

“You’re the woman that I want to be with, Aria.”

“You say  you want me now…when you’re with me but as soon as you walk out the door, I have no idea of what you’re thinking, what you’re feeling, what’s real, what’s not … I can’t do that with you again.”

“Aria, you need to know that I feel the same way about you whether I’m in your presence or not, but I have responsibilities. I can’t devote all of my time to us. I don’t know if I would if I could. That’s just not who I am but you really need to trust me and trust my feelings for you.”

“Are you done? I don’t have the time or inclination to get lost in the revelries of a relationship, especially with you. Besides, the time for this particular conversation is several weeks too late.”

“It doesn’t have to be.”

“What we had is over,” I said.

“It isn’t for me and I know it isn’t over for you either so stop with the bullshit Aria.”

No it wasn’t. But it should be. I needed it to be. Being here with him like this, the flood gates were opening and all of those feelings were threatening to be unleashed. 

“I know I ruined it. But it wasn’t because I didn’t love you ... I did. I still do.  I just went about all of this the wrong way,” he said.

“All of this doesn’t matter now,” I said.

“But it does. I’m asking for a second chance ... a chance to make this right,” he said.  The impassioned plea in his smoldering gaze was almost tangible. But that didn’t matter, not after all he’d done ... what he was still doing.

“A second chance? Is that why you came here with the redhead drenched all over you?” I asked.

“I can explain that. It’s not what you think,” he replied.

“Aiden, I can’t do this with you now. Please.”

“Well, tell me when.”

“There’s not going to be a
when
. Why can’t you accept that?”

“I won’t accept it,” he said.

“Well that’s just too damn bad,” I replied.

“And this guy you’re with tonight … what are you doing with him?”

“I would imagine the same thing you’re doing with your date.”

“She’s just a friend.”

“Same here,” I replied.

“I don’t think friends look at each other the way I saw him looking at you. I don’t like it.”

“Do you even hear the words that are coming out of your mouth?” I asked.

“Are you reverting back to your old ways? Is that why he’s here?”

“My old ways? Aiden, he’s here because I want him here.”

“And the other part?” he asked.

“That’s none of your business.”

“So I’m right, you’re doing this for kicks? To avoid being hurt,” he said.

“You have no idea why I do anything so don’t pretend as if you do,” I replied.

“I know all too well. You said it was for control but we both know there’s more to it.”

“I’m so done with this. I’m tired of you trying to figure me out.  You don’t know who or what I am.”

“I don’t think you do either.”

“That may very well be true but I do know one thing, I’m not about to let you finish the job you started.”

“I’m not your dad or your mom or any of those fuckers that agreed to the bullshit you offered them. I legitimately care about you. And I won’t let you do this.”

“Do what? Protect myself?”

“I know how hard this is for you. I know it’s easier to put walls up or to deal with men only for sex but you can’t go through life like this Aria.”

“It’s what I like.”

“Oh so you like being treated like a piece of meat?”

His words tore through me like a knife.

“Fuck you, Aiden,” I said. I turned to leave but he pulled me back toward him.  His eyes were spitting green bolts of fire. I jerked away from his grasp.

“Don’t you think you deserve more than that? Stop with these antics and go after something that’s real.”

“With who? You? Why? So you can make me fall in love with you?  Make me need you?”

“No, because you deserve to be loved.”

“The one time I had a love that I could count on, it was taken from me and there was a hole in my heart that grew every day. Every day that Dad was gone and every day that I watched Mom suffer because of it. I finally found a way to close the hole and it’s worked for me up until now. And I’m scared; I’m not willing to take the chance that it
may
work out.”

“Love is risky but sometimes you meet someone who is worth the risk.”

“I’m not in a position to take a risk like that.”

“Does your friend know that?  I know he wants more than friendship Aria. Are you planning to take a risk with him? Surely you know, I won’t allow that to happen.”

“I don’t know who you think you are but you don’t have that type of control.”

“You have no idea.”

“You’re a fucking bully. You bullied me into that job, you bullied me into fucking you and you bullied me into this discussion. I am done Aiden. You will not continue to treat me this way.”

“He wouldn’t be here if he didn’t want you.” It was as if he hadn’t heard shit I’d said.

“It makes me wonder if you want him too,” he said.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were jealous.”

“Is that so outside the realm of possibilities?” he asked.

“For someone such as you, yes,” I replied.

“Let’s not put that theory to test; at least not tonight.”

“What are you saying?”

“What I’m saying is obvious; I don’t want anyone touching you but me.”

“I would never have thought you to be delusional, but it seems you are.” I replied.

“I know you want me. I can see it when you look at me and I’m sure that friend of yours sees it. Do us both a favor and let him know that you’re taken because whether you want to admit it or not, you are … and I’m not going to share you,” he stated.

“I’m not taken and you needn’t worry yourself about sharing me because I’m not asking you to.”

“Then what are you doing?” he asked.

“I’m doing what I do best. I’m doing me.” I replied and walked away.

CHAPTER SIX

I went back to the table to find Kellan in conversation with Raina.  She excused herself and Kellan focused his full attention on me. I felt uneasy looking at him after what he’d witnessed earlier. Now I had to add my dance with Aiden to the list.

“So that’s the guy? The one who has your heart?” Kellan asked.

I didn’t answer. I didn’t expect that. I also didn’t want to acknowledge it.  Aiden did have my heart and I couldn’t fight it; it was out of my control.

“What makes you say something like that?” I asked, knowing exactly why he’d said it.

“It doesn’t take much to see that something’s there. And now I totally understand his reaction to Blaine and me in St. Barts and when I came to your office for lunch. The tension that surrounded you two, it was extreme. I would guess that whatever you two shared is over but even now, he seems very protective of you and he’s not letting you go, is he?”

“Protective? Well I don’t know if I would use that word.” More like possessive. “It doesn’t matter if he’s let me go because I’ve let him go.”

“Have you?” he asked.

“I don’t want to spend any more time talking to or about Aiden. I need a drink. Would you like one?”

He didn’t reply. He looked at me as if expecting more. He deserved more but not here.

“I promise to tell you everything later, okay?”

“I don’t want to pressure you into doing something you’re not ready for.”

“And I don’t want to leave your questions unanswered.”

“Sure, I’ll have a scotch.”

“Great. I’ll be right back.” I excused myself. I went to the ladies room first and stopped at the bar on the way back to my table. I ordered our drinks and turned to people watch as I waited. One of those people was approaching the bar; it was Aiden’s date. I wanted to yank her fucking hair out.  

“Hi, I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Nadia Lane,” she said, smiling like she had the juiciest of secrets.

So this was the
no one important
that Aiden didn’t wish to talk about.

“Hello, I’m Aria Cason.” I sensed she already knew who I was.

“It’s nice to meet you Aria,” she said, and beckoned the bartender. She ordered a drink and turned toward the crowd as I had.  I looked over at Kellan talking to Zoe and then glanced toward Aiden’s table. He was never alone. Someone always wanted a piece of him, including Miss Thing standing beside me.

“He’s an intense guy isn’t he?” she asked.

“Excuse me?”

“Aiden. He can be very intense…both in bed and out. Don’t you agree?”

What the fuck? “Nadia, I don’t particularly care for your assumptions nor will I engage in conversation with you as a means of substantiating them.”

“I wasn’t implying –”

“Oh, I know exactly what you’re implying and I know what you’re hoping to accomplish here and sweetheart it ain’t working.”

“I was simply making conversation about a man we both seem to appreciate; I don’t see it as any reason to be impolite.”

“So my refusing to substantiate your statement is impolite but your statement itself is an attempt at casual conversation? Listen, I won’t be party to whatever type of game you’re attempting to play and I’m no threat to whatever it is you’re trying to accomplish with Aiden so I suggest you direct your phallic rage elsewhere. Enjoy your evening.” I grabbed our drinks and headed back to my table but I didn’t make it before running into Allison.

“Hi Aria. You look beautiful,” she said, reaching out to hug me.

“So do you. I didn’t know you were here. It’s so good to see you,” I exclaimed. I really liked Allison and seeing her reminded me of a much happier time.

“I saw you speaking with Nadia at the bar.”

I rolled my eyes. “She seems to be a piece of work.”

“I’m guessing that means your conversation was nasty.”

“It was what it was,” I replied, waving it off.

“She saw the two of you dancing earlier. She watched you dance the entire time and when the dance ended she saw Aiden pull you away. She asked me if I knew you. I told her yes. I knew she would say or do something horrid. In case you didn’t pick up on it, she has it bad for him. I’m sorry you had to deal with her,” she said.

And he’d said she was just a friend. He’d failed to mention that his
friend
had feelings for him. How interesting that he glossed over that tit bit during his anti-Kellan speech.

“Allison, she’s the least of my worries and if her intent was to ward me off, she wasn’t very effective. If anything she’s shown her desperation.”

“I knew there would be some craziness when I realized my brother had feelings for you and I don’t want there to be any additional reasons for you to have an issue with him. I’d really hoped you two would’ve figured it all out by now.”

“Some of the craziness could have been avoided but what’s done is done.” She knew that I was referring to the lies surrounding his identity.

“I agree. And I’m sorry I haven’t been in contact with you. I wanted to call but Aiden forbid me to reach out to you in any capacity. He said you needed time. He’s such an idiot. I told him time is exactly what you
didn’t
need.”

“It’s okay Allison. I know how he can be when he wants his way.”

“He can be such a jerk but Aria he’s really an amazing guy and I’m not just saying that because he’s my brother. I know he wants you. And I can tell you’re still into him,” she added, smiling.

I chose to ignore her last statement. “Some things just weren’t meant to be Allison but I would love it if you kept in touch. Don’t let Aiden boss you around.”

“I will but don’t mention it to him. I don’t want to upset the only sibling that I actually get along with.”

“I don’t plan to discuss anything personal with him so you have nothing to worry about.”

“So who’s your date? He’s a hottie.”

“He’s a friend. He was in town on business and since I had to be here, we made a date of it.”

“Are you sure that he knows he’s just a friend? You should let him know you’re taken before he falls for you.”

“Allison you’re just like your brother … relentless.”

“Where do you think I get it from?” she asked, laughing.

“I’d better get back to him; I don’t want to be rude. I hope to hear from you soon.”

“You will – I promise,” she said, giving me a quick hug. “I’m still rooting for you and my brother,” she said and she was off.

I finally made it back to the table. If I’d known it would have been such an ill-fated trip, I would have stayed put. I was more than ready for this night to be over.  Kellan sensed my unease and suggested we get some air so we escaped to the terrace. I was relieved to see that we were alone; I was tired of the small talk. Normally a night like this would have been perfectly fine but the mind games with Aiden had more than exhausted me. 

“Looks as if you’re ready to go,” Kellan said.

“Is it that obvious?” I asked, smiling.

“Just a tad,” he replied, grinning, his dazzling smile accentuating his dimples.

“Seems we keep bumping into each other,” Aiden said, having joined us on the terrace.

Oh shit. Will it ever end?

“I don’t think I caught your name,” Aiden said, approaching Kellan.

“I didn’t catch yours either,” Kellan replied.

Aiden smirked. He was accustomed to everyone bowing down to him when he put on the Raine Industries CEO face; Kellan apparently wasn’t doing that. This would be interesting.

“Aiden Raine,” he said, extending a hand to Kellan.

“Kellan McClane,” Kellan replied, shaking Aiden’s hand.

Why was Aiden doing this?

“You’ve met, so you can go now.” I said.

He continued as if I hadn’t said a word. “Are you affiliated with McClane Funds and Investments?” Aiden asked.

“One in the same,” Kellan confirmed.

“Hmmm,” Aiden replied.

“Whatever you’re thinking …don’t,” I said, glaring at Aiden.

“Aria, Mr. McClane is in the business of hedge funds and I’m thinking he could possibly do some work with Raine Industries.”

“Since when?” I challenged. He didn’t reply. He returned his attention to Kellan.

“How long are you in town?  Maybe I can drop by your hotel and talk some numbers before I head out tomorrow,” Aiden suggested.

“I’m not at a hotel. I’m staying at Aria’s place.”

And there it was.  The one thing I didn’t want him to know.

Aiden’s eyes froze. He looked as if he wanted to hit Kellan.

“Come again,” Aiden said, stepping closer to Kellan.

Kellan didn’t flinch. If anyone were in the market for a bottle of fresh testosterone, they could definitely get it here. This was fucking crazy. I’d gone from having no man in my life to having two who were staring each other down like they wanted to pulverize each other.

“Aiden, what are you doing?” I asked, stepping between them. “Unless you’re planning to be tomorrow’s headline, I suggest you walk away.”

“Aria, look around you. There’s absolutely no way this will go any further than the three of us.” It was as if a switch had flipped; his voice was ominous and his eyes were blazing with anger.

I looked around to see that there was security detail standing near the terrace entrance. No one would be coming out here. He’d made sure of it. “So you came out here looking for a fight?” I asked. I panicked as I considered how this could end.

“I actually needed to make a call that required privacy. Why are you out here? Did you have a need for privacy also?” Aiden insinuated.

“I suggest you watch how you speak to her,” Kellan said.

“And I suggest you back the fuck off,” Aiden threatened, directing a stabbing glare at Kellan.

“Aiden isn’t it almost time for your speech?” Allison asked, appearing at just the right time.

Aiden didn’t move. Neither did Kellan.

“Aiden, don’t do this. This is not a good idea,” Allison said, tugging her brother’s arm.

He looked down at Allison and she shook her head, silently warning him that he shouldn’t do this. He hesitantly stepped back and cast an angry glare at me.

“Aria if you think this is over –” he began.

“Aiden stop it ... let’s go,” Allison urged.

Aiden looked back at Kellan, his temper flaring. He then turned his fury towards me.  I was all too eager to return his murderous glare. Who the hell did he think he was?

“Just go,” I said to him.

He took a few steps back and turned, walking away leaving Kellan and me alone.

I reluctantly looked up at Kellan. “I’m sorry Kellan. I’ve never seen him like that.”

I looked into Kellan’s eyes and I could see that he knew. He knew why I wasn’t able to kiss him, why I was complacent with our platonic relationship.

“Why are you apologizing for that jerk? Don’t worry about that. But you need to let me know what’s going on. I don’t want to be in the midst of something that you two obviously need to work out.”

I sighed. “That’s just it … I thought it had all been resolved.”

I knew I needed to tell Kellan more and allow him the chance to make a decision on whether he wanted to remain in my life. Fucking Aiden! If he thought he was going to parade around with that pretentious bitch while he destroyed my friendship with Kellan, he was dead wrong!

*****

It was time for the keynote speaker and in the midst of everything, I’d completely forgotten to ask Aiden if he would be delivering the speech. I looked around the room for him and spotted Nadia’s red hair. I knew I would find Aiden close by and he was. That somewhat angered me and I decided to not worry about the speech. It’s his company, his charity event.

I had to admit Nadia was beautiful.  I watched her smile and touch him in the most intimate of ways. I wondered if he had whispered to her as he had so many times to me that she was beautiful. Would he be able to keep his hands off of her? Would he whisk her away to a dark room and do the unspeakable things to her as he’d done to me or would he wait and take her back to his penthouse and fuck her into the wee morning hours?

I was ready to go. I’d done my part. Now that Aiden was here, he could handle the rest.

“I think I’m ready to call it a night,” I said.

“I thought you were speaking.” Kellan said.

“That was a contingency in the event that Aiden couldn’t make it. As you can see, he did; so my presence is no longer necessary,” I said.

“Well in that case, sure.”