Untouched (12 page)

“Aria’s the President of Communications at Raine Publishing,” Aiden offered.

Sienna looked toward Connor. “Raine Publishing… isn’t that where you’ve-”

Aiden quickly interrupted, “I’ve been interning under her excellent leadership for the last couple of months.” 

A look of knowing seeped into both Connor and Sienna’s expressions.

“Oh, so you’re the Miss Cason that Aiden has spoken of? He speaks very highly of you and the inner workings of Raine Publishing,” said Nicholas.

“Does he?” I asked, astounded.

“He can be quite challenging at times so I’m rather surprised to hear that Nicholas.” Nicholas was quite handsome; not as drop dead gorgeous as Aiden but extremely excellent eye candy none-the-less. If his eyes, being glued to my chest, were any indication, he approved of me also. He looked at his brother who was throwing him a warning look.

“Yes, Aiden has always been the challenging one of the bunch,” Sloan piped in with a smile and again, it was as though I was missing out on some private joke.

“Well it was lovely to meet you all but I really must go if I’m going to catch the ferry. I hope you enjoy your vacation and Sir I hope the business end of your trip is productive.”

“Yes, it was lovely meeting you Aria,” Sienna added, appraising my attire, and there it was… that conceited look that I knew I saw earlier. I returned her fake smile and turned to leave.

Aiden followed me.

“That wasn’t so bad, now was it? And what do you know, you have enough time to run along and play with your new friends.”

“Play with my new friends? What the f-”

“I need to see you later,” he stated matter-of-factly.

“I’ll call you when we return from our
play date
,” I said.

“See that you do.”

Not having time for his bullshit, I turned to leave. I felt his eyes on me as I walked away; a small part of me wanted to turn around to catch one last glance at his body but I was not about to give him the satisfaction. His audacity was unbelievable. It was as though he was ordering me to meet him, as if no wasn’t an option. What made him think he had the right to demand or expect anything from me? And why did he suddenly decide to join his family here? Yes, we certainly needed to talk later. There were a few things I needed answers to and we definitely needed to iron out some shit if he expected me to go along with his little arrangement.

“Hey, what's wrong? You look upset. What happened?”April asked. I was so lost in thought that I hadn’t noticed where I was walking. I ended up heading toward the entrance of the main building and literally ran directly into April.

“Oh, it's nothing,” I replied.

“Quite frankly I don't understand why you would be upset for anything at all. It's obvious he’s really into you. And he's absolutely gorgeous. So what’s the problem?” she asked in disbelief.

“Yes, April you would say that,” I replied, a little more harshly than I had intended.

I think I hurt her feelings and quickly apologized. “April I’m sorry. You were right, I am a little upset.”

“Well don't take it out on me. I’m just trying to be supportive. Besides I don't know all the details since you have failed to tell me what's really going on between the two of you,” she accused. “But I can say this much, it's obvious that something is going on...regardless of whether or not you want to admit it.”

“April you’re wrong. Nothing is going on. It’s just a big bunch of missteps on my part. Missteps that I intend to straighten out once we arrive back from Lorient,” I declared.

“Well I’m here if you need to talk about it.”

“I know and I appreciate that. I really do.”

“Okay, just wanted to put that out there although I know you already know it.” She reached out and pulled me into a hug.

“Where are the guys?” I asked.

“They grabbed a table for us. Come on, let’s go have some fun!” she squealed, grabbing my hand.

*****

We hopped a bicycle taxi to the port to catch the ferry to the neighboring island. I was taking in the scenery and trying my best to concentrate on April, Kellan and Blaine but I found myself continuously thinking back to Aiden. The purpose of my trip was to get away from that man and the pressures that accompanied him and oddly enough those pressures had followed me to St. Barts.

The ferry was quite vast and somewhat more crowded than I’d expected. Obviously we were all on the same accord as we eyed the sleek boat docked near the ferry. Kellan and Blaine excused themselves to speak with someone near the dock. When they were a safe distance away April let me have it.

“What is going on with you?” she demanded.

“What are you talking about?”

“Oh please! You’ve been distracted every since your run-in with that guy. You’ve missed nearly half the conversations this morning and I don’t think the guys noticed much because I’ve been jumping in covering for your ass. So either you snap out of this dazed funk you’re in or just make some excuse and go back to the villa. Either way you are not going to ruin my vacation bitch!”

“Ouch!”

“I’m serious Aria. I don’t know what this guy has done to you but he’s definitely done something because this behavior is so not you.”

She was right but as right as she was, I couldn’t explain to her what I didn’t understand myself. I sighed.

“I know. I’m sorry. You’re right. His appearance has upset my day and that’s not fair to you. We’re here to have a great time and that’s exactly what we’ll do,” I added smiling.

“Yeah whatever.”

“I promise. I’ll deal with that situation later. For now, it’s about having a great afternoon with two hot guys and my best friend. Okay?”

“Okay…but if I see you sinking back into that stink mode, I’m pushing you off the boat,” she replied laughing.

“Deal.” I laughed as I tugged her back toward Kellan and Blaine.

The guys had chartered the sailing catamaran which was a far better option than the crowded ride on the ferry. We boarded and after a brief introduction to the crew and the amenities, the music began to flow. I watched the sails unfurl as we left the dock toward our snorkeling site.

We started with a tour around the island. Everything was gorgeous! What could be more relaxing than sailing with your best friend, a handsome guy and all the alcohol you wanted? We were actually having an amazing time. The day was passing by too quickly.  I had been able to forget about what or shall I say w
h
o was waiting for me back on the main island. 

After an hour or so of snorkeling we sailed along the coastline admiring the stunning blue waters as we meandered through the islands. The white sand beaches and sea side cliffs were beautiful- it was as if looking at post cards. One of the crew members invited us to follow him to the bar which was well-stocked and complete with a bartender. We ordered drinks and went back up to the deck to lie in the sun as we became better acquainted. Sipping slowly on one of the island’s exotic concoctions, I listened intently to Kellan. He was very intelligent and equally handsome. He was here for a bachelor party. One of his closest friends was tying the knot and this trip was his last hoorah before the big day next week.  He was a really awesome guy and normally I would have fucked him but after having been with Aiden and knowing he was here, I couldn’t imagine doing anything remotely intimate with Kellan.  Just the thought of Aiden and the amazing effect he had on my body was enough to ward off any guy.

The trip back to the port was filled with more drinks and laughter. I had been able to remove thoughts of Aiden from my mind at least for the most part. There were moments, when it did require a huge amount of effort on my part, which was really upsetting to me because I was here primarily to get away from him but he was all around me. Every so often I would feel a small hammer in my stomach just knowing that he was waiting for me. Wondering what he would say, what I would agree to, what he would do, what I would allow him to do.

I felt horribly for Kellan because I could tell that he was really into me, which was normally ideal because I knew ultimately all I wanted was sex. And of course a guy being a guy – he was fine with that. But this was different; I had a different level of guilt because I was here with Kellan with my mind definitely on someone else. Perhaps Kellan was someone that I could at least remain friends with. 

April was really enjoying her time with Blaine. They appeared to really be hitting it off. The sexual chemistry was also equally apparent. But then again, with April there was always a sexual chemistry. That's just how she was. She was a petite sex-bomb…long brunette hair, a killer rack and a butt that garnered a lot of well-deserved attention.  I wondered if she would ever settle down. On occasion she had expressed a desire to get married and have kids. I knew that she really wanted a family of her own. Perhaps it was because her own family was so dysfunctional and she wanted a chance to get it right. Each time she dated someone who was actually a viable candidate, she would find something wrong with him and end it. She really wanted that special someone in her life but for some reason it never seemed to work out.

I loved April like a sister. I felt a pang of guilt at the mere thought of viewing April in that manner because I have two biological sisters with whom I was once extremely close. I hadn't seen them in several years. An occasional text, email or Skype is all that we had shared since my first college graduation.

April and I met several years ago in college. Well actually initially met in a Facebook group; both fans of a book series. We would occasionally chat within the group and that chatting slowly morphed into private chats in which we discovered various similarities; one of which was that we attended the same college. We met one day for lunch and the rest was history. We became fast friends and have been tied at the hip ever since. She meant the world to me and I didn't know what I would do without her. She was the only person that I had allowed to get close enough to where it would make a difference.

Watching her now with Blaine did my heart good. She looked so happy. I knew she was already wondering what could be between the two of them. That's just how her mind worked. She was so eager to connect with and be with someone in that capacity that she quickly gave lapse to her sanity. I constantly cautioned her to take her time and never assume she had found Mr. Right. It was as if I were talking to an inanimate object because she continued to throw caution to the wind. Me on the other hand I was the exact opposite; there was no one - there would be no one...period. I’d told myself that a long time ago. That was why the craziness with Aiden simply needed to stop before it ruined me.

But I knew it wouldn’t be as easy as telling myself that I should let this go...whatever 
this
was. I'd told myself on numerous occasions that I would not allow him to affect me yet I’d allowed him to do much more than that. My resolve, my willpower, everything that I had worked so hard to build and maintain...it was all being tested.

If it had been as simple as just sex with him, that would have been one thing, I think I could have handled that. But for some reason this seemed as if it were opening a book that I was not prepared to finish. He actually terrified me; what he represented terrified me. How could I make it clear that I could not go along with his suggestion? That what had occurred on the yacht the night before I left for St. Barts must remain the last intimate moment with him? How would I make him understand when I couldn’t quite register it with myself?

Upon reaching the port, I made an excuse that I was not feeling well and excused myself but not before making breakfast plans with Kellan…to make up for the white lie.  I explained to April that I needed some time alone to talk to Aiden so she and Blaine made plans for an early dinner alone.

We walked back to the villa in silence. She knew I was struggling with this and allowed me time to gather my thoughts in peace. She gave me a reassuring hug once we were inside and she went to her room. I walked into my room and gasped.  Aiden was there - sitting in a chair near the bed.

CHAPTER NINE

“What the fuck? What are you doing here? How did you know where I was staying and how did you get in here?” The questions flowed without pause.

“Which question would you like for me to answer first?” He asked as he stood and casually walked over to me or so I thought. He walked past me to close and lock the door. I turned to face him as I heard the lock click.

“What do you think you're doing?” I demanded. I was beyond pissed. “Surely you realize I could have you arrested! You can't simply enter anyplace you want; unwelcomed and uninvited I may add.”

“Can't I?” he asked smugly, as if he actually could do whatever he damned well pleased. My anger did nothing to lessen his calm demeanor, which was very aggravating.

It no longer mattered at this point. This was the last straw. Everything regarding his fucked up proposal, that I had actually considered earlier today and was quite frankly still jumbled in my head, didn't matter. I wasn't going to sit by and allow him to do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted!

“I don't know how you got in here but you are leaving...now! Get out! If I have to say it again, I'm calling security.”

He replied with an exasperated sigh, as if dealing with an unruly child.

“Aria, we agreed to speak after your excursion, did we not? I'm simply expediting our discussion.”

“Are you serious? So you see nothing wrong with this picture?”

“We'll, since you asked. I don't particularly care for your choice of attire. Not that I don't thoroughly enjoy seeing every bit of your body, but that's just the problem. It wasn't for me; it was for that ridiculous guy you were with earlier. I didn’t like that.”

What planet was this guy from?

“Aiden, there is so much spinning around in my brain right now that I literally don't know what to say.” I walked past him to the bathroom. He followed me, of course. Why should that surprise me?

“How about I start?” he asked.

I looked in the mirror and the reflection staring back at me was a hot mess. My hair was doing its own thing and my makeup was pretty much non-existent. I’d planned to have time to prepare myself before seeing him but now, with him here, everything that I’d planned eluded me. I was both nervous and upset that he had invaded my privacy; he had an unashamed disregard for boundaries where I was concerned. I splashed some cold water on my face and reached for the towel. He grabbed the towel from the warmer and turned me to face him, drying my face. I didn't bother objecting.

We stood facing each other staring intently, my anger quickly dissipating as his deep facets of green sought out and captured me.  “You know that I want you and I'll admit my methods to make that happen have been less than desirable, but I don't think rationally when it comes to you, I’m not at all myself.”

“Oh, so this breaking-and-entering thing isn't the norm for you? Hmmm…never would have guessed because you’re quite proficient at it.”

He laughed. I loved his laugh; it was sexy just like everything else about him.

“I would say thank you but I don't think it was meant as a compliment, besides those are both illegal activities and I don't wish to be complimented for breaking the law,” he said.

“Then maybe you shouldn't break the law. Now there’s a novel idea.”

“I'm relieved to see you’re humorous, I was worried earlier; you were quite agitated.”

“Was I?” I asked sarcastically? What? Did he expect me to run into his arms and ask what took him so long getting here? Seriously. “Are you going to answer my questions or do I have to force you to leave, which I should do anyway because this is insane.”

“I understand that my being here caught you off guard. So how about we start there?”

“No we really don't need to start there. You explained you were here with your family. While I think there is more to it, I'm not going to focus on that right now. I need to know how you knew what villa I was in, how you got in and how you knew this was my room.”

He offered his hand to me.  Mindlessly, I placed my hand in his and followed him from the bathroom. He led us to the chair where he previously sat and pulled me into his lap.

He looked at me before tracing his finger down my cheek.

“First off, last night you ignored me when I emailed you. You should know I won’t tolerate being ignored.”

“Excuse me? If you think-”

He placed his hand over my mouth. “Do you have any idea how badly I want you?”

I pulled his hand away. “No, but I'm starting to think its bordering on obsessive,” I replied.

“Funny you say that...”

“What?”

“Nothing.  I was thinking aloud.”

There was a knock at the door.

“Aria I'm leaving to meet Blaine.  Let me know how things go with tall, dark and gorgeous.

I blushed, knowing that her statement gave Aiden the satisfaction of knowing that we'd been discussing him…that he’d been on my mind.

“Okay, have fun,” I replied.

I sat staring into his eyes waiting for the sound of April leaving the villa. Every ounce of my resolve disappeared when I looked into his eyes; they imprisoned every part of my mind. As soon as we heard the door close, he pulled me toward him and softly kissed me. It wasn't the aggressive kiss I had grown to expect from him. It was slow, soft and deep. His tongue entered my mouth and softy dueled with mine...wondering, hoping and exploring.  His hands initially cradling my face, moved gently down my neck to my shoulders and then to my back, forcing me closer. I didn't pull away. I sank deeper into him, tasting him. His kiss changed; morphing into the ravenous kiss of which I had become familiar and his hands were scooping me up as he stood and laid me on the bed. He straddled me, kissing me as if he was starved for something that only I could sate. He moved his hands down my thighs, reaching underneath kneading my behind. I moaned into his mouth and he broke our kiss. He sat up and looked down at me, breathing as heavily as I was.

Every rejection I’d ever thought of feeding him was gone. I wanted him inside me. He traced his finger across my lips and breathed deeply, closing his eyes.

“Now, back to your questions,” he said.

Wait, what? He had done it yet again! In a matter of minutes he had managed to alter my emotions from shock to anger to lust and finally exasperation. He was literally the puppeteer and I reacted in response to whatever string he pulled. I was outright baffled as to how this was happening and why I couldn’t seem to stop it? I detested this sense of vulnerability but it was apparently beyond my control.

“Aria.”

“Yes?”

“Did you hear me?”

“Yes, I heard you. Get off of me,” I demanded.

He looked at me for a brief moment and slowly stood, returning to the chair.

I was hoping to gain some semblance of self-containment with him not touching me. I sat up and moved to sit on the edge of the bed.

“My questions. Okay. Well, how did you know where to find me?”

“I contacted the concierge,” he stated.

“You asked him? And just like that, he told you the location of the villa?”

“Yes.”

“So you’re saying that if I were to call the concierge and ask for the location of your villa, he would just tell me?”

“I'm pretty sure he wouldn't.”

“So what am I missing here?”

“I'm not sure what you mean.”

“Oh, I think you do. Please stop with the games and tell me what I want to know. If you can't do that, I want you to leave.”

He sighed. “When you met my family, my father mentioned that we were here on business. Well, his business is this property. He visits once a year and we all come with. Somewhat of a family vacation.”

“So you're saying that your father has some type of property ownership here, sort of like a timeshare?”

“Yes, sort of.”

“How did you get inside the villa?” I asked.

“The patio door. It was open,” he replied.

That very well could have been true because I didn't recall locking it.

“So you saw that as an open invitation to come inside?” I asked.

“I didn't say that,” he replied.

“You aren't saying much of anything,” I said.

“I'm sorry you see it that way.”

“How did you know this was my room?” I asked.

“It smelled like you.”

I knew it was crazy but hearing that he was familiar with my smell did crazy things to me.

“I want this to happen Aria,” he stated.

I fervently wanted to say no but some part of me that I didn’t recognize just wouldn't let me.

“I want this too but on my terms.”

“Your terms?” he asked, smirking. “I don't think so sweetheart.”

“And why not?” And why was he so irresistible?

“My suggestion … or proposal… is what it is. There will be no negotiations.”

“I think you witnessed enough to realize that this is asking a lot, possibly more than I can commit.”

“Of course. I know it’s a bit of a challenge for you because you’re accustomed to being in control and having everyone do as you say, but then again so am I.  That being the case, I will tell you how this is going to play out. When it comes to us, doing this, I’m the one in control.” I opened my mouth to object and he reached over and pinched my lips together. “No, no, no, we aren’t going to have any of that back talk. “

“Back talk?  Who are you supposed to be my father?” I asked, removing my cover-up.

He glanced at my chest and shifted his gaze to my face.  “No, but if you’d like, you can call me daddy when I’m fucking you. Besides I wasn’t finished.  You need to make a decision... now.”

I willed myself to break eye contact before I caved.  Looking down at my feet, I quickly assessed the possible downfalls to my agreeing.

Aiden stood and then kneeled in front of me. He lowered his face to look up at me and smiled. “What are you thinking?” I turned away from his beautiful eyes. He reached up lifting my chin; forcing my eyes to meet his.

“Aria?” His eyes sensually pleading my consent.

How did he go from demanding to inducement in the span of seconds- both tactics compelling me to acquiesce? I swallowed my refusal as I peered helplessly into his beseeching green stones.

“Yes,” I whispered.

He exhaled deeply and pulled me into his arms. “I promise you will not regret me Aria.”

How could I have possibly told him that I already did?