Untouched (20 page)

“I hope you haven’t been grilling Aria or filling her head with any of your stories,” he said, petulance tainting his voice

“Oh Aiden, are you afraid I may tell her something that would scare her off?”

“Possibly,” he replied. He smirked but I could see a hint of truth to his response as he and Allison exchanged glances.

“Was that Daddy on the phone?” she asked.

“Why would you think that?”

“Your mood. He’s the only one that changes your moods so abruptly.”

He tossed a warning look and she changed the subject. We talked the remainder of the evening; I mostly listened which was ideal for me. I liked Allison; she was very animated. She told us about her new romance and how thrilled she was to be away from her parents. She and Aiden were very playful with each other, affording me a tiny glimpse into the parts of him I didn’t usually see. My interactions with him were always so intense. We had a few relaxed conversations but those were few and far between. 

Near the end of the evening, Allison left to meet some friends for a nightcap. She reminded Aiden of her upcoming performance and gave him two tickets. She gave me a hug goodbye and said she hoped to see me soon. Aiden closed the door and immediately pulled me into an embrace.

“I hope tonight wasn’t too weird for you.”

“No, I rather enjoyed it. I like your sister. She doesn’t seem as stand-offish as your other family members.”

He laughed. “In all fairness, you only met my family for what, five minutes. As I recall you were unable to actually spend any real time with them because of your date, remember?”

“It wasn’t a date and besides it doesn’t take a tremendous amount of time to pick up a distant air from someone.”

“If you felt they were distant it was more than likely due to the shock of my introducing you to them. That doesn’t really happen much, if at all.”

“Does that mean you typically hide your girlfriends from your family?”

“I don’t typically have girlfriends and when I do; my family usually knows the person before I do so introductions aren’t actually necessary.”

“Oh.” That was odd. But then again, at least he’s had girlfriends; I’ve never had a boyfriend. I never wanted one.

He walked me over to the couch. “I know we didn’t have much time to talk and it’s getting late.”

“Yes. I really should be getting home.”

“I would like to at least establish my expectations.”

“Ok, shoot.”

“I asked you earlier if you had any idea how badly I wanted you. You didn’t reply. I wanted to clarify my intent. I was not referring to wanting you in only a sexual context. I want all of you.”

Despite his attempt at clarity, I was clueless as to what his declaration entailed. I purposely avoided interactions that would ever lead to conversations such as this.

“Aiden, I didn’t reply because I honestly don’t know how to reply to something like that. I’m not ready to hear anyone tell me that, let alone you. We agreed to something in St. Barts and not even a week later, you’re changing the terms which makes me think that my consent was a mistake. I should go.”

I stood turning to go but Aiden grabbed my hand. “Why is running your go-to?” he asked.

“I’m not running Aiden. I’m living my life as I see fit. I’m doing what’s in my best interest. I won’t allow myself to get caught up in whatever it is you have planned. I’ll only ending up losing myself in the midst of it all.”

“It’s apparent that your life is work; you aren’t letting yourself experience anything more than that, so in that sense, you’ve lost yourself already.”

I wanted to slap him. “I don’t need to hear this shit from you.” I said angrily because rather he knew it or not, he struck a nerve.

He continued. “I know you want more than this. You’re afraid Aria and it would seem that you can’t trust or is it that you won’t trust? Have I given you any indication that I would hurt you? You say I don’t know you, but I’ve seen you. I’ve seen the person you want to hide from the world. She is a strong, courageous, beautiful woman. Not this controlled, safe person that you have convinced yourself that you have to be.”

I sank back into the couch. Was that how the world perceived me? How he perceived me? If so, he saw things in me that I didn’t see in myself. Things I would love to claim as me but …

I stared into his shining eyes feeling ashamed and exposed. A single tear rolled down my cheek. He reached and wiped it away.

“Just let me in.”

This man had the capacity to break me. I wouldn’t let him. I closed my eyes needing to shut the door he had somehow opened.

Things were so clear and orderly before him. I was certain of my thoughts, my dreams, and my decisions. But since he had entered my world, I found myself questioning myself. I didn’t like it. I was vulnerable and I hated being vulnerable to anyone or anything. I needed to get away from him but I knew that I couldn’t.

“You agreed to this and I’m not letting you back out,” he said.

“You can’t stop me,” I said.

“I don’t think I have much to worry about. You want it. You wouldn’t be here otherwise.”

“I’m still in the decision-making process so don’t get too cocky Mr. Wyatt.”

Smirking he reached over and grabbed my hands. He looked into my eyes and sighed “Well, what can I do to get you fully over to my side?” he asked, his eyes darkening.

I bit the corner of my lip. I knew what it would take but would he go along with it. “In St. Barts, we made an agreement and you said “no negotiations” and I foolishly agreed. I need you to agree to modify.”

“That would depend on the nature of the modification. What do you want Aria?”

“You want to be in control of my orgasms; well I want to be in control of yours.” I said looking at him, gauging his reaction. “I recall an offer that you made some time ago and I need you to make good on it.”

“What offer?” he asked, confused.

“To dominate you.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Aiden’s mouth slightly opened and closed. I stared at his handsome expressionless face awaiting his reaction. Cocking his head to the side, he squinted, assessing me. A slow smile finally emerged. He released my hands, resting his elbows on his knees.

“Is that what you want, to dominate me? Is that what it will take for you to stop running?”

“What if it is?” Quite honestly I didn’t know, but I knew it was a start and I knew it was a necessity.

“What’s your description of domination?” he asked.

“What...are you afraid?” I challenged.

“Should I be?” he asked and we both laughed.

“You are extreme Aria and I think most men find it intimidating.”

“But not you?”

“No, I find it intriguing and…challenging.”

“So this is all about the challenge for you?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“What are you saying?”

“Aria, do I like a challenge? Yes. But there is much more to you than just the challenging aspect. If it was just the challenge, I would have fucked you in your office and kept it strictly business from the point forward sweetheart.”

“Well, damn,” I said.

“I’m just being honest,” he said.

“To clarify, I’m not referring to any of that extreme stuff…so no, you shouldn’t be worried. I just want to be the one in control of your orgasms from time to time,” I said.

He looked intrigued. I could almost see the wheels turning but he had yet to reply. “You said you like challenges so I’m presenting you with one. Are you going to accept it?” I asked.

As his eyes darkened, that slow smile that I adored graced his lips. “Game on baby,” he said and pulled me into a deep kiss.

*****

The next couple of days was filled with an abundance of work and play. I thoroughly enjoyed both as they both involved Aiden. We discussed scheduling a standing “business” lunch appointment twice a week. This was more of a way to ease the sexual tension as he couldn’t seem to keep his hands off of me, not that I minded at all. I had never had so much sex with anyone and each time was as incredible as the last. He made sure of it.

I had started planning my domination exploit with Aiden and had most of the details worked out. I wanted his experience to be as memorable as mine had been. I couldn't wait to show him how I exerted my control. Although we had discussed the possibility of it being a two-time encounter, I’d decided, unbeknownst to him, that I needed this routinely. It wasn't my norm but it restored the balance between us and I needed that.

It was Friday, almost 3 o’clock. The days typically flew by so quickly that I had to be reminded that it was time to go. Today was different. Every day had been different since Aiden and tonight was especially exciting.

I was replying to an email from the editing department when my phone pinged.

I reached in my drawer and saw that it was a text from Aiden. I smiled as I read it.

*Can you get a message to Virginia for me? If you will let her know that Kingston has been thinking about her all day, I would appreciate it.*

*I most certainly will. I’ll let you know what she says.*

*Thank you.  I eagerly await her response, so tell her not to keep me waiting.*

*I understand.  She is usually very quick to respond.*

*Yes, I have noticed that, that is one of the things Kingston loves about her.*

*I told her what you said and she said that she thinks Kingston may have the required assets to maintain a permanent residence; but she would need a few more interviews with him before she could properly assess the situation.*

*Kingston was resting but when I told him of Virginia’s reply, his head immediately rose. And FYI, tell her that Kingston is always “interview ready”.*

*I would love to continue delivering messages from Virginia, but I need to finish up some work before I leave. I’ve a date with a really hot guy and I think I’m going to get fucked tonight.*

*What a coincidence, I have a date tonight also with a really hot babe and I know she is going to get fucked tonight.*

I squeezed my thighs firmly as Virginia clenched at the notion of an impending reunion with Kingston. I literally forced myself to focus as I continued with email and phone calls until it was nearly 5 o’clock. I was shutting my computer down when Raina stepped in to alert me of her departure. I wished her a great weekend as I gathered my phone and purse.

Aiden had invited me to attend Allison’s dance performance and I was looking forward to a night out on his arm. It was our first real date. Yes, we’d had lunch and dinner together in the past but it was in the privacy of our homes. This would be our first time going out, well if you didn’t count the school girl date which was more of a fuck than a date.

I had selected a Juan Carlos Obando Alice Blue silk satin deep V-neck gown with a high waist and thin shoulder straps. It had a wide waist tie and a crisscross strap at the back. I chose this as a method of torture for Aiden, The V in the dress was as low as my navel with a very generous view of my boobs. I was anxious to see his reaction.

I expected him at my door shortly after seven o’clock but I wanted to meet him downstairs to gage his reaction in a more public place. I sent him a quick text and told him I would meet him at the entrance of the building.

He texted to tell me he was downstairs just as I was closing my door. I entered the elevator and texted him a reply that I was on my way down. Exiting the elevator, I saw Silas seated at the concierge desk. He raised his head to greet me and his eyes darted to my chest and back to my face. “Good evening Miss Cason.”

“Hello Silas,” I replied as I walked toward the door. I opened the door just as the door to a limousine opened and Aiden emerged. He was dressed in a black suit and he looked as if he belonged on the cover of GQ. I had to catch my breath and remind myself that I wanted to take note of his reaction to me instead of getting caught up in my own reaction to his appearance. I watched his eyes travel from my face to my chest to my feet and back up to my chest.

“Wow. You are gorgeous,” he exclaimed.

“Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself handsome.”

“I’m pretty sure that all eyes will be on you Princess.” I loved when he called me that. Tonight I especially felt as though I looked like a princess going out with her dashing prince.

I looked at the limo, reminded of the last time I'd had a limo ride with him. Although only a few days ago, it felt longer.

Aiden looked at me and then at the limo. “This was not my doing, it was Allison's. Well, it's more of the ballet company. They arranged transport for the family members.”

“What? I didn't say anything,” I offered, smiling as was he.

“You didn't have to. I know what you were thinking.”

“Oh so you're a mind reader too? So many talents.”

“I am when it comes to your mind,” he said, taking my hand, escorting me to the limo as he motioned to the driver that he would take care of the door.

Once inside, Aiden poured drinks for the two of us.

“I didn't say I wanted a drink.”

“ Oh, but you didn't need to.” He tapped the side of his forehead with his index finger. “Mind reader, remember?” We both laughed.

If I hadn't already fallen for this man, there was no chance that I'd be able to refrain from doing so. I'd seen so many aspects of his personality and each one made me crave more.

He was complicated, just as I was. There were parts of us that we kept hidden from the world. I understood why I  did. But why did he? I needed to know but I hoped that whatever I found wouldn’t cause me to pull away. At this point, I couldn’t imagine anything doing that though.

“Do you have any idea how stunning you look this evening?” he asked, leaning in to kiss my earlobe. He placed his hand on my thigh, sliding it up to my stomach and up further still, resting to cup my breast. With his free hand, he pressed a button to raise the privacy window. He planted a trail of soft kisses down my neck. I moaned in response leaning into him as he moved his hand beneath the fabric for direct contact with my breast. I reached up to pull his hand away.

“You can look Mr. Wyatt but you can't touch.” I felt his lips smile in response before he pulled away from my neck.

“Is that a rule? I think we both know I don't do well with your rules.”

“Well unless you want the tape holding this dress in just the right spot to come off, the rule is necessary at least until we leave the ballet.”

“So I was right?” he asked.

“About?”

“You wore this to drive me crazy, didn't you?”

A hint of a smile played on my lips. “Now why would I go and do a thing like that to someone who has never once done a thing to drive me crazy?” I asked.

He grabbed my hand and slid it over his crotch. He was hard. I looked up at him as Virginia twitched.

“See what you’ve done?”

I smiled, pleased and turned on that I had this type of effect on him.

“You're going to need to do something to help me out Aria. Either cover up or ...”

“Or what?” I asked.

“Make me cum,” he said.

“What do you mean?”

“I would imagine since you went to such extremes to tease me all night that you also devised a plan to handle the fruit of your labor? You're such a detailed person therefore I’m confident you've something in mind, so let's hear it.”

“I don't actually have a plan but I'm certainly open to suggestions.”

“That's all I needed to hear,” he kissed my cheek and gulped the remainder of his drink and turn to stare out the window.”

What the hell? Was the conversation over?

He didn't say anything the remainder of the drive to the ballet, nor did I. I took a few sips of my drink and followed his lead of staring out the window.

The limo slowed and we turned into a line of cars. Easing toward the entrance, I finished my drink and placed the glass on the bar. I glanced at Aiden and he was still staring out the window. He hadn't so much as touched me.

We stopped near a water fountain that was close to the entrance of the building and the driver was at Aiden's door moments later.

Aiden stepped out of the limo, turned to reach for my hand and assisted me out.

He was looking down at me as I glanced up meeting his gaze. I watched as his eyes traveled down to my chest and back up again as his temples flexed. He leaned in and kissed my cheek. “You’re beautiful.”

I didn’t reply. I just stared at him wondering what the hell was going through his head.

“Shall we?” he asked as he turned to enter the building.

I was bothered that he didn’t continue holding my hand as I had expected. He was spoiling the date before it even had a chance to start, I thought, as we entered the double doors of the Boston Ballet Company.

Aiden reached into his jacket to secure the tickets and passed them to the attendant who greeted us at the door. The attendant returned the stubs as he stated the direction of our seats. Aiden placed his hand at the small of my back and ushered me inside. He requested a number for our drinks to avoid the wait at intermission.

There were a few couples in front of us heading towards their seats and the lights dimmed as a chime-like alarm sounded alerting us that the performance would begin shortly. The usher at the entrance of the seating area passed two programs to Aiden and led us to our seats.

Once we were seated, I opened the program to read the synopsis. I was surprised to see Aiden’s name on the list of financial contributors. I glanced at him.

“Everything okay?” he asked looking at me.

“Yes, everything’s great,” I replied, smiling.

The lights dimmed and the conductor of the orchestra arrived; we clapped in response. A few moments later a melody floated from the orchestra pit as the curtains opened revealing the opening scene of the ballet.

It was an incredible performance and Allison was such an amazing dancer. Then again anyone who could spin or leap around in circles for extended periods of time without topping over into the orchestra pit was amazing in itself to me. I glimpsed at her brother who was beaming with pride as he watched Allison in the pas de deaux. We applauded as the curtains closed; the house lights came up signifying the intermission.

I went to the powder room as Aiden waited outside the door for me. He said that we'd get our drinks afterwards. The line for the restrooms was extremely long. I only needed to check my makeup and make sure my tape was firmly in place, which it was. I exited the rest room and Aiden was nowhere to be found. I looked toward the cocktails bar and didn't see him there either. Maybe he had to go to the restroom himself. So I stood and waited. My phone pinged and I opened my clutch to check my text. It was from Aiden.

*Make a right near the restroom and go down the hall to the third door on the left. We can have our drinks here in private
.*

He was so odd at times I thought, as I followed his directions to the room. I looked behind me before reaching for the doorknob. The hallway was empty. I opened the door and walked in; he was standing near a desk in the center of the room with his phone in his hand.