Only His Touch: Part Two (The Untouched Series Book 5)

by Lilly Wilde

  Aiden clutched my hands tighter as his eyes became misty. “That’s a pretty tough act to follow,” he said. “My princess. My beautiful, beautiful princess. You said I rescued you, but the truth is we rescued each other.” He paused as his emotions got the better of him and then he continued. “And your heart will always have a home, because you’ll always have me. You mentioned your mother, and I’ve never been happier than I am on this day that I had a chance to meet her. She was a wise woman…just like her daughter. She told me you needed time, and that I should be patient with you, and as difficult as that was, I managed to be. Granted, I wasn’t always as patient as I could have been, because, well, let’s face it…you don’t always make it easy…you test my patience more than anyone ever has.”

  He grinned. There was laughter from the guests as I shook my head at him. “And I know you’ll be surprised to hear this, but you’ve taught me a great deal as well. Because of you, I know I don’t always have to be the one in control…that you can take the reins and I can sit back and watch you soar. You’ve shown me that I don’t have to bear the responsibility for everything and everyone around me. Loving you has revealed what it means to truly be a team, to have you as my partner. With you, I’m the person I want to be, not the person I thought I needed to be. I think I knew from the moment I saw you that you would change my life. I fell for you…hard. I had no idea what I was doing. But I knew I had to have you. I’ve found that my love for you is instinctual, and at first I wondered why. But then one day I realized it was because I was made for you…and that day is the one that changed everything for me. You’ve given me the gift of a son and the gift of your love, both of which I’ll try my best to deserve. You’re my first and only love, Aria, and you own every piece of me. You’re my life. I breathe you. I treasure you. And my heart will always be yours. I take you, Aria Gabrielle Cason to be my wife. I offer you my solemn vow to be your faithful partner and life mate, and to honor the faith and trust you’ve placed in me. I promise to honor and cherish you, through joy and sorrow, sickness and health, and the challenges that we’re sure to face, and to always be there for you, to shelter and hold your love as the most precious gift in my life. We’ll always be united. One life. One heart. One destiny. Now until forever.”

  The depth of emotion in his eyes, in his expression, as he bared his soul to me and countless others was silencing. I stared at him, my heart in my throat as unshed tears stung my eyes.

  “And so we come, Aria and Aiden, to the presentation of rings by which you symbolize and bind your love. May I have the rings?” Nicholas went to Lyric and fetched the rings from his little pocket and then passed them to the minister.

  “Wedding rings are a visible symbol of the promises that have been made and the unbroken circle of love, signifying to all the union of this man and this woman in marriage. Your rings say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bound together. The ring has no beginning and no ending, which symbolizes your eternal love. May these rings always remind you of the vows you’ve taken.”

  The minister placed the rings in a bowl and said a blessing over them. “Please take these rings and honor each other in their giving.”

  I lifted the band from the hallowed bowl and turned to Aiden. “I give you this ring, as I give to you all that I am, and accept from you all that you are.” I slid the ring on Aiden’s finger and then looked up at him. We’d had the bands inscribed. His read Aria’s Kingston and mine read Aiden’s Virginia. I knew it wasn’t really romantic, but it was us.

  “And Aiden,” the minister said.

  Aiden lifted the ring and looked into my eyes. “I give you this ring, as I give to you all that I am, and accept from you all that you are,” Aiden said, smiling as he slipped the band on my finger.

  “Inasmuch as Aiden and Aria have pledged themselves to each other by solemn vows, and the giving and receiving of rings, by the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Aiden, you may kiss your bride.”

  Aiden stepped forward, closing the distance between us, and then he gently cradled my face, the tenderness of his touch weakening me. “You’re mine now, Mrs. Raine.”

  “I was yours long before this.”

  My heart pounded wildly when Aiden lowered his head to claim my lips, his mouth soft and sweet against mine. He was so tender, slowly caressing my lips and then deepening the kiss when I gave his tongue access. My hands went to his hair, sifting through it as I moaned into his mouth, breathing him in as he pressed closer. His kiss was full of a passion and promise that seized every part of me, a part that made my blood burn. For several moments, there was only his taste and his touch. It was just us—we were no longer connected with reality—and we didn’t rejoin the others until Lyric’s cries pulled us apart, settling our feet back on the altar in the beautiful chapel of the Venetian palace.

  Aiden finally released me and grinned. “You’d think by now, we’d be used to his interruptions.”

  “Family and friends, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Aiden Raine,” the minister announced.

  Aiden and I faced the congratulatory applause of those who had joined us today, and then we were hit with repeated flashes of light—the wedding photographers snapped picture after picture as Aiden and I walked hand in hand down the aisle.

  Chapter Sixteen

  After the sheer exhaustion of posing for countless photographs, the wedding party was finally permitted to join the guests. Sienna had said the wedding would include approximately three hundred people, but she failed to mention the reception would include twice as many. I was shocked by the number of attendees, especially considering we were celebrating in Italy.

  Emilie instructed everyone to find their seats and then she announced our grand entrance and introduced Aiden and I as husband and wife. We stepped into the lavish venue and applause erupted as we made our way to the center of the floor. The lights dimmed and we were left standing under a spotlight as the music for the first dance started.

  “May I have this dance, Mrs. Raine?” Aiden asked as he bowed before me.

  “Most assuredly, Mr. Raine,” I replied, smiling meekly as I placed my palm in his.

  Aiden gently pulled me into his arms and lowered his gaze to mine. “You’ve made me the happiest man in the world,” he said, as we glided across the floor.

  “And you’ve given me a storybook ending beyond anything I could have ever imagined.”

  “Well, my mother played a huge part in that.”

  “How could I forget? She was like a woman obsessed!”

  Aiden twirled me away from him and then smoothly drew me back to his chest.

  “It would appear that you really liked my dress,” I said. “I never thought anything would amaze you, other than Lyric, but the look in your eyes when I joined you at the altar, I felt like the only woman in the world.”

  “Because you are. You’re a very beautiful woman and I wouldn’t have ever imagined you could be any more beautiful, but today you’re simply exquisite—it’s perfect for my vision of you…a princess.”

  “It would appear the hair pulling and quarrels with the designer paid off.”

  “I was speechless…however…” He trailed off.

  “What?”

  “I’m quite anxious to undress you,” he said, a devilish glint in his dark eyes.

  “In that case, I guess you should know I’m quite anxious to be undressed.”

  “Soon,” he promised. “For now, I’m enjoying being the envy of every man in the room,” he said and pulled me closer.

  A content sigh escaped as I placed my head on Aiden’s chest. I was in heaven. I didn’t think it possible to be so blissful—so full of love. When the song ended, I looked up at Aiden with tears in my eyes.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing.” I reached up to dot my eyes and hoped I hadn’t smeared the makeup I was warned not to ruin. “Stupid tears.”

  “Why are you crying, pri
ncess?”

  “Because I’m happy. Because I love you so much it’s almost painful.”

  “I don’t wish you any pain, but I’m glad you feel this way…because I feel the same as you.” His smoldering green eyes commenced a seduction that I knew would last for far too long. “I can’t function without you,” he said, as his finger traced my cheek.

  “Okay, lovebugs, break it up. It’s my turn to dance with my sister-in-law.” It was Nicholas, and he was flashing that megawatt smile that could drive any woman crazy.

  “And I promise, anything you want to know about Aiden, I’ll tell you.”

  I laughed. “Not today. Today is all about wedded bliss.”

  “Darn. What do you know? That offer is only good for today,” he said and tugged me away from his brother.

  After my dance with Nicholas, I rushed over to greet Raina and her family. I was so happy that she’d been able to attend the wedding. I’d planned to spend more time with her at the rehearsal dinner, but with so much happening, I’d been unable to do much more than give her a hug.

  I managed to sit down for a while to spend some time with Lyric, pointing out his dad as he danced with Sienna and then with Allison. Aiden and Allison both looked so very graceful. There was no denying Allison’s talent. I couldn’t wait until her next ballet. I glanced around at all the happy people—even Connor was smiling as he spun his wife around the floor.

  Aiden later danced with Dianna while a jealous Sienna looked on. She caught me staring at her and extended a tight-lipped smile and then returned her focus to her son. After their dance, Aiden kissed Dianna’s cheek and then escorted her to our table. Aiden and I were showing our sparkly rings to Lyric when Connor approached and requested a dance. After Connor, I danced with Kellan and then I was back in the arms of my handsome groom.

  Aiden twirled me around the room, his lips pressed to my ear, breathing obscene whispers of anticipation and promise. He was so very inappropriate, but I was starved for every naughty word. I couldn’t wait to be alone with him. The previous night had been absolute hell.

  Following our dance, Aiden and I thanked everyone for sharing in our day. Sienna and Connor then gave a toast and invited everyone to enjoy the celebratory meal. Within the seven courses, April honored Aiden and me with a heartwarming toast. And since Lyric could do little more than babble, Nicholas rendered a witty and charming best-man speech.

  The orchestra played subdued background music as the wait staff made the rounds. Once dinner dishes were cleared, Aiden and I greeted one person after another, our fingers intertwined as we circulated the room. A live band and a deejay stepped in to replace the orchestra, and we headed to the dance floor and asked that the others join us.

  “I love this song,” I said.

  “I know. I’ve watched you dancing to it…quite a few times.”

  As Aiden and I danced amongst the guests, I fell deeper and deeper into Serena Ryder’s, “For You.” He rolled me away from him and then drew me back to his chest and placed my palm over his heart.

  “Did I tell you how handsome you look?” I asked.

  “Nah,” he said. “I don’t think so.”

  “Well, you’re strikingly handsome—the epitome of the gorgeous groom. All brides should be so lucky.”

  Aiden wrapped his arms around me and nuzzled his face in my neck as we swayed to the music. He sweetly kissed my nape and then his hands were moving down my body.

  I withdrew from his embrace and looked at him in mock surprise. “What are you doing?”

  “Touching my wife,” he said. He pulled me closer, his pelvis gyrating against me.

  I laughed. “Your mother is going to kill you. This isn’t what we practiced.”

  “I don’t care.”

  Aiden gently turned me, my back to his chest as our bodies moved in time with the sensual beat. It was slow and sexy, with just a hint of seduction like the touch of his hands as they trailed past my thighs. We moved as if we were one, our bodies swaying smoothly to the floor and back up. His palms glided over my body, guiding me so that I was once again facing him, and then for a brief moment, we were motionless, lost in each other’s eyes as the heat between us blazed higher. I didn’t remember this song being so provocative during rehearsal—my hunger for him had been stirring all evening, escalating to a point that it had become impossible to concentrate on what we’d practiced. My comprehension was only of him—his hands on me, his minty breath and his impossibly beautiful eyes.

  “I love you,” he said.

  My heart fluttered and I suddenly felt queasy. I didn’t think he would ever stop having this effect on me. He made me crazy. “I love you, too…always.”

  “Now until forever.”

  “Now until forever,” I repeated.

  Aiden’s hand moved up my back and over my shoulder. He grasped my neck, and for the briefest of moments, he studied my face. Within the next second, he was sealing his mouth over mine. Our dance was pretty much over at that point. His tongue was so deep in my mouth, it felt like it was mine. My hands were all over him, clutching at him, desperate for his taste, hypnotized by his smell and intoxicated by his touch. We didn’t resurface until I felt someone pulling at my arm.

  I withdrew from Aiden and saw Emilie’s dark brown eyes, gaping at me, with a mix of accusation and shock. She pulled me away from Aiden as Nicholas towed his brother in a different direction. I glanced around the room and people were staring at us as if they weren’t quite sure how to react to our little display.

  Emilie and Anna whisked me off to the stylists to touch up my hair and makeup. Once they’d finished with me, Sienna entered the room and took a seat beside me. I knew what she was about to say even before she said it.

  “Aria, you were an exquisite bride—absolutely beautiful. And the ceremony was elegant perfection. And your vows…well, I’m certain they brought everyone to tears. All that being said, we’re not done yet.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You and Aiden.” She pursed her lips. “Could you two try to show a little…restraint?”

  “We’re happy and in love, Sienna. We’re not robots.”

  “I understand. What you two share is very special…anyone can see that, but some things are best reserved for the privacy of your bedroom. So if you could do this as a kindness for your mother-in-law, I would appreciate it more than you know.”

  “Did you have this little talk with your son, too?”

  She waved her hand as if that was a foolish question. “Oh, heavens no. Aiden is almost the youngest of my children, yet he’s always been the most mature—always displayed the most discipline and restraint. But when it comes to you, he’s like a hormonal teenager. Asking this of him would be futile. It would go in one ear and right out the other.”

  Same goes for me. If my husband…husband? I couldn’t believe how easily that popped into my head. If Aiden can’t keep his hands off me on our wedding day, why would I object? Are you crazy, lady?

  “It’s almost time for you to toss the bouquet. We should be getting back. Only a couple more hours, so enjoy every second of this time, Aria…within limits,” she added and hugged me just as April walked in.

  “I came to check on you,” April said. Her eyebrows furrowed as she took note of my intimacy with Sienna.

  “I’ll see you back out there shortly,” Sienna said. “And remember—within limits.”

  I nodded, and we exchanged air kisses.

  “I know I’m playing catch up on a lot, but was that real?” April asked, once Sienna had stepped out of the room.

  “Believe it or not—yes.”

  “You have to be kidding me. I noticed it the night of the rehearsal dinner, and again before the wedding, but I thought it was all part of the show,” April air-quoted.

  “Oddly enough, I’ve actually grown to really like her.”

  “Wow. We really have a lot of catching up to do.”

  “Lots,�
� I added with a giggle.

  “I can’t believe it. You’re a mom, and you’re married to this freaking hot billionaire.”

  “I know. Please don’t say it too many times. I may pass out.”

  “I’m so happy for you. And I’m glad I had the chance to be a part of this day.”

  “Me, too. Thank you for being here.”

  We hugged and there was a knock at the door. “It’s time,” Anna said as she walked into the dressing room with the tossing bouquet.

  “Coming,” I replied, and grabbed April’s hand, and strolled out of the room.

  Almost as soon as I rejoined the others, I found Aiden. He was speaking with his groomsmen, but left them when he spotted me. “Where did you run off to?” he asked.

  “I didn’t.” I scowled in Emilie’s direction. “I was shanghaied, remember?”