by Lilly Wilde
Sex with Aiden had been intense; it was like receiving a concentrated dose of endorphins. When his skin touched mine, I completely lost all sense of self and gravitated to another place deep in my psyche, a place where he was the master and I was the student … and I didn’t resurface until he released me … and that release came in the form of orgasm after orgasm, each one more extreme than the last.
Having shared such intimacies with a man like Aiden and to abruptly stop required some regrouping, and, of course, that applied to the sexual aspects as well as the emotional.
One of the side effects of my affair with Aiden that I’d quickly detected was my enjoyment of a man for more than sex. This was partially due to my experience with Aiden and in a lesser, but still significant, degree to Kellan. I’d sensed from only a few conversations with him in St. Barts that he was a great guy. And although I’d sensed he was a great guy, I couldn’t take anyone at face value; I’d asked my attorney to run a back-ground check. Given the financial aspects of our relationship, my request was warranted. Kellan was a Senior Hedge Fund Analyst and I was his firm’s most recent client. A thorough review of his firm’s credentials was actually a suggestion from my attorney. I’d added the extra request, explaining to my attorney that I’d be working exclusively with Kellan until further notice; therefore, I wanted to run a check on him as well. I was less paranoid after my attorney gave both him and his firm the all-clear. I didn’t want another Aiden-sized secret popping up and knocking the air out of my lungs.
I took one last look in the full-length mirror before walking out of my bedroom. I’d selected a Maison Rabih Kayrouz red bias-cut charmeuse one-shoulder gown. It had a draped panel that extended from the shoulder to the asymmetric hem at the back. There was a high asymmetric slit in the back of the dress as well, which showcased the results of the extra time that I had put into my leg workouts. The Giuseppe Zanotti lace-up red pumps I’d chosen would not be very supportive so I was hoping that the amount of standing and walking would be minimal this evening.
“Wow! Just when I thought you couldn’t possibly look more beautiful. You look amazing,” Kellan marveled, as I entered the sitting area.
“Thank you. You look quite amazing yourself,” I replied. Kellan was a very handsome man and was quite dapper in his dark blue suit. His light brown hair was cropped short. He had chocolate brown eyes, strong arched brows and prominent cheekbones. His chin and nose were well-defined as were his lips. I had a thing with guys’ lips and although Kellan and I had only shared the one kiss, his lips captured and held my attention quite often.
“I thought we’d have a drink before we headed out,” he said, extending a glass of wine to me.
“Thank you,” I said.
“When are you going to play something for me?” he asked, looking at the piano.
“I’m not very good, but I may be able to play a little something for you.”
“Okay, let’s hear it,” he urged.
“Now?” I asked.
“Why not?”
“Okay, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” We walked over to the piano and I took a seat as Kellan stood behind me.
“What is that?” he asked.
“What?”
“That.” he said, pointing at the inscription.
I suppose I would be asked that by anyone who saw this piano.
“The piano was a gift,” I started, not knowing how to explain the rest. “And this inscription was sort of an inside joke.”
I could sense he wanted to ask me something else but was relieved when he didn’t.
“Any requests?” I asked, jokingly.
“How about –”
“I can only play five songs so it needs to be one of those five,” I interrupted.
“Well in that case, you choose,” he replied, grinning.
“If you insist,” I said, and dove into my favorite of the five. When I finished I looked up to see him smiling.
“What? You look surprised,” I said.
“Honestly, I am. I thought it was more of a decoration piece. That was amazing.”
“Really?” I asked. I’d never played for anyone before besides Vincent, my instructor, so I was nervous. “I’m too excited to be offended by your décor crack.”
“You can crack a joke on me later to make up for it.”
“You can count on it mister.”
“We should get going,” he said.
I grabbed my pashmina and clutch and we walked out to start our evening.
*****
We were amongst the first to arrive and easily spotted Raina and Zoe. We walked over to greet them and I introduced Kellan. Shock quickly passed over Raina’s pretty features as recognition sat in. I was sure that she remembered that Kellan was the guy that I’d rushed out of RPH a few weeks ago. I’d never attended a business function with a date before so I knew that Raina’s shocked expression wouldn’t be the only one I would encounter tonight.
We were knee-deep in discussion about the charity, Kellan’s job and how he was enjoying his time in Boston when an uproar toward the entrance halted our conversation. We turned to see what all the hoopla was about and my heart nearly jumped out of my chest. It was Aiden … and he wasn’t alone.
Raina looked at me, knowing that I would have some type of reaction to his appearance. I tried to appear as untouched by his arrival as was possible. I smiled at her and she turned back facing the entrance. The smile was plastered on my face and it was as fake as everything else I’d been projecting as of late when it came to Aiden. I continued to watch him along with everyone else in the room. He was born with the ability to charismatically command any room. Tonight was no different. He allowed everyone to soak him in before he stepped from the threshold; shaking hands and nodding hellos. Photographers were snapping pictures and reporters were flinging questions. After a few greetings, he was shown to his table – which was closer to ours than I would have liked.
I wanted to look away and I knew that I should but my eyes wouldn’t cooperate; they were glued to him as he strolled into the room. My eyes slowly moved over his tall, powerful and incredibly gorgeous frame. He was so hot that he could make a pussy cum just by looking at it! And there on his arm was a stunningly beautiful red-head. There was a unique beauty about her; and she wore the same air of affluence as the man whose arm she was possessively clutching.
Allen and Michelle Lane were also in close proximity. It seemed they appeared alongside the Raines whenever the chance presented itself. I skimmed his entourage, looking for his mother or father. His father was reportedly on the mend and working part time in the Chicago office. I wondered what that meant for Aiden. Would he retain the position of President and CEO of Raine Industries? He couldn’t resume his alias in the circles in which he traveled now because the news of his undercover probing into Raine Industries had flooded all news channels and media outlets. You’d have to practically live under a rock to not know what had transpired at Raine Industries.
I looked away just as Aiden spotted me. I wasn’t the only one getting an eyeful; I glanced up at Kellan and saw that he had been watching my prolonged survey of Aiden. I turned away from Kellan’s inquisitive eyes and nervously scanned the room pondering how I would possibly manage this night.
The orchestra began playing and several splendidly dressed couples made their way to the dancing area. Waiters were circling the room taking drink orders and distributing drinks. I needed one ... or two. I turned back toward the others as the conversations commenced. My subliminal message must have been loud and clear because a waiter was approaching our group. I noticed Raina eyeing him too. I was about to reach for a drink, as was she, but stopped short when her expression changed; I followed her gaze. It was Aiden; he was coming this way. He’d barely been in the room five seconds and he was already strapped and ready to cause problems. I quickly turned to Kellan and asked him to dance. We eased into the small crowd of dancers and started gliding to the gentle sounds of Franz Schubert�
��s Serenade.
Everything felt awkward now. I didn’t know what to say. Should I ignore it or should I address what I knew he was piecing together. I looked at the other dancers, the orchestra, and the waiters … anything but Kellan. I felt his eyes burning into me. I knew he had questions. Questions that I would eventually have to answer if I wanted an honest relationship with him.
“Mind if I cut in?”
Aiden was standing behind Kellan. I was so lost in my thoughts that I hadn’t noticed his approach.
“That’s up to the lady,” Kellan said.
“Aria, will you do me the honor?” Aiden asked.
He noticed my hesitation. “I promise not to bite,” he said.
I sighed. “Fine, but just one.”
“Whatever you want,” he replied, as he reached for my hand.
I placed my hand in his and his touch literally sent chills throughout my body. This was a bad idea. I looked toward Kellan offering a silent plea for his rescue but Aiden tactfully moved me from Kellan’s reach.
“You’re starting to make running from me a new art form,” he said, peering down at me.
“I’m certain I don’t know what you mean.”
“And I’m certain that you do,” he replied. “It’s just a dance Aria, nothing to be afraid of.”
I knew all too well that nothing was that simple when it came to Aiden.
“Don’t flatter yourself … at least not any more than you already do. There may be a few things I fear but you’re certainly not one of them.”
He leaned down towards me, drowning me in his rich scent, “Are you sure about that?” he whispered.
And just like that Virginia awoke from her hibernation, the gentle throbbing between my legs nearly causing my stumble. “What happened to this being just a dance?” I asked.
He responded by sweeping me into his arms, taking my breath way; I was still apprehensive but Virginia reveled in the elation of his proximity. We slid easily across the floor, his graceful movements taking me on an enchanted flight. Being in his arms like this felt right somehow; I was more comfortable than I would have liked. The conflicting emotions were consuming me. I craved his touch, yet it hurt to be this close. I wanted to run; yet I wanted to melt into him.
“I heard good things from Chicago,” he said, changing the subject.
“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 o
f 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?”
