Touched (The Untouched Trilogy #2)(100)

I’d gone as far as continuing my relationship with him; we were together at his place last night and drove in to work together this morning. He knew something was off despite my constant reassurances that I was worried about my sisters. That was partially true because my decision to relocate yielded another abrupt change they had to endure.

“What the hell is this Aria?” he asked, after having read my letter.

“I’m resigning Aiden, effective immediately,” I replied, unable to meet his eyes.

“Did something happen?” he asked, confused.

“No. Nothing happened; I merely decided that I didn’t want this anymore,” I replied.

“I didn’t get a sense that you were unhappy as CEO. But if that’s the issue, we can come up with something that’s more to your liking.”

“No Aiden, it isn’t that.”

“Is it your salary? We can adjust that,” he offered.

“Aiden, I’m moving. I’m leaving Boston,” I blurted out.

He dropped the letter and leaned back in his chair as he considered what I’d divulged.

“What the f*ck Aria? Don’t you think this is something that you should’ve made me aware of before now? Is it for another position? Whatever they’re offering, I’ll beat it.”

“This is not about money or another job. I’m just leaving. Please don’t try to convince me otherwise because it will be a waste of your time,” I said, resolutely.

He looked at me intently; he was at a total loss. I could see the wheels turning in his head as he attempted to grasp the gravity of my revelation.

“You aren’t just leaving RPH … you’re leaving me aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Aria, what’s going on? Is it that Dane f*cker? Has he contacted you?”

“No, I haven’t heard from or seen him since the day you met with him. This isn’t about anyone other than me. I just want a fresh start without any entanglements or obligations.”

“Is that how you see us?” he asked.

“It’s just not easy to be with you and I can’t keep fighting everyone and every instinct that has guided me for years. It shouldn’t be this hard.”

“Things between us have been great Aria. We both know that there were some stumbling blocks along the way but we removed every obstacle. Together. There’s nothing standing in our way. This doesn’t make sense. Surely there’s more to this. I don’t want to lose you. I can’t lose you.”

“It’s too late. You already have. We just don’t fit Aiden. We never did and we never will. You need someone like Nadia … someone who’s already firmly implanted and accepted, not someone broken like me.” It was like acid on my tongue to mention her name paired with his but maybe that’s what it would take for him to accept what I was saying.

“Aria, I don’t see you that way and you f*cking know it. There’s more to this. So stop with this Nadia bullshit and tell me what’s going on.”

“It’s too late Aiden. Just let me go … please. You’ve told me that you love me. Well today I’m asking you to prove it. Give me this. Let me go.”

“Are you f*cking serious? You can’t expect to drop this on me in one minute and then have me agree to let you go in the next. Aria, we need to talk about this.”

“Aiden, I’m not dragging this out. My decision is made and I’m not going to change my mind. I’m leaving Boston today and I’m not coming back. All I ask is that you don’t follow me or try to find me. I want this to be over – once and for all. Can you give me that, please?”

I could see the confusion and pain in his eyes. The most intoxicatingly beautiful eyes I’d ever seen. Eyes that had taken in every inch of my body. Eyes that once looked at me with absolute love and adoration. It was heart wrenching to watch the pain and confusion in them now. His eyes held mine. I couldn’t look away; I was forced to watch as the look in his beautiful green eyes slowly morphed into revulsion and rage.

“Fine Aria. You want out, you’ve got it. I’m not doing this shit with you anymore. I’ve had to continuously assure you of my feelings … of my intentions and despite it all, you still leave. I accept your resignation. You needn’t worry about my following you or looking for you Princess. I’m not in the business of keeping someone who doesn’t want to be kept.”

That’s what I wanted … but f*ck it hurt to see the look on his face and to hear the disdain in his voice. It was killing me. I maintained my resolve but it was f*cking torture.

“I think we’re done here.” All traces of emotion had evaporated from his tone. “Please see yourself out,” he said, turning to his computer. He moved the mouse and clicked on something and began typing. He didn’t look at me again. I took one final glance at him and slowly turned and walked out. Raina and Bailey were standing near Bailey’s desk when I walked toward the elevators. I couldn’t face either of them, especially Raina. I quickly turned away from their questioning eyes and proceeded to the elevators. I pressed the down button and was relieved when the doors finally opened. I stepped in and pressed the button to the first floor. I looked up to see that Aiden had joined Bailey and Raina. Our eyes locked until the elevator doors closed. I inhaled, hoping I wouldn’t cry.