Touched (The Untouched Trilogy #2)(57)

“Everything has been handled to your specifications, sir. We’ve checked for all electronic devices and any possible wires,” one of them said.

“Show them in,” Aiden said.

“He’s ready,” the man said, speaking aloud into a headset.

The door opened and another security personnel, Tiffany, Dane and a final security member filed into the office. Tiffany wasn’t at all what I expected. She was a curvy woman of average height with platinum blonde tresses flowing down her back.

“Have a seat,” the man said to them, motioning toward the chairs at the end of the table.

They took the seats that were offered and nervously glanced around the room until their eyes rested on me. Dane was expressionless. What was going through my head when I hooked up with him? Alcohol had certainly played a part in that decision. He was sporting a light mustache and stubble. He was a good looking guy, his facial features weren’t outstanding, but he had an allure about him.

“I trust you know who I am and the purpose of your visit,” Aiden began, directing their attention towards him. His voice was different. It was cold … hard.

“Yes,” they both replied, almost in unison.

“Good. We can dispense with the preliminaries and cut to the chase. First, I don’t make a habit of interruptions such as this to my work schedule so this is already a very distasteful part of my day. However, I felt it necessary to articulate my intent in person to ensure there’re no misunderstandings.”

“Mr. Raine, I –” Tiffany started.

Aiden held up his hand, silencing her.

“You’re not here to speak, you’re here to listen,” he said, his tone was cutting.

She looked at Dane who sat staring at Aiden as though he were a robot. No emotions. I couldn’t read him at all.

“It’s been brought to my attention that you’re experiencing some marital difficulties and you’re forcefully soliciting Miss Cason’s assistance to further your means. Unless the laws have changed, which they so often do, but I highly doubt they have in this case – a marriage is between two people. Miss Cason is not married to either of you; therefore, she is not a part of this.”

This entire scene had me on edge so I could only imagine what they were feeling. Aiden on the other hand, was the epitome of calm and control.

“You both have the same goal – money. Based on reports I’ve obtained on your assets, there isn’t much of any significance and if you want to keep what little there is, you will do exactly as I say.”

“Mr. Raine, Dane should pay for what he’s done to me, to our family. My attorney feels that Miss Cason’s testimony will more than make my case,” Tiffany pleaded.

“Did I or did I not specify that you are not to f*cking talk?” he asked, his voice laced with venom. Tiffany’s eyes widened and she sat back in her seat.

My heart was racing; I wasn’t prepared to see this side of Aiden. I looked at him and swallowed the lump in my throat. His eyes were rolling flames of molten green.

“You’ll resolve this predicament without the inclusion of Miss Cason or anyone, anything or entity that is affiliated with Miss Cason. Let’s be honest here, you didn’t request Miss Cason’s assistance; you threatened her … and that was the worst mistake you could’ve made.” His tone was chilling and I, like the Patricks, was hesitant to do anything more than listen as he continued.

“Whatever drove you to this position in your relationship is of no significance to Miss Cason and she’s therefore not a player in this game of yours. My instructions are simple yet explicit. I don’t anticipate any further communication from either of you, nor does Miss Cason.”

“If either of you do as much as utter her name, I’ll know … and I assure you, the outcome will not be to your liking. I don’t make futile threats. I can target anyone, anything, and anywhere – and I say that with every possible connotation.”

Tiffany responded with a nod. She looked as if she was about to pee herself. I knew that Aiden was a force to be reckoned with but this was different; I hadn’t witnessed this side of him before. His tone was menacing and his expression was downright lethal. Even I was afraid to speak … and that was saying a lot.

“I trust there is no ambiguity as to how I fully expect this to evolve. Now, if you’ll please leave my office, my team will return your devices and escort you to the airport.”

Dane looked at Tiffany and I saw a small smirk on his face. Of course, this suited him perfectly; it gave him the result he wanted all along. He didn’t want his wife to stake claim to his holdings and from the sounds of it, she wouldn’t … well not by any involvement on my part at least.

“Mr. Raine, this is giving Dane exactly what he wants,” Tiffany protested.

“Perhaps you’re confused. This meeting is over. Don’t test my patience, Mrs. Patrick.”

He looked at the security personnel; gave a slight nod – his prompt for them to escort Tiffany and Dane from his office. “See that they are logged in the list for our special guests,” Aiden said, eyeing them distastefully.

“Yes, sir,” one of them replied. They all exited the room, leaving Aiden and me alone. I didn’t know what to say.

“I’m late for a dinner meeting. I’ll call you later,” he said, standing and moving towards me. He planted a kiss on the top of my head and exited the conference room.