Touched (The Untouched Trilogy #2)(62)

“I also wish to extend my condolences for the loss of your mother,” Connor said.

“Thank you very much. It’s been difficult,” I said, looking at Aiden. I would never be able to thank him for stepping in the way that he did. “Aiden has been a very strong shoulder. I don’t think I would be standing had it not been for his support.”

“Don’t underestimate yourself. You’re far stronger than you realize,” Aiden said.

“If there is anything we can do, you’ll let us know?” Sienna asked.

“Yes, thank you.” She seemed genuinely sympathetic.

“I was a child when I lost my mother and I understand how heart-breaking it is to lose someone you love, especially someone as precious as a mother,” she added.

“I’m sorry for your loss Sienna,” I said. She was right; I was heartbroken over the loss of my mother and I didn’t wish that on anyone. Her statement brought the guilt to the surface; the guilt that would walk with me every day for the rest of my life. For so many years, I didn’t regard my mother as the precious part of my life that she was.

“Thanks dear … I mean Aria,” she said, smiling. I appreciated her effort even though it was more for Aiden’s benefit than mine.

“Son, let’s have a drink. Nicholas and Sloan are roaming around here somewhere.”

“They’re out at the tennis courts. They’ve been out there for a while; I would have thought Sloan would have embarrassed Nicholas enough by this point that he would have been back defending his losses,” Sienna said.

“Isn’t it too cold?” I asked.

“The courts are enclosed,” Aiden explained.

Aiden shared that Nicholas and Sloan were both excellent tennis players but Sloan’s abilities were far superior to Nicholas’ and he was somewhat of a sore loser. We were in the study enjoying a drink when they burst in full of vivacious banter.

“Well look who decided to grace us with his appearance,” Sloan said, walking over to hug her brother.

“Don’t start Sloan,” Aiden cautioned.

“Whatever you say brother,” she mocked. “Hi Aria. It’s wonderful to see you,” she said, walking over to me. I easily sensed the sincerity in her words. I knew instantly that I liked Sloan. It appeared she’d cut her hair since St. Barts. It was tucked behind her ears but it looked as though it was chin-length now. It was the same dark brown as Aiden’s. Her eyes immediately captured my attention as they were a mixture of blue and green, but it didn’t seem the mix had been complete as the inner side was more bluish and the outer was a lighter green.

“Hi Sloan, it’s great to see you too,” I replied.

Nicholas surprised me, picking me up and twirling me around. “Hello Miss Aria,” he said, grinning.

“Put her down Nicholas,” Aiden warned.

“Geez bro, just being friendly. Take it down a notch,” he replied, smirking at his brother. Aiden’s eyes narrowed and his jaws hardened. I motioned for Nicholas to release me.

“Don’t let him turn you into a fuddy-dud like him Aria,” Nicholas joked.

“He couldn’t even if he tried. It’s good to see you again Nicholas,” I said, smiling.

“It’s even better to see you darling,” he replied, flashing a megawatt smile. He was quite the charmer. He resembled his brother. His hair was a shade darker than Aiden’s, almost black. His eyes, closer to the light green of his mother’s, were framed by graceful brows. He had the same prominent jaw of his father and Aiden. I could easily see that his dashing personality went hand in hand with his smile.

“Why don’t we let the men catch up Aria,” Sloan said, grabbing my hand pulling me away, attempting to diffuse a situation that could have easily escalated.

She sensed my hesitation. “They’re just kidding around. Don’t worry about them. They do this to each other all the time. Believe it or not they’re actually quite close,” Sloan assured me.

I looked back at Aiden; he and Nicholas were laughing as Connor looked on approvingly. Sloan and I walked out; she offered to show me to the bedroom to unpack.



*****



Aiden later pulled me from his bedroom to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art. It was wonderful being with him like this, away from the tension of his family. It was subtle but it was tension nonetheless.

We arrived back at his home in time for dinner. The Raines were on their best behavior and I was surprised to notice that business never entered the dinner conversation, well unless you counted the countless applauds to Aiden. I watched as Conner and Sienna showered Aiden with praise; all three siblings seemed slightly uncomfortable.

After dinner, Sienna excused herself to retire for the evening having complained of a headache. Aiden, Nicholas and Connor returned to the study to discuss Raine Industries business. Sloan and I grabbed our glasses and strolled to the living room.

“I’m surprised you’re still here,” Sloan said.

“What? Why do you say that?” I asked.

“My parents typically disapprove of Aiden’s relationships with anyone they haven’t hand-selected. They always have. If he does involve himself with someone that’s not of their choosing, they tend to … steer that person in a different direction.”