Touched (The Untouched Trilogy #2)(63)

It was easy to see that she was trying to choose her words carefully. I didn’t know quite how to respond to her disclosure; I could see she wanted to say more, so I held my tongue.

“Not that he’s had a ton of relationships or brings many women home but there have been one or two in the past,” she added.

“Why are you telling me this?” I asked.

“I like you and I want you to know what you’ve signed up for. And I want to help in any way that I can. I see how Aiden brightens when you come into a room. I think you’re good for him.”

“But your parents don’t, so you thought they would make that known and I’d run for the hills?” I asked.

“Something like that. But since you’re not the typical type of woman that Aiden would date, I suspect they’ll be handling it a little differently. Honestly, I can’t say if they like you or dislike you but the fact that you’re someone of Aiden’s choosing is a red flag.” Sloan said.

“I don’t understand.”

“Their preference … well they actually see it as more of a necessity than a preference, is that Aiden involve himself with a woman who knows her place, who will be fine sitting patiently on the sidelines which enables Aiden to assume the responsibilities they feel he should. I get the sense you’re not the type that’s going to sit by and just wait for him to find time for you.”

“Exactly what responsibilities do they feel he should assume?” I asked.

“Oh, so you haven’t noticed?” she asked.

“Aiden doesn’t like to talk about it very much and I’m somewhat the same when it comes to family matters so I’ve respected that,” I said.

“Raine Industries. They want him to maintain leadership … indefinitely. And they don’t want anyone in his presence that could be a distraction,” she said.

“And you think I’d be a distraction for him?”

“You already are.” She took in my expression and attempted to rephrase. “I wouldn’t necessarily term it as a distraction. But that’s how they’ll see it.”

“I don’t get it. You and Nicholas are involved with the company and from what little Aiden has shared with me, you both are extremely capable so why place all of this on Aiden’s shoulders?”

“Aiden has always been treated as though he was the golden child. He’s very intelligent and he really does have a knack for business. That combined with the fact that he’s been, for lack of a better word, brainwashed into thinking he has to assume the responsibility that he has.”

I didn’t like hearing all of this. I actually couldn’t see Aiden being brainwashed by anyone.

“Nicholas and I get to pick up the scraps. I’m resentful, as you can obviously tell, but honestly I hope you’re able to hang in there because Aiden is different when he’s with you. You really make him happy and he deserves that. He deserves a chance at a normal life or at least as normal as it can be for anyone who bears the Raine name.”

Just great, not only am I feeling my way through, I have to fight with these lunatics to keep a man that I’m quite frankly concerned has already complicated my life more than I would have preferred.

“Judging by your expression, I probably should have kept this to myself but I think you need to know what you’re up against. Like I said, I like you and I get the sense that you appreciate Aiden for who he is and not for everything that comes with who he is. And he needs someone like that in his life. On a selfish note, I think your presence in his life will also level the playing field so that Nicholas and I will no longer be regarded as the dispensable ones, we want to contribute equally to the company.”

“That’s understandable and thank you Sloan for sharing this with me.” I said, unsure as to the truth in those words.

“You’re welcome. Hey … you know Allison will be here tomorrow. Maybe we can do a girls outing, excluding Mother of course, she added.

“That sounds like fun.” Although I liked Sloan, Allison had found a place in my heart almost the instant I’d met her and her presence would certainly make this trip much brighter.

Sloan and I started discussing the launch of The Writer when her phone rang and she excused herself. I had a feeling she’d be a while based on her facial expressions as she listened to the caller. I sat quietly in the room watching the flames dance in the fireplace as I sipped my wine and considered what I was in for if I intended to remain with Aiden.



*****



I was bored and went in search of Aiden, I was walking by the study; I had no intention of eavesdropping but the words rang out.

“You’re me now ... have you accepted that?” Connor asked.

“You’ve given me little to no choice,” Aiden replied, bitterly.

“Aiden, when will you stop with this resistance?”

“One son resists, yet you force it upon him. The other is eager to assume the role, yet you spit on him,” Nicholas said.

“I don’t know why you bother Nicholas,” Connor stated.

“Because I’m your son. Obviously not your favorite one but I am the one who really wants this. I don’t treat it like a burden as Aiden does,” Nicholas replied. I could hear the resentment in his voice.

“And you feel that entitles you to what exactly?” Connor asked.