Touched (The Untouched Trilogy #2)(7)

He walked over and assumed the seat beside me.

“How are you? Are you settling in?” he asked.

“I’m well and yes, I’m quite settled. How are you?” I asked, reverting my attention to my tablet … swiping the screen. His smell was filtering its way to me and I slid slightly to the left but it was of no use. I found myself fighting the urge to lean closer to him. I never understood how he smelled that way. It was as if he showered in pheromones and then dashed on I want to f*ck you aftershave. It was too much. It had always been too much.

“Just as you, I’m well.” He looked at me as if expecting more. There was more, much more but I knew this wasn’t the time or the place. Actually, there would never be a time or place … not if I could help it.

Adam entered the room and walked directly over to greet Aiden. Aiden stood and faced away from me. The other staff members were steadily filtering in, chattering animatedly. I strained to hear Adam’s discussion of Aiden’s itinerary for the remainder of his visit but I couldn’t quite make it out.

The dark-haired woman walked over to Aiden and whispered something to him. She took a seat and Aiden started the meeting. I continued looking at my tablet as I listened to him. His voice was like silk … smooth and seductive. I stole a quick glance at him. He was the page of a glossy magazine and he was sporting that sexy stubble that made me want to touch it. He was gorgeous, controlled and powerful and I felt as though I was seeing him through new eyes. I always thought he was inexplicably refined now I knew why. I’d assumed it was something he’d picked up and cultivated but I now knew better. It came from years of being a Raine.

Aiden Wyatt Raine was the president and CEO of Raine Industries, a vast multi-national conglomerate and until very recently, he’d been my lover. He was impossibly gorgeous and unbelievably seductive even without an attempt on his part. I looked down at the agenda and closed my eyes allowing his velvet voice to flow over me. I was easily recalling those intimate moments we’d shared when that voice was directed solely towards me … saying things that made me blush. Hearing his voice was enough to deliver several tiny orgasms instead of the single one I’d just experienced. I squeezed my thighs attempting to avert any additional unconscious reactions. My legs were becoming numb due to the pressure and I hoped the meeting would end soon.

My response to his presence was not something I’d expected. Why did my senses take leave when it came to that man? Wasn’t the first burn enough? The pain of his deceit was fresh and the wound he’d caused was uncovered … yet like a moth to a flame I was involuntarily drawn to him. Obviously experiencing the feel of the burn wasn’t enough because I wanted him. I still wanted him. The part of me that knew the risk was there lurking ... but the part of me that he satisfied was the only part I was listening to.

After the first hour, we stopped for a short break. Some refreshed their beverages, others went to the restroom. I was with the group that went to the restroom. I wanted to regroup, not to mention wipe up.

I took a deep breath and walked back into the conference room. Adam had taken the seat opposite me and he and Aiden were in conversation as I approached. Adam looked down at his notes when the dark-haired woman interrupted, offering Aiden a cup of coffee to which he accepted and Aiden directed his attention toward me.

“There’s undoubtedly a multitude of information that you need to obtain as quickly as possible if we are to transition efficiently, so I would like to send Chicago Bryant here for a few weeks to help out,” he said.

Chicago had served on the Raine Industries Board for years and he was very involved with the workings of the company. “Help me out? Do you feel as though I need help Aiden?” I asked, glancing briefly at him. I was very offended by his suggestion, to which he couldn’t help but notice. I made no effort to hide it.

“If you were listening as quickly as you were taking insult to my offer, you’d know that I wasn’t saying that. Promoting you was the best move for RPH. That being said, I know how important it is for you to be on top of everything and I need that as well. I want you positioned for nothing but success and I’ll do all I can to provide you with every means possible, starting with Chicago, he’ll be an excellent resource for you.”

“I have Raina. There’s no need to send one of your lapdogs to watch over me,” I said, my voice loaded with impedance.

He lifted his eyebrows in amusement. I didn’t find this funny in the least. I was; however, very much insulted. Why would he place me in a position in which he felt I needed help?

“Once you meet Chicago, you’ll see that lapdog isn’t a description that would ever fit someone of his caliber. And although you do have Raina, Chicago is well versed on some Raine Industries aspects that Raina isn’t privy to that would prove useful.”

“Aspects such as?” He didn’t answer. Instead he looked down at his phone. There was a message notification that he obviously appreciated given the quick smile that appeared on his perfect lips.

“I’ve been in contact with him and he should arrive Monday morning,” he stated, looking up from his phone.

“Wait? You arranged this without speaking with me? Why the f*ck didn’t you just give me a direct order instead of presenting it as an offer?”

The brio I’d seen in his eyes earlier disappeared as he cast a warning glance at me. “Aria, calm down,” he said, frowning his disapproval.