Touched (The Untouched Trilogy #2)(8)
The others were starting to return to their seats. I glared at Aiden as he began introducing the dark-haired lady as Brooklyn Pierce, his personal assistant. I was fuming. Why must he consistently invoke such a recusant disposition within me? I truly believed he did it on purpose.
At the conclusion of the meeting, I jotted some last minute notes on my tablet and quickly rose from my seat. “I need to speak with you before you leave Mr. Raine,” I said. He glanced up from Brooklyn and nodded his acknowledgment and immediately returned to his conversation with her.
I walked back to my office to see Raina exiting. “I made a cup of tea for you. I thought you may need something calming after your meeting with Mr. Raine.”
“Why would you ever think that, Raina?” I asked, sarcastically.
“He seems to always press your buttons and I didn’t think today would be any different,” she replied, looking at me sympathetically, her lips pursed.
“It seems you’re correct Raina; I think I may have done just that,” Aiden said, as he entered my office.
I looked at Raina and she was obviously embarrassed. “I’m sorry Mr. Raine,” she said, as she scurried for the door.
“Nothing to apologize for Raina, you’re simply stating the truth. I do somehow manage to upset Miss Cason but I’m hoping she’ll allow me the opportunity to remedy that.”
As soon as the door closed behind Raina, I turned my attention to him. “I will not have you arranging things without my signing off on them first. If this is your plan for me as CEO, why not release my shackles and allow me to work someplace else?”
“Someplace such as Little Brown & Company?” he asked.
That interview was just yesterday. How would he know that?
“Yes, I’m very much aware of your meeting with them,” he said, observing my reaction. I have a very long reach Aria and I’m aware of more than you could ever realize,” he warned.
“So … what does that mean? Are you spying on me? We both know it won’t be the first time,” I said, bitterly.
“There’s no need for me to spy when I have such loyal business associates.”
“That’s illegal. You of all people should know that,” I said.
“Brooklyn will work with Raina to coordinate Chicago’s accommodations and your schedules while he’s here,” he said, ignoring my previous comment.
“You’re unbelievable. You’re once again forcing something that I do not want or need.”
“You’re once again fighting me on something we both know is good for you. Frankly, I’m disappointed that an intelligent, forward-thinking woman such as yourself can’t see the value in this.”
“Well you know me … I love a good fight,” I said.
“Even one that you know you can’t win?” he asked.
I knew there was more to his statement than his imposing Chicago on me. He was referring to us. And he was wrong; this is a fight that I intended to win.
“Who says I won’t?” I asked.
“Must you be so obstinate?” he asked.
“Must you be so intrusive?” I countered.
He didn’t reply.
“I’m sure our exchange of insults will be the highlight of my day but I have a very busy schedule so I would very much appreciate if we could forego this nonessential prattle. Is there anything else you wish to force down my throat?”
“Well … if you’re offering…”
Fuck, wrong choice of words. “I’m not in the mood for your word games Aiden,” I replied, angrily.
“It was not my intention to insult you Aria just as I’m sure it wasn’t your intent to display such vagrant insubordination in the meeting. I understand that you’re frustrated with me but we will convey an amicable working relationship when we’re in the public. I need to make sure you understand that.”
“So not only do you think I need your help to fulfill the role as CEO, but you also think I’m an idiot?”
“You know I’m not saying that but the tension you displayed earlier during the meeting is not acceptable.”
“Excuse me for not being as nonchalant as you, Mr. Raine. In the future, I’ll do my absolute best to convey the aloofness that you’ve obviously mastered. Is that all?”
He sighed as he stood and walked toward my desk. “What am I going to do with you?”
“Nothing,” I replied.
He walked around my desk and pulled my chair back towards him. Our eyes locked for a short moment and he quickly pulled me from my seat. His hand was in my hair tugging my head back. His other hand was at the base of my chin forcing my mouth to meet his. He abruptly placed his lips on mine. The kiss was harsh and demanding, just as his grasp on my hair. I felt the subtle tug on my hair as he pulled my head back a little more and the pressure of his thumb and forefinger on my jaw as he opened my mouth and shoved his tongue inside. I pulled away and slapped him, the palm of my hand landing flush against his face.
“What the hell was that?” I asked, rubbing my lips.
“Do I really need to explain it?” he asked. “Besides, I didn’t do anything we haven’t done before.”
“That was then. We no longer have that type of relationship and you damn well know it,” I exclaimed.