Page 15 of Red Retaliation

The glaring difference between the opulence of the surroundings and those men’s brash harshness is disquieting, yet intriguing. I don’t want it to be intriguing because that’s another reason why that despicable man remains in my brain when I wish him anywhere but in my thoughts.

I suddenly gasp as a horrible thought assails me. Why would a man have a nicely designed and decorated bedroom above a casino if not for a specific purpose? Perhaps entertaining women of his choice - no doubt one after another? Maybe even more than one at the same time?

A man with his fierce reputation, looking like he does, wouldn’t be short of fame and money-seeking women.

I’m disappointed to realize that once again I’ve brought Bateman’s looks into the equation.

Why the fuck am I doing it?

I stomp over to the wardrobe, my temper rising. How dare they place me in a ready-made brothel room!

What’s in here, then? A wardrobe full of fucking condoms or...

With the door half open, I stare in surprise at the contents.

Shirts and trousers?

Unable to help it, I run my fingers along the packed rail, my skin tingling on the expensive fabric. There’s a distinct waft of that heady scent I smelled last night when Red forced himself up close; the time when I felt the hardness of his chest, his muscles against me...

It must be his aftershave I can smell. How did I miss that in here before?

Almost in a spell, I lean inside the wardrobe, my nose brushing against the clothes. Why are there so many? Surely he doesn’t live above his club? No one would be that dire, would they?

CHAPTER

9

Red

“DO YOU HAVE A fascination with gaining information, or are you just so fucking nosy you can’t control yourself?” I lean against the bedroom wall, taking my amusement as Arianna spins around at the sound of my voice.

“What? No... I...”

With shock and embarrassment, her lips move as if to say something further, but nothing comes out. Instead, she stares at me as if I’m a hologram. I walk casually across the room before I become transfixed with staring at her. She cannot have control in any way, shape or form. It will be me holdingthatcard.

It always has to be me.

“Didn’t you expect me to walk in? What were you searching for this time?” I ask, enjoying her frustration. I know she’s battling against making snotty remarks, but she needn’t. I like that she stands up to me. People rarely do.

But she’ll realize soon enough that neither route will get her anywhere.

Arianna instinctively steps away as I approach, and a snort of derision escapes me as I brush past. Standing in front of the wardrobe, I lean in to retrieve a clean shirt. After inspecting it, I hook the hanger over the other wardrobe door. “You don’t have to be jumpy. Like I explained last night, your virtue is safe with me. I have no wish to go down that road with you.”

Except that’s a downright lie.

I’d have to be blind not to find this woman attractive. I also get the distinct impression there’s something aboutmethat she finds equallyfascinating, so I’ll pass the time she remains here by playingher.

Turning, I spend a moment studying her. She’s silent, a tinge of contempt in her blue-violet eyes. Despite the clothes she wore last night being creased, her hair tousled like she’s been tossing and turning all night and the previous day’s makeup still on her face, including a black smudge on her right cheek, she retains that awe-inspiring beauty as well as the spiky attitude which sends blood rushing straight to my groin.

Considering this unwanted effect, it will be difficult turning up the heat to tease her, but providing I don’t lose sight of the endgame, it will be amusing making her uncomfortable.

“Okay, so let’s give you the benefit of the doubt and therefore presume you’re wondering why this room is full of my things?” I rub my thumb across her cheek to remove the smudge of mascara. She stiffens but doesn’t move away. “I’ll tell you, shall I? It’s because I spend more time here than I do in my own house.”

Her lips part a tiny bit - enough to send electric to the base of my cock.

I remove my hand from her face and maintain my composure before I suck her lips into my mouth and bite them. I smile, but my eyes remain cold, reminding myself this woman is a purebred Galvatore. Plus she cuts men’s cocks off...

“I’ve arranged for a selection of clothes to be delivered for you. Arianna Bristoni cannot wear my clothes, nor will I have a woman under my roof who smells like a tramp!” I flick my hand dismissively. “Choose whatever you wish, but pick a decent selection otherwise I’ll choose for you.”