Page 45 of Red Retaliation

I purse my lips. “This marriage wasRed’sidea, not mine.” I fail to keep the irritation from my voice. “Why didn’t he speak to me about this before if he believes I...”

“There’s still time to walk away.” Oscar’s eyes drill into mine. “Leave now and quit dragging my family further into your shit.”

I pale, yet at the same time, my cheeks flush with humiliation. “Is Red giving me this option or you?”Because if he’s changed his mind, then...

“I’mgiving you the option.” Oscar’s eyes are cold, but there’s a hint of pleading somewhere deep within them.

“I... I can’t,” I hear myself whisper. “I promised.”

And Idid. But it’s a promise I’d happily break if my family’s safety wasn’t at stake. Clearing my throat. I shake off my wavering and match Oscar’s cold stare, my stubbornness rushing to the surface. “If Red isn’t offering me the option of walking away, then our deal still stands, and therefore I’m going through with it.”

I push the paperwork against his chest and nod towards Red’s office. “I’m not signing it, so let’s just get this over with.”

Without waiting for a response, I stride away before my nerve deserts me. Taking a deep breath, I prepare to sign myself up to a life even more unbearable.

CHAPTER

31

Red

I’M NOT SURE WHY I thought effort would have been made to this room. Standing at the back of my office, I glance around. The cleaner hasn’t been in. It’s obvious from my overflowing bin and stack of paperwork on the desk. There’s even an old cup of coffee, as well as the dirty whiskey tumblers from yesterday.

Okay, so I didn’t expect flowers or the room to be festooned with bows and ribbons. It’s hardly a ceremony to celebrate, but I’d thought it would at least beclean.

My office, along with the whole club, is cleaned on a daily basis. Everywhere else I’ve walked through today sparkles, so why not here?

My eyes track to Liam slouching on a chair, looking blasé but with a dash of triumph. My blood pressure hitches. I wouldn’t put it past him to instruct the cleanersnotto clean my office today. Anything to score points.

I’m on the verge of accusing him of this when I notice the registrar looking at his watch. Even that cunt hasn’t bothered. Wearing jeans and a T-shirt isn’t what I’d class as acceptable attire for conducting a fucking wedding! I’ve paid the bastard enough, and with what I’ve shelled out, he could afford ten handmade fucking suits and still have plenty of change!

My irritation spikes further as it hits me there is no sign of Arianna. Oscar was sent to fetch her ages ago, so where the hell is she? I don’t like being kept waiting.Ever.

My scowl deepens. She’d better not have changed her mind at last knockings.

With rising fury, I turn my glare back to Liam. Has he said or donesomething? Is Oscar on board too? All part of their plan to do whatever it takes to ensure the marriage, which everyone is so vehemently against, does not happen?

I then search Del’s face for signs he expects this to fall flat on its face, but there’s nothing in his stance or expression to suggest that.

I clench my teeth. Arianna had better hurry up. This is what was agreed, and if it doesn’t happen today, I’ll look ridiculous when the press arrive in an hour for my “special announcement”.

The door suddenly opens and my head jerks around. Christ, I’m acting like arealgroom, anxiously awaiting the arrival of his bride. What the fuck is the matter with me?

As Oscar enters, followed by Arianna, relief avalanches.She’s here! Thank fuck!

And... And she looksstunning!

My throat goes dry as my eyes run the full length of Arianna’s body encased in a beautiful white gown which clings to every curve. Although I’d already noticed her perfect figure, I hadn’t appreciated justhowsuperb it is.

I know I’m making it obvious I’m drinking in every inch of this woman, but how can I not? Any red-blooded male would do the same. The low-cut, jeweled bodice showcases her cleavage; her tiny waist aches for my hands around it and the curve of her perfectly proportioned hips leading into shapely legs, covered with flowing soft material to pool around her feet, is enough to break me. Finally, I move my focus to her face, which looks equally stunning. Her flawless skin glows and is framed by raven hair cascading in waves around her bare shoulders.

Arianna looks down, unable to meet my eyes.

She’s gorgeous. More gorgeous than ever.

And she will be my wife.

The familiar ache in my groin makes itself known until I remember that this is as far as I’ll get.