Page 53 of Red Retaliation

Red pauses his relentless pacing and turns to me. I hope he didn’t hear my intake of breath. It’s just that he looks so goddamn gorgeous and I can’t switch off from it.

I grit my teeth. Just because I’ve married this man doesn’t mean my attitude towards him or this arrangement has changed. He’s a Bateman, and Batemans are not good people. I know this.

I’vealwaysknown this.

“I need to go out.”

I jolt in surprise. “Out? You’re going out? Now?”

“Yes, Arianna.” Red’s eyes darken. “I’m going out. I have things to do.”

I frown.Off to see one of his many other women on our wedding day?

I don’t voice that. What right do I have? This isn’t arealmarriage. Furthermore, why should I care?

Because Idon’t.

I glance down at my wedding dress, still beautiful and sparkling. “I-I thought you said we should give the appearance of the marriage being real? Won’t it look odd, you disappearing out on your wedding night?”

Red’s face unexpectedly cracks a smile. “Will you miss me?”

“Don’t be ridiculous! I’m just reiterating whatyouinsist has to happen, so don’t flatter yourself!”

He moves closer, effectively cornering me, his arms stretching out to lean against the wall. “I don’teverflatter myself, princess,” he drawls. “There’s no need. My reputation speaks for itself.”

“You don’t know how true that is!” I snort derisively. “However, the reputation you actually have is probably not what you believe it to be! You know, a feral, violent neanderthal thug who’s only where he is because of forcing his way around, using underhand tactics!”

I’m being unnecessarily aggressive considering Red dealt with those questions that awful journalist bombarded me with. Still, I can’t help it. His magnetic pull is stronger than ever, and I hate it.

With fresh anger, Red pushes himself away from the wall and strides towards the door. “Nice to know you see me in such a positive light,” he says coldly. “That aside, you’re right that going out tonight is not ideal, but it’s unavoidable. In this business, not everything has an agenda fitting particular situations.”

“What exactly is more important than ensuring no one gets suspicious?” I bleat, hating that I sound like I don’t want him to leave. It’s not that - I’m just worried his absence will expose this marriage as a shamand my family will become a target.That’s why I’m doing it, isn’t it?“What about your staff? Won’t they think th...”

“My staff are well aware that I don’t pay them to think or talk.” Red reaches the door. “I’m not sure when I’ll be back. It might be later tonight, but if not, it’ll be early morning. Don’t worry, I won’t disturb you. I’ll kip in my office.”

‘But...’

Halfway out of the door, Red stops and looks back. “Don’t forget that it’s Steve’s funeral tomorrow, and I want you there with me. Meet me in the casino reception at 11.” Without another word, he leaves.

The door shuts loudly, leaving me standing alone.

Considering when I asked, “what happens now”, I meant was he planning to stay in this room tonight? With me? I guessed he’d have to if this is to look real. I was concerned how it would work, but now I don’t need to worry.

I sink onto the bed feeling inexplicably disappointed.What exactly did I want?

That, I can’t answer either. The whole day has been an overload of confusion.

I take a deep breath. I need sleep. Today has taken it out of me and is playing with my head.

Sighing miserably, I make a start unlacing the corset at the back of my bodice.

The prospect of accompanying Red to a funeral in public isn’t something I want to think about either. Nor am I looking forward to what reaction the newspaper story about this wedding will cause.

I just hope his plan works in our favor.

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