Page 63 of Red Retaliation

A Galvatore, then a Bristoni, whatever Ariannawas, she’s a Bateman now. She’s mywife, and I expect everyone to treat her as such, even if I, in ways I’d rather not dwell on, can’t.

And everyone will have to accept it because Arianna needs me more than they do.

CHAPTER

44

Arianna

I’M NOT MYSELF. Since Roberto; what happened in the cellar with Liam; all the nastiness; Steve’s death; what happened just now on the way back from the wake... And this... this fake marriage...

I can’t take it. My head pounds, and I’m panicking. I know I’m in a strange place. Maybe that’s what pushed me to beg Red to stay? Or maybe it’s the base desire that I cannot justify or ignore that throbs needily between my legs the whole time I’m around him or think of him.

I do not know, but I can’t help it. I’ve never been so drawn to anyone in my life. I didn’t believe I was capable of it anymore, but right now, my mind isn’t equipped to question it. Each time Roberto forced himself on me, I became further conditioned to accept it. Although I’d been schooled to expect and accept it, I neverwantedit. Or him.

But Red... Red is different.

I stare at his long hair curling around his shoulders. I haven’t seen it free of that ponytail before and... and I like it. I want to touch it. Touch him. I want to feel his lips on mine.

Properlythis time.

My legs move me forward, and I ignore the pain in my knees. I’m bleeding everywhere, but I don’t care.

I can’t work Red out. How he acts conflicts with how he looks at me. Those piercing blue-gray eyes are cold and guarded, yet he touched my face so gently just now.

Why did I flinch?

Because Ialwaysflinch when a man comes near me. There’s only everbeen one, unless I class Liam’s hands on me in the cellar, which I don’t. But if Red hates me as much as he seems to, why not let his brother carry on? Why stand up for me and stop Liam? He hit his own brother. For me.

Wasit for me?

Why is Red going to such lengths to protect me? Like outside just now? Regardless of the state of my knees, I know he was desperate to ensure my safety.

Then there was that time when he protected me with his own body the night Steve was killed.

And this marriage... being kept against everyone else’s wishes...

Is it feasible he’d work things to such an extentpurelyto score points against the Bristonis and honor his pledge to keep my family safe, despite them being enemies?

Or are thereotherreasons?

I watch him move to the door. I have to say something. I don’t want him to go. I’ve already told him that. But what do I mean?

Do I mean that Iwanthim or that I don’t want to be alone?

My body wants him, but my mind doesn’t. It’s a strange feeling. Wanting Redmond Bateman anything other than dead goes against everything I’ve been trained to think. “Thank you for... erm... for what you’ve done, you know... well, everything...” Oh God, I can’t speak properly. I can’t think. I can’t function. Red is so close, yet his eyes shower me with ice.

“I’d do it for anyone,” Red mutters dismissively. “As for the rest - whatever it takes to fuck up the Bristonis is good by me.”

“Yes, of course. I...”Shut up, Arianna. You’re embarrassing yourself.

Red turns away from the door, the ferocity behind his eyes all but flooring me. “You know many people here aren’t happy with my decision to marry you, but I won’t have my brothers or anyone taking the piss.”

“But this stuff you’re doing! You’re risking everything!” I stumble over the right words. “I mean, you bought me all those beautiful, expensive clothes, yet I’ve already ruined one dress! And you never told me if you’re Irish. That man at the funeral mentioned something ab...” My words trail off, hating myself more for babbling such utter rubbish.

“You think I give two fucks about a few quid spent on clothes?” Red laughs, his eyes still cold. “And no, I’m not Irish. I guess my parents just liked Irish names.”

“What aboutmyparents? Are they still protected? From... from you...” I tail off, realizing howfutile my words are.