Page 67 of Red Retaliation

Again, I wonder if he suspects I think him involved with my parents’ death, and it’s becoming harder not to rip the cunt to bits because of it.

I must bide my time. All good things come to those who wait, so they say.

But it’s fucking difficult.

Okay, so he recovered himself from what I said acceptably enough, but if he thinks I’ll hand Arianna back so he can “resell” her elsewhere, he’ll be sorely disappointed.

Keeping my eyes locked on his, I wait.One, two, three, four, five, six, seven...

Leaving the required ten seconds of “consideration” time, I pick up my crystal tumbler of whiskey. “Items I have ‘acquired’ will not be returned, Mr Galvatore. Arianna is mine, and I’m keeping her.”

A slow, snide smile creeps over Emiliano Galvatore’s face. It’s one that I want to slice off with the knife within my inside pocket. I’ll save the gun for amusement value when the time comes.

“If that is your decision, Mr Bateman, I will hear out your proposed settlement offer and percentage.”

Slowly taking a drink, I nod like his demands are reasonable and something to consider. I’ll hint at what he needs to hear, but Galvatore will get none of what he wants - not one. He’ll receive plenty - just not in the vein he believes.Sorry, Arianna. Your cunt of a Papà is a dead manwalking.

There’s no doubt about that now, but I’ll let Galvatore think otherwise.

For now, at least.

Regardless of anything, I can do nothing at the moment but sit tight because, as per my instructions, reception has summoned Arianna, and she’ll arrive any minute.

With that in mind, I force myself to smile at this sly old bastard. “I’m sure we can reach an agreement, Mr Galvatore, but I need time to work out the details.”

CHAPTER

47

Arianna

ICAN’T BELIEVE HE’S HERE! My father is actuallyhere! I thought it was a cruel joke when reception phoned the room, but it isn’t.

Being told that“Mr Bateman requests you in his office”, I thought Red had a change of heart and wanted to pick up where we left off...

Maybe Ihopedthat was what this was about... That was until the woman added my Papà was here to see me! And that he’s sitting here and nothing is amiss, is more than I could have hoped for.

As I rush into the room, I glance at Red, hoping to convey my gratitude for sticking to his promise and Papà is unharmed, but his eyes are hard and barely register my arrival.

It doesn’t matter. All that matters is that my father is safe. “Papà! I’m so glad you’re here and...”

I stop from taking Papà’s hand to kiss it like I do on greeting and have done since time immemorial and stiffen at the frigid atmosphere radiating from him.

My wide smile crumbles. Does he know what I’ve done to Roberto? Surely Red hasn’t told him? I’ll tell him myself eventually. I’ll explain; I know I can. If Papà knows what Roberto put me through, he’ll understand why I was forced to make that choice. And when he...

“Sit down, Arianna.” Papà eyes me with a cold distaste that I haven’t seen since I initially refused Roberto’s hand. Glancing around, I realize the only free chair is next to Red, so reluctantly, yet obediently walk over to sit down.

My heart picks up a steady thunder. Papà’s come to take me home.This is what I’ve dreamed of, but the thoughts careering around my head unnerve me. Why am I not elated? I’m going home! I’m going back to where I belong without Roberto being there, so why do I not feel relief and joy?

I glance at Red again, but his eyes are locked on my Papà, and to my horror, I realize he’s speaking. I force my concentration onto the man who’s been my hero my entire life.

“...saddened, really saddened.”

Damn. I’ve missed the first part of Papà’s words, but the scorn on his face sears my soul. He’s not happy.

Not happy withme.

“I cannot tell you how disappointed I am, Arianna. How disappointed weallare. I came here today to remove you from this man’s clutches, bambolotta,” Papà continues, and my heart soars hearing the nickname he gave me as a child. “I presumed you’d been forced into marriage as a way of retaliation, yet I learn this marriage is achoice.”