Page 84 of Red Retaliation

“No, I don’t.” I want to stay where I am because the feel of her body against mine is nice, and it’s disappointing to reach the top of the stairs. “I’m on a rare night off. More to the point, I’ve surprised myself by having a good time!”

“So have I.” Arianna smiles shyly. “Although I do need to sober up!”

She giggles, and the look on her beautiful face does something to my heart. Then I remember what I am and, furthermore, what I promised. “Come on, I’ll make some coffee.”

In the room, I pop a pod in my La Marzocco machine and flick it on, watching out of the corner of my eye as Arianna unclips her hair, shakes it free and kicks off her stilettos.

God, she really is exquisite.

I cannot believe I spoke so candidly tonight about Lorna. I hinted at things I’ve never given Del, and he’s my best friend! But the words just came out, and the weirdest thing is that I don’t feel weakened by it. Handing Ariannaanyknowledge even a day ago wouldn’t have happened under torture, but tonight... tonight is different.

Sheis different.

As for Roberto Bristoni, I don’t believe she’s touched the sides. I’m not sure I want to know what he did, even if she’s willing to tell me. After all, I can’t kill a cunt who’s already dead, which seriously pisses me off.

I also realize I’ve grossly underestimated not only what Arianna has been through at the hands of her first husband and her father, but also what she’s like as a person.

Arianna is not spoiled - she’sbroken.

And I want to mend her.

Anger ignites in my veins for what she’s been through, but I push it away. Not tonight. Tonight, I’m anormalman returning home with hisnormalwife.

Except none of that is true, otherwise I’d be taking this wife of mine to bed.

Instead, I let the coffee machine deliver its first cup. Picking it up, I put it to the side and set the machine off for the second cup, sensing Arianna’s presence behind me without needing to look.

“Is that mine?” Her arm snakes between me and the side table, slender fingers reaching towards the coffee cup.

I hand her the drink, my fingers lingering longer than required. “I don’t know whether I’ve already mentioned it, but you look beautiful tonight.”

“No, you haven’t, but thank you. You have good taste in women’s clothes.” She stares at my hand on hers, and I reluctantly drop the connection.

Without taking a sip, she places the coffee back on the table to brush something off my lapel. “You have spaghetti on your jacket.”

“Do I?” I frown, aware she’s far too close to me.

“Actually, you don’t.” Arianna doesn’t move. She’s inches from me, her hand still on my jacket. Is she waiting for me to kiss her?

I can’t. I mustn’t. Ipromised...

But the draw is too strong, and I slowly lower my head. My eyes move to her lips as they raise towards mine, and I’m not pushed away when my lips softly brush hers.

I don’t take her mouth like I did before and instead, kiss her lightly and gently. She responds, her lips parting.

My fingers trace the outline of her beautiful face, the fire within me ramping up. My teeth nip her bottom lip, tugging it down, my kisses now becoming fervent.

I pull her towards me, crushing her breasts against my chest, and she whimpers.

God, I love that. She’s done it before, and I loved it then too. Now I want to hear her moan my name as she writhes underneath me.

As my kiss gets deeper, my arousal is unbearable. I swing Arianna around and press her up against the door, my tongue invading her mouth. But it’s when her hands tug out my shirt that I lose all control. I no longer possess enough sense to analyze anything, aside from the sweet, hot taste of her mouth.

“God, I want you,” I growl, picking her up and throwing her on the bed. “And now I’m having you.”

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