Page 87 of Red Retaliation

Whereas, I want Arianna Galvatore more than I want blood running through my veins.

I smile coldly. “Don’t forget that you’re still my wife. We must continue to play the charade of our relationship in public, just nowhere else.” I snatch my suit jacket from the floor, shake out the creases and shrug it on. “I’ll be in my office and will remain there tonight. I should have followed up with Del long before now.”

Nodding politely, I turn on my heels and stride from the room. I have to before she says something or gives me a look to convince me she feels anything more for me than an enemy who’s temporarily agreed to spare a father that doesn’t deserve it.

CHAPTER

63

Red

ISTUB MY CIGARETTE OUT in my overflowing ashtray. I’ve done little else but chain smoke, berating myself for getting into such an untenable situation last night.

Yes, I could have gone through with what my body wanted, but how could I, when doing so would risk everything?

I made an agreement. Not just with Arianna and myself, but also with my brothers and my firm. I’ve already broken that promise by going further than intended in the wrong direction.

It’s like I’m possessed by an all-consuming pull to be with Arianna. I don’t know whether it’s my promises which held me back last night or knowing she doesn’t feel the same way as I do.

To feel how I do, to this magnitude and extent puts me in uncharted waters. It’s somewhere I never believed possible I’d be afloat in, let alone navigating. Arianna being here for reasons which are notmeis not something I can be involved in. I’m too full on for that. I demand 100% return from everything and everyone.

And with her, that will never happen.

From Arianna’s side, being with me can only ever be fabricated.

The punishment I’ve dealt myself has turned out harsher than planned.

“You didn’t respond to my calls or the message I left for you at reception.” Del observes me carefully. I forgot he and the others were here. I’ve got to get a grip.

I glance at the sofa across the room, double-checking I’ve hidden any clues I spent the night here, rather than in my own bed. Thankfully, I’veput everything away and hope my lack of a shower and shave goes unnoticed.

“Red must have been too busy having dinner with hiswifeto respond to us mere minions.” Liam’s eyes glint. “And by the looks of it, he didn’t get much sleep!”

My eyes narrow. So, Liam’s noticed my unkempt appearance is a marked contrast with my usual exemplary look? “Much to your disappointment, rather than going against my word and bedding my ‘in name only’ wife, I’ve been in here all night fine-tuning the plan for tonight’s event.”

I don’t know why I’m explaining myself. Maybe I’m reminding myself that my marriage to Ariannaisin name only and must remain that way. But last night came precariously close to crossing the line I cannot afford to pass.

It’s then I realize what Liam said. “How did you know I went to dinner? I didn’t mention that to anyone.”

“Ask your wife,” Liam shrugs. “She enjoyed telling me you’d told her to wear something special when I bumped into her snooping around the fire escape yesterday afternoon. I’m surprised she didn’t mention it.”

My bubble of suspicion grows.I’m surprised Arianna didn’t mention a run-in with Liam too!

“Can we get on to what’s important?” Oscar pulls a bin bag wrapped box lying on a sheet of tarpaulin across to my desk.

“What the hell is that?” I bend down to lift the box.

“Be careful!” Del warns. “It leaks.”

“What?” Scowling, I lift the box a few inches off the tarpaulin and liquid drips from one corner. It’s around the same time that I see what the box contains. I immediately recoil. “Jesus wept! A fucking heart? Who the fu...?”

“It arrived for you last night,” Del continues. “It’s what I was calling you about. Keith took receipt of it and was bringing it to your office when he noticed blood dripping from the bottom, so I opened it.”

I stare at the grisly contents, already surmising who was behind sending this package. “Has anyone else seen it?”

“No,” Del says. “Thankfully, only us. And before you ask, DPD delivered it.”

I rake my hand through my tangled hair, then shove my fingers into the box. There’s a note in there and I intend to read it. Pulling out the blood-soaked scrap of paper, I can just about make out the words.