CHAPTER 58 - RED
CHAPTER
Red
IT WAS THE RIGHT DECISION putting in an appearance in the gaming room.
The acknowledgements from customers clamoring to exchange pleasantries spell out to all and sundry that I’m still here.
And better than that - I’m undefeated and unafraid, putting paid to the rumors which have circulated of late.
Propping up the bar, I sip my whiskey, the opulence of my casino and what I’ve achieved, an overdue but required reminder of who I am.
As well as that, the change in Arianna since Matteo’s death is huge. That she’s back in my arms again is more than I hoped for.
Life is good.
I sense Arianna’s presence before I see her when my skin prickles with electric. The flash of a camera lights up the room, and as a group of people by the double doors part, I see her.
Straightening up, my groin tingles at the vision of beauty heading my way.
Arianna’s eyes lock with mine. That burning look she has for me, mixed with her newly developed confidence and assurance, sends me skyward.
My eyes run over the blue satin sheath dress clinging to her every curve, and I can’t wait to pull it off when we get back to our. ..
Liam nudging me in the ribs spoils my thoughts.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake! What’s she doing here?”
At this, I notice Maria behind Arianna, scuttling to keep up. “Behave,” I hiss. “I’ve told you to treat Maria with respect, so no more of your comments. I mean it!”
Disgruntled, Liam mutters something and pointedly turns his back on the approaching women. Oscar and Cal remain where they are, but I need not look at them to know they are eyeing Maria with cold neutrality.
“We thought we’d come down for a drink.” Arianna slips her arm around my waist, pressing her body against mine.
“Good idea.” My lips skim along her slender neck and then move to graze her mouth. “But you didn’t have to look so fucking gorgeous. I might have to drag you out of here into my office!”
Arianna winks, her violet eyes sparkling with delight. “I’m afraid you’ll just have to control yourself.” Pulling away, she drags Maria forward. “I thought she should have a look around.”
“And why not? Hi, Maria.” I smile, but the girl looks frightened to death.
An uncomfortable silence follows. Is no one else going to acknowledge the woman? “Liam, why don’t you get Maria a drink?”
Liam turns around, making a big show of slowly stubbing his cigarette out in the ashtray and looking Maria up and down. He doesn’t bother hiding his disinterest. “What would you like, Maria?”
I glare at Liam for putting extra emphasis on her name. “How about a white wine?” I suggest, aiming to break the tension.
“A-A white wine would be lovely, thank you.” Maria’s big eyes stare at me like she’s only just noticed where she is. “Just... just a small one though.”
“Christ.” Liam growls. “She looks like she’s on the way to the slaughterhouse!”
Maria physically jolts at Liam’s comment, her cheeks burning. “I...”
I grab Liam’s arm. “Get her the fucking drink and quit with the wisecracks.”
Maria clutches Arianna’s hand. “I told you this was a bad idea. Can I go back upstairs? I don’t want to cause troub...”
“You’re staying here.” Arianna fixes her sister with a look and then turns to me. “Can’t they make an effort?”
Embarrassed on my brother’s behalf, I snatch the wine Liam’s ordered from his hand. “Excuse my brother, Maria. He hasn’t developed many social graces yet.”
Arianna laughs, and Maria manages a weak smile as she takes the wine glass with trembling fingers. Annoyed with Liam, I lean back towards him to have a word when I’m interrupted by one of my runners.
“Pardon the interruption, sir.” A young man fidgets, his weight jumping from foot to foot. “I thought you should see this. It’s today’s second edition.”
Frowning, I take the newspaper from his hands, leaving him to lope off the way he came.
Liam peers over my shoulder. “What’s this about?”
“I’m not sure yet.” I scan the page that the newspaper is folded over at and everything becomes clear.
Galvatore Heir Found Dead
Son and heir of Emiliano Galvatore’s empire, Matteo, has been found dead.
It is thought that the eldest son of the well-known London-based family experienced a rare and severe allergy to something he ate at a private dinner party.
It appears the fatal reaction occurred some time afterwards because Mr Galvatore was alone and quickly became unable to summon help.
It was too late to do anything when the tragedy was discovered twenty-four hours later.
Emiliano Galvatore and his wife were too upset to elaborate further on this latest disaster to hit their family. Only days have passed since the youngest daughter’s wedding was cancelled at short notice, shocking hundreds of friends and acquaintances.
It is clear that the death of his only son and heir will place immense pressure on Emiliano Galvatore now.
“Well,” I sigh, not bothering to read the rest of the article. “A classic cover story if I’ve ever heard one. So now we know Matteo’s demise is public knowledge.”
“What does it say?” Maria squeaks, her eyes brimming with tears. “What do they say happened to Matteo because they won’t say that Aria...”
“Maria!” Arianna glances around. “Keep your voice down.”
I shake my head in disbelief. “Perhaps it would be a good idea to take Maria back upstairs.”
“I’m not a child! I...”
“Excuse me,” I interrupt, for once thankful for my ringing phone. Stepping away from the group, I frown at the screen. “I need to take this,” I mutter, striding across the room towards the double doors.