CHAPTER 80 - ARIANNA
CHAPTER
Arianna
I’M ON EDGE. I’ve been the same since agreeing to accompany Maria for her training. My dread of her messing everything up again is high as I’m unwilling to take on her meltdown, along with Red’s stress.
But there has been no meltdown and no stress. Except mine.
Maria has done the exact opposite of what I expected - what both me and Red expected. She’s doing well and getting somewhere.
So why do I still feel I might shatter into a thousand pieces?
“Yes!” Maria scrutinizes her latest shot. “Have I done it? How many is that out of ten now?”
Red examines the target on the cellar wall and grins. “Eight out of ten, which is fantastic. It’s better than your sister did at this point.”
My nails dig into my palms as Maria shrieks with happiness and throws herself against Red’s chest, hugging him tightly.
“I’m so pleased! Oh, thank you, Red. You really are the best teacher. What do you think about that, Arianna? I told you I’d switch myself on and do this properly this time.”
“There’s no doubt she’s dramatically improved,” Red agrees, wrangling himself away from my sister. “Quick learning must be a genetic glitch with you Galvatore women.” Grinning, he looks over at me, but I look away.
“Arianna? Aren’t you impressed?” Maria pushes.
“Yeah, you’re doing great. Well done,” I mutter, hating myself that Maria’s excitement fails to infect me and just grates. I glance at my watch. Nearly three o’clock - only two hours before this meeting.
“Princess?” Red perches next to me on an upturned crate and slides his hand around my waist. “You don’t have to stay down here if there’s things you’d rather be getting on with. We’re doing okay and...”
“Yes, you’d probably prefer that.” I push Red’s arm away. “I’ll go somewhere else so I’m not in the way.”
Maria’s face falls, and she exchanges concerned looks with Red.
Unperturbed, Red lays his hand on mine. “All I meant was that if you wanted some preparation time for the meeting this afternoon, then...”
“Why? Because I’m thoroughly incapable and dreadful at everything that I need hours of practice? Is that what you’re saying?”
“Jeez, Arianna. Of course not. You know you’ve got this sorted with your father’s men. Just do what you did before. Do what you always do and you’ll have it in the bag.”
“Yeah, of course.” The problem is that I don’t think I can. I’m an emotional wreck.
I pull my hand out from under Red’s. Normally his touch melts me, but now it irritates, and the confusion and hurt on his face makes things worse.
I have to stop this.
I turn away, my eyes threatening to fill with tears.
“Come on.” Maria grabs Red’s hand and pulls him up before skipping back over to the target like a child on the way to a birthday party. “I’ll have one more set at these shots. Let’s see if I can better my last score.” She looks up at him. “Can you do that thing again where you steady my arm?”
Red slips his arm underneath Maria’s, his chest pressed against her back, his big hand on hers to steady her gun. “That’s it. Feel that point on the trigger I showed you.”
Rage builds inside me remembering an almost identical scene between me and Red not that long ago. Now it’s Red and Maria. Is his cock hard against her back like it was against mine? Does he want her now that she can shoot a gun?
Stumbling to my feet, I make for the cellar door, claustrophobia draping over me in a black shroud.
“Arianna?” Red drops his hold of Maria and heads toward me.
“I’m fine,” I squeak. “I’ve just remembered something I need to do. You guys carry on.”
I’m out and up the cellar steps before anyone clocks the hot tears streaking my face and rush along the corridor back to the room before anyone else sees me.
Keeping my head down, I hasten up the stairs, my heart pounding. It’s only when I’m inside the bedroom and locked inside the en-suite, do I sink to the tiled floor and let tears flow.
I don’t know what is worse. Is it that I’m acting like a jealous bitch towards my sister over something I asked Red to do when I know full well I have no reason to feel that way?
Is it that I’m aware I pushed Red away last night when we finally got into bed?
Is it down to feeling like I’m drowning and losing myself again and stressed to the hilt about this meeting?
Or is it because my behavior is hurting the man I love more than anything?
Or is there something different nagging away inside me?
I draw in a full lungful of air, releasing it slowly as I pull myself off the floor. Moving to the sink, I splash cold water on my face.
I have to get a grip. I can’t let this worry me now. I must concentrate on the meeting. That is what’s important.
The only problem is that I can’t.