CHAPTER 86 - ARIANNA
CHAPTER
Arianna
“NICE TO SEE YOU AGAIN, gentlemen.” I smile brightly around the table, the faces from last week not having thawed in the slightest towards me. And certainly not towards Red.
But this time I have the upper hand. Of that, there is no contest.
Now that I’ve regained my mojo and my head is back in gear, they need reminding that I’m Emiliano Galvatore’s daughter. I am also the wife of Redmond Bateman. Those are two things that cannot and shall not be altered for them or for anyone.
Red sits beside me, his large frame upright, yet relaxed. He knows that this time I’ve got this, and he’s right.
“Thank you for agreeing to a further meeting. I appreciate the last one did not infuse you with encouragement.” My voice is clear and confident, and I sense a twinge of confusion in some of the weathered faces surrounding me.
My revived persona is not what they expected.
“I wasn’t myself last week for reasons I won’t go into, but I’m back now, so I’ll get straight down to business. ”
I throw a small smile in Red’s direction as he watches the proceedings, no doubt on his face about my ability, which spurs me on in the best way possible.
“My request remains the same - your allegiance. In the event of an old organization called the Eredità della Luce attempting to form a stronghold in this country, I expect you to join us in stopping them. For those not aware, Eredità della Luce translates as ‘Legend of Light’. They are an old Italian movement who believe in ‘pureblood’ between leading families with the intention of populating the world with what they see as ‘genetic superiority’.”
My gaze travels around the table. There’s confusion on some faces, contempt on others and disinterest on the remainder. “This organization achieves its aim through underhand practices, including trafficking of women and forced embryo transfer.”
“She’s been reading too many HP Lovecraft books,” someone mutters.
I zone in on the man finding himself witty, recognizing him as Filippo Larati. This time I will not forget names. “No, Mr Larati, although I have read HP Lovecraft and particularly enjoyed his ‘Call of Cthulhu’ story. Unfortunately, this is not fiction.”
I pause to weigh up the reaction. “You also may be aware that my brother, Matteo, attempted to form a sister cult similar to the Eredità della Luce. His obsession is why he’s no longer here and partly the reason my father handed the reins of his business to me.
” I wait for the general murmuring around the table to quieten.
“Luca Bristoni is the other. He is or was involved with Matteo’s plans, and we have reason to believe he may be targeted to act as the UK anchor for the Eredità della Luce. ”
“What proof do you have of this?”
I turn to a man with a long, straight nose and dark, deep-set eyes.
“Along with other details I’m unwilling to discuss, call it instinct.
” I fold my arms over my chest, tempted to press them against my breasts to relieve the aching that has started since becoming pregnant.
“So, in the event this organization makes a move to achieve a foothold in our city or anywhere in this country, I want assurance of your support in driving them out.”
“But there is still one outstanding issue. It was raised last time, if you remember?” His eyes slide to Red, narrowing menacingly. “It appears that issue remains...”
I don’t mask my contempt for this pot-bellied man. Despite my head being in the wrong place during the last meeting, I immediately recognize him and remember word for word what the tosser said. I despise him more now than I did then.
I purposely pause before replying. My silence underlines my contempt for this condescending old bastard, and I ask myself once again whether we need these people at all.
Probably not, but necessity or not, it is preferable to have everyone on side. “If you are referring to my husband and that until I am no longer married to him, then none of you will give your allegiance, then no, I have not forgotten.”
I stand up and take Red’s hand. If he’s surprised at this, he doesn’t show it. I wait until he gets to his feet before I wrap my arms around his waist and stretch on tiptoe to kiss him. “This is my husband. He is also the father of my unborn child.”
The collective intake of breath around the table only bolsters me further.
“We are one, and I have no intention of breaking my marriage to suit your antiquated and irrelevant viewpoints.” My hand entwines with Red’s as I smile coldly around the table.
“It’s unlikely that you have missed our increased level of standing in London, so if you do not wish to stand with us on this - something that could affect us all - your wives, your daughters - then it will not be looked upon favorably. By anyone. You will be alone.”
I bend to pick up my handbag from under the table.
“The choice is of course yours; however, that choice will not be forgotten.” I flash a final smile around the now stunned faces of men I was previously afraid to breathe in front of.
“I expect your answers of where you stand within twenty-four hours. Thank you for your time, gentlemen.”
With Red’s hand resting on the small of my back, I leave the conference room and move out through the lobby of the Galvatore headquarters back to our waiting car.
It’s only when we reach the pavement outside that Red pulls me into his arms.
“Fuck, princess. I think I can safely say you’re back on form.”