CHAPTER 90 - RED
CHAPTER
Red
ARIANNA LOOKS UP at me as we enter the Scorpio’s lobby. “Are you sure me accompanying you to this meeting with the firm in Lambeth is a good idea?”
I know she’s concerned, but she needn’t be. “Yes, it’s absolutely a good idea. We need to project a unified front. You are no longer my ‘wife’, but my wife and business partner, therefore it’s important everyone receives further confirmation of that.”
I place my arm around her. Maintaining contact all the time is my favorite stance, aside from being inside her, of course.
“There’s little risk to you or anyone now. We’re certain the Eredità della Luce has lost interest now and Luca Bristoni is floundering on his own. He’ll achieve nothing, and he knows it, so that translates as having a life outside of safe houses and guards.”
My eyes twinkle, and I’m loving that I can actually now say that and mean it.
As we near the double doors to the street outside, a frown forms when a security guard approaches. “The press has assembled outside, sir. You may wish to leave by the back entrance instead.”
“Oh no!” Arianna cries. “They’ve come for a comment about the baby.”
“Then we’ll give them what they want.” Pulling Arianna into my arms, I trace my finger down her cheek. “We have nothing to hide, and they won’t give up. Don’t let them fluster you; just act normal and confirm the pregnancy. Never show that you’re afraid.”
Arianna’s chin raises defiantly. “If you say there is no reason to be afraid, then I am not.”
Pressing my lips to hers, I smile. “That’s what I want to hear. Right, let’s go and tell them what they are so desperate to know.”
Taking Arianna’s hand, we walk through the doors to be greeted by flashbulbs. There’s about thirty reporters here, and as much as I despise the press, this time we will use them to our advantage.
An eager reporter jostles to the front. “Mr and Mrs Bateman? Are the rumors true?”
“And what rumors would they be?” I wear a stony mask as my arm wraps around Arianna’s waist.
“The baby? The pregnancy? We were told that the...”
“Would you like to tell me where you got this information?” I ask, my voice cold. I know they’ll never divulge their source, not unless I torture out of them, but winding these people up is one of my greatest pleasures.
“Well... erm... we can’t mention wh...”
Surprising them all, I laugh and pull Arianna closer. “Well, gentlemen, I can tell you that on this rare occasion, your sources, whoever they were, are correct! My wife and I are very pleased to confirm that we are expecting our first child.”
Much to the enjoyment of the cameras, I pull Arianna in for a long, lingering kiss.
“How are you feeling, Mrs Bateman?” another reporter asks. “Well, I hope?”
“I’m feeling wonderful,” Arianna smiles. “And like my husband, we’re very pleased.”
“What does your father think about this news, Mrs Bateman? Is it correct to assume this baby will still the waters between your two organizations?”
I glare at the reporter. There’s always one, isn’t there? “Old animosities are just that - old, so maybe you should change the record of throwing that old chestnut into the mix.”
There’s a few seconds of uncomfortable shuffling and silence at my changed demeanor before someone else picks up the beat. “Do you know whether it’s a boy or a girl?”
Arianna throws back. “No, we don’t. We’ll let that be a surprise.”
I glance sideways. I hadn’t thought about that. Would I mind? A daughter just as beautiful as her mother or a son to carry on the Bateman name?
Either is fine with me.
“Mrs Bateman, when is the baby due?”
“Now that...” I get in quickly, “...is something that will not be revealed.”
Posing for a final picture with my hand on Arianna’s belly, the press part to allow us through, satisfied with their story.
Once inside the car, I turn to Arianna. “When is the baby due?”
Laughing, she places her hand on mine. “I was wondering when you were going to ask. From what I can work out, it’s sometime in July.”