CHAPTER 93 - ARIANNA
CHAPTER
Arianna
Two Months Later...
PLACING THE DIAMOND drop earrings in my ears, I inspect my reflection in the mirror. My hair is glossier than usual, I’ve gone up a bust size, and I agree with Red that pregnancy is suiting me well so far.
But by far my favorite part of it is this. Turning sideways, I examine myself in the floor-length mirror. The red satin of my evening dress encloses me like a glove and clings to every part of my changing figure.
My hand traces over the rounded shape of my once flat stomach, sure it grows bigger every day, just like I want it to. Just over three months pregnant, I still have a way to go, and I can’t wait until I’m bursting at the seams, full of the life that me and Red have created.
Things are good - with me, with Red, with the business, but try as I might, I can’t shift the nerves that have plagued me ever since I knew this party was arranged.
I pick up one of the spare invites and finger the gold edging. Representatives from every firm and organization we’ve dealt with - new and old - have responded, accepting the invite. They will all be here at the Scorpio Lounge tonight. Most are already here.
The event is the talk of the city. Even my parents accepted the invitation, and despite our disagreements in the past, I’m glad. I hope we can finally lay the past to rest. And do so for Maria’s sake too.
I haven’t seen or heard from Papà or Mother for months - since he handed me the business. Maria has had no contact with them whatsoever since the day she left. I know she’s tried on several occasions, but was blanked each time.
But even the wish to wipe the slate clean pales into insignificance with wondering whether our event gives our enemies the perfect chance to strike.
Red thinks not. And he’s right, no doubt. There’s been no mention of anything on the grapevine - no mention of Luca, no nothing, but I can’t shake the base fear that issues lurk in the shadows waiting for the right time.
Taking a deep breath, I take one last glance in the mirror. Just my stilettos and I’m good to go. “I think I’m almost ready,” I call over my shoulder.
“Not quite...” Red appears behind me, heating my blood at the sight of him in his tailored tuxedo.
From behind, he places a chain around my neck and does up the dainty clasp. In the reflection, I gasp at the huge diamond solitaire nestling in the dip of my throat. “Oh, Red! It’s beautiful! What’s this for?”
“Do I need a reason, princess?” he murmurs.
Turning me around to face him, he trails kisses down my neck and along my collarbone.
“This party is for us - to celebrate where we now stand in the city, what we’ve achieved and, most importantly of all, this.
” His hand moves to caress my small bump, as he puts it - the most beautiful thing ever to exist. “You look stunning.”
“You should have saved the necklace for my birthday or something,” I protest.
“Nah.” His fingers hitch up my dress. “I’m not saving this until later either...”
I’m wet even before his hand makes its way into my panties, his fingers brushing along my folds. “We’ll be late,” I squeak despite eagerly taking his fingers.
“You need something to relax you.” Red turns me around to face the floor-length mirror, his one hand on my belly, the other underneath my dress.
His cock is hard and presses through his trousers against my back, but he makes no move to free it, just holds me tightly against him and rubs my clit in strong but smooth, circular motions.
“Oh, God,” I moan, my legs already quivering. “You can’t do this to me.”
“And why not, princess?” Red’s deep voice vibrates against my earlobe, his eyes meeting mine in the mirror. “Why can’t I make my beautiful wife come before she goes to the party? It’s not like they’ll start without us!”
All thoughts of further protests fly out of the window as his fingers push further inside me, his thumb still encircling my clit.
“Now then,” he whispers. “Do you remember what I said is important to concentrate on tonight?”
“Yes, Red, I remember,” I pant. And I have been worrying about it, I admit, but now I’m not because he’s right.
“Tell me what’s vital to remember,” he pushes, his thumb getting faster.
“Oh!” I gasp, my legs shaking as I feel myself coming up.
“And look at me while you say it.”
Red’s voice commands an authority that always makes me melt. I open my eyes, the reflection of us both in the mirror turning me on more. “We have the power.”
“That’s right,” he growls, working his fingers faster. “We have the power, and everyone knows it. We are the most powerful people in London. No one can touch us.”
“No one can touch us,” I echo, glad of Red’s tight hold as I break apart, my legs buckling as I come hard.
Panting, I sag against him as he slowly retracts his hand and turns me around, limp in his arms.
“Now you’re ready to go to the party.”