CHAPTER 94 - RED
CHAPTER
Red
MY HEART SWELLS with pride as I stand next to Arianna on the stage. It’s rare that I close my casino for a private function, but this one is necessary. I don’t even mind the flashing of cameras from the select few press given access here tonight.
The event organizers have done a fantastic job of decorating this space. Opulent on a normal day, the addition of the jeweled decorations, fairy lights and meticulously laid tables, makes it look positively stunning.
I’ve been speaking through the microphone for a few minutes now and don’t intend to drone on much longer. “So, on behalf of myself and my beautiful wife, enjoy your evening!”
A round of applause unfolds, and taking Arianna’s hand, we leave the stage and make our way back to our table.
Scanning the room, I’m trying not to show my anger that Emiliano and Vittoria Galvatore have failed to show.
Their presence would have put a lot of things to rest for Arianna, and her mother being here would have been the icing on the cake.
I wanted to put everything in place so that she could move on with the next phase of our life without regrets, but some things don’t work out quite as well as you hope. It’s disappointing.
I pull out the chair for Arianna to sit down. “I’m sure there must be a reason why they’re not here,” I say quietly.
“It’s fine,” Arianna smiles. “I expect it’s just too difficult for them.”
I do another scan of the room, not for Emiliano’s presence this time, but to make sure my elite security team is in place. As much as I don’t expect any issues from a shadow sect who have lost all interest, I meant what I said when I vowed to remain alert. I have too much to lose not to.
Taking my seat, my eyes fall to the rounded belly of my wife, hardly able to wait until I can feel my child kicking inside her.
“I think you can safely say we’ve got everyone that matters here tonight,” Liam says, looking dapper in his tux. “Everybody who’s anyone is here.”
I can’t help but grin at my brother. For once, he’s right.
Dario has stayed on, taking my offer of joining the fold full time, and I’m glad about that.
Even Maria has come into her own lately.
However, I’m not sure how good an idea it was to place her next to Liam at the table. That side of things hasn’t improved.
The music pumps through the speakers, with some brave souls already risking the dance floor. Not me - I’m content to sit and watch the proceedings, reveling in my good fortune.
“I’m sorry we’re late.”
The voice surprises me. Standing up, I shake Emiliano Galvatore’s hand. “I’m glad you could make it.”
Emiliano studies me with a slight hint of respect in his eyes.
“I accept that we’re never going to be best friends, Bateman, but I appreciate what you have done and that you are here for my daughter.
” He then smiles at Arianna, stepping aside to reveal Vittoria, who stands next to her husband, fidgeting uncomfortably.
Arianna’s eyes light up. “I’m glad you both could come.”
“You’re doing a good job with the organization, Arianna. And then there’s this...” Emiliano lays his hand on her stomach. “Congratulations, bambolotta. I’m proud of you.”
I give Arianna’s shoulder a squeeze when she bites her lip to stop her eyes from filling up. She glances at her mother, but Vittoria remains silent.
“Maria is here,” Arianna says, hoping that her parents will take the hint and acknowledge her sister.
Emiliano’s face reverts back to the stony mask, the only acknowledgement he gives his younger daughter is a slight nod. There is no reaction at all from Vittoria. “We shall go and get a drink now,” he says, steering his wife away from the table.
“Why the fuck did you invite them?” Liam asks rather loudly.
Ignoring him, I lead Arianna away from the table in the opposite direction to her parents. If she expected more of a reunion, she won’t get it; that much is clear.
Stepping out into the corridor, the music muffles as I close the door. I place my hands on her shoulders. “Don’t be disheartened. That they are here at all and we can be civil is something. They’ll thaw to Maria eventually as well.”
“I know.” Arianna nuzzles against me. The bump of her belly pressing against me sends blood rushing to my cock. Taking my hand, she places it on her tiny bump. “We’re a family now, and that is what’s important.”
Sinking to my knees, I press my lips against the little mound that will eventually grow into my much-wanted child. “I’ve never wanted anything as much as I want you and our baby. I promise you I will make it my life’s work to keep you both safe and happy.”
“I’m already happy.” Arianna tousles my hair the way I’ve always loved.
Getting back to my feet, I pull her against me. “Then I’ll make it my remit to make you even happier.”
Crushing my lips to hers, I take no notice of the shadow through the window of the door leading to the car park.
It will be one of the caterers with that additional crate of champagne I requested.
Someone else can deal with them because I’m exactly where I want to be - with the woman I love and I’m too content to be distracted.
How am I to know that I should be paying more attention?