Page 98 of Red Retaliation
Arianna
MY MOUTH IS SO DRY, I can barely swallow, and my feet are so painfully blistered that every step is like walking on burning coals. My pace has slowed to a futile limp, but I can’t give up. I’m nowhere near far enough away from the chance of being dragged back. It’s certain Red and his brothers - possibly some of his men too - are looking for me by now, so I can’t afford to rest.
I stick to the main streets. Despite the late hour, they’re busy with show-goers and drinkers, and although I want to veer off into the shadows, it’s safer remaining within the general bustle. Whatever threats, aside from Red and his men are out here, there’s less chance of someone striking with witnesses about.
I hobble along, too hot to register the freezing winter night as I scour the road ahead. There are plenty of cabs around, but their signs aren’t illuminated. The second I see one lit as available, I’m having it.
I’m going back to Papà’s.
Getting a distinct and very real sensation prickling my skin that someone is following me, I clutch my handbag close. However much my feet scream, my pace doesn’t falter. I’ve felt this prickling on and off since I turned the first corner after leaving the hotel, but now it’s so strong the hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention.
Is it Red?
I glance over my shoulder. There’s no one around who rings my alarm bells, just “normal” people. Christ, I’m so overwrought, tired,and stressed.
I just need a taxi. I want to go home to my family.
Ignoring the burning threat of frustrated tears, I continue up the road. Papà said I’d never see him again. I’m ostracized - banned from my family, but he’ll change his mind once he knows the truth.
I stare at the wedding band Red placed on my finger and with newfound defiance, start pulling it off. This ring is separating me from my family, so I’ll remove it. I’ll make a statement to the newspapers too and tell them the marriage is being annulled. Nothing has been consummated, so I have every right to do that.
Fuck, the ring won’t come off. Ithasto! It’s this which causes the estrangement. This and my ridiculous idea of believing marrying Red would solve the problems and keep everyone safe.
When I tell Papà whatreallyhappened and what I did to Roberto, he’ll put a defense structure in place to protect our family from both Red and the Bristonis. He won’t be happy about what I’ve done, but I’m his daughter, and the truth explains the real reasoning behind marrying Redmond Bateman. I’ll be exonerated of the guilt I shoulder and accepted back where I belong.
I continue tugging at the ring. Despite the cold temperature, my fingers are swollen because I’m so hot from walking.
Stopping to the right of a shop doorway, my tears finally spill. I shove my handbag between my knees so I’m free to put more force into removing the ring. I have to get it off. Every second it remains on my finger means longer in my mind that I’m tied to that psychopath.
But the truth is, I’m falling for that psychopath. Or already have...
I can’t stop thinking about Red. Every fiber of me wants him. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Red was asolution, never anything more than that. But now he’s become alotmore than that. At least for me. And I can’t handle it. I don’t knowhowto handle it. How can I continue in a fake marriage with someone who I want desperately but who’s only interested in scoring points, meting out violence and who kills on spec?
It’s like life with Roberto all over again - tied to a violent man who wants nothing to do with me, other than what my name offers.
Except in so many ways, Red isn’t like Roberto...
I’m shaking all over, but this time for myself. The prospect of not being with Red, hurts. It actuallyphysicallyhurts.
Yet it shouldn’t. I should begladto be finally free from his clutches, but I’m not.
I want him - want him more than I’ve ever wanted anyone or anything,but he’s made it crystal clear that he doesn’t want me.
If I’m totally honest, based on the raging need I have for him, I may even be able to juggle how his violence makes me feel. But one thing I can’t do is love a man -reallystart loving a man who will never love me?
I have to save myself before I get deeper embroiled in this mess.
Before I can deal with my spiraling thoughts, I’m pulled into the mouth of an alleyway next to a shop. I can’t work out what’s going on. Clawing at the hand clamped over my mouth from behind, I twist from left to right.
Red’s found me!
Fury now outweighs any lust I have for him, and my leg lashes out backwards, the aim being to slam his shin with my stiletto. I make contact, but it has no effect.
It’s then that I realize the hand over my mouth smells unwashed and of cheap cigarettes.
Fear shrouds me.
It doesn’t smell of Red...
