“I thought she could do some sisterly bonding with Arianna.”
Gabrielle shrugged. “I came because I need Arianna to give me some more money.”
The trembles rocking Arianna’s body had grown stronger and he knew he needed to get these people away from her. Now.
And just what did the sister mean, she needed more money? Surely, Arianna didn’t support her?
“You all need to go,” he told them.
The mother spun; her face twisted. “Is it your fault she isn’t answering Larry’s calls? She needs to get back to work. If she doesn’t, Larry will drop her, and we need him. He brings in the money. Arianna has obligations. She needs to remember that.” She turned to Arianna. “Answer Larry’s calls. And finish up with the bodyguard.”
Arianna stiffened.
“Come, let’s go. We’re not getting anywhere. We’ll come back another day and speak to you alone, Arianna,” her father said stiffly. “We’re staying at the Four Seasons for the week. We will expect you to make time to see us.”
“Your father had to leave important business meetings to come and deal with you, Arianna. The least you could do is meet with us alone,” her mother spat. “And for goodness sake, start dressing like a proper Silvers. This mess you have on isn’t becoming. And whatever diet you’re on isn’t working. You’ve put on weight and it doesn’t look good on you.”
Her mother and father stormed out. Gabrielle stood and smoothed down her skirt. The entire time she eye-fucked him.
Christ, all of them were a piece of work.
“So, about that money?”
“I’ll put some into your account,” Arianna replied dully.
“Great, thanks, sis. Love you. Go get yourself some. I know I would.” She winked at Bain then flounced out.
Bain turned to Arianna. “I’ll make sure they’re gone. Wait here.”
He didn’t want to leave her. But he also didn’t want those assholes wandering around freely. Dominic was out on an errand so he couldn’t make sure they went.
Arianna didn’t say anything and unsurprisingly, when he returned, she was gone.
19
She pushed herself to go faster on the treadmill.
She didn’t pay attention to the fact that her breath was growing labored. Her legs were tiring. That sweat coated her body. She just wanted to run until she couldn’t think anymore. Until she couldn’t feel the pain of their words like slashes against her soul.
Her parents had left over an hour ago. Bain had tried to talk to her soon after. She winced as she remembered how cold she’d been to him. How she’d told him to leave her alone.
That she wished everyone would leave her the fuck alone.
It hadn’t been true. Inside, she’d been crying out to him to pull her into his arms and cuddle her. To help heal the pain that had opened up her insides and made her feel like she was bleeding.
She was screaming silently.
Why couldn’t he see that? Why could no one ever see that?
Tears blurred her eyes, but she didn’t stop. She couldn’t stop. The pain could be numbed. If she just pushed herself hard enough, it could all go away.
And she could be blessedly numb.
That is not the way a Silvers acts.
That is not the way a Silvers speaks.
Don’t embarrass the family, Arianna.