lethal desire

chapter 4: falling together

            note: contains mature content. ✌🏻️

Russell conversed with all the guests approaching and congratulating him. He was the center of attention in the party. Everyone praised him for bringing his father's company to the international standard nobody imagined it would come to. He had worked hard day and night for these achievements. Part of the reason he worked hard was for Arianna. He wanted her to have a good life. Enjoy and live her life with no worries for money or expenses. But she didn't want anything from him. She worked and earned on her own. She didn't need him to provide her with anything. She was an independent women, which was a feature Russell adored in her. Even among all the people with his wife by his side Russell couldn't stop thinking of Arianna. He wondered what she would be doing now. Would she show up at the party or just withdraw herself being portrayed as a member of Chris family. With a glistening fake smile Russell talked to the nobles when his eye caught the beautiful women entering the hall. Such an eye catching aura everybody watched her walk in. He couldn't stop but notice all her features. For a moment there Arianna and Russell's eyes met and he didn't wanted to avert them. He wanted to keep looking at her until he noticed the man holding her waist. Why was his wife's cousin with Arianna? Christen cooper was a man with money and women. He played around with women. He was a known bachelor among everyone. And the way he looked at Arianna, Russell knew his next target was her. Russell felt
his blood boil inside him. He clutched the glass in his hand to keep it all in. Arianna was an independent women and Russell did not decide who she dates. He didn't get to interfere in her life.

As soon as Christen saw Lillian He made his way towards her with Arianna. Arianna was getting uncomfortable with his closeness and she could feel Russell's stare on her.

"Good evening cousin." Christen greeted Lillian with a smile.

"God evening Christen. And Arianna?" Lillian was as surprised as well to see Arianna with Christen.

"What a pleasant evening isn't it?" Christen continued to talk to Lillian.

"It sure is. When did you get back to Italy?" Lillian asked Christen in a nervous tone.

"Two days back. So why don't you introduce us both?" Christen said with a smirk.

"Oh haven't you both met yet? You seemed like you both know each other well." Lillian didn't wanted to be the source of introduction of Christen to Arianna.

"We met at the entrance but she still doesn't know me." Christen said to Lillian.

Arianna gave an awkward smile and Lillian felt the awkwardness there.

"Arianna this is my second cousin Christen Cooper and Christen I assume you know Arianna." Lillian said. Arianna gave a smile to Christen. She couldn't wait to get away from him.

"Christen would you mind if I borrow Arianna for a while from you?" Lillian said trying to help Arianna get away from the awkward situation. Lillian walked away with Arianna.

"I'm so sorry about Christen. He is like that please don't mind him." Lillian said feeling embarrassed to call him her family.
"That's okay." Arianna replied.

"He is bad news. It would be better if you stayed away from him. Russell already seemed moody about you walking in with Christen. He will get so angry with me." Lillian said feeling nervous and Arianna felt surprised to hear that her brother would even care about what she does.

"Why would you say that? Russell wouldn't care about whom I'm with. He barely talks to me." Arianna said to Lillian.

"Oh no dear why would you say that? Even though Russell has a cold personality he truly loves you. He is a very protective brother I tell you. Once I asked him if I should introduce one of my friends to you, he got really angry and asked me to leave you alone to live your life. He wants you to choose a partner for yourself. He didn't wanted anyone to force a person on you. He truly treasures you." Lillian said happily. She was grateful that Arianna was finally having a good conversation with her ever since her return.