Page 16 of Sweet Madness

Chapter

Four

MOTHER KNOWS BEST

Arianna

“I became the mother I never had.

The fierce protector my children deserve.” – A

“How could you make that decision without consulting me first?” My husband’s voice cracks with frustration.

“You fucking know it’s the right choice. Besides, fucker, I’m needed here. The kids…” Their voices are drowned out by my thoughts.

I’ve never been one for theatrics or pathetic attempts to gain attention. It’s never served me any purpose. Do I get mad? Yes. Do I sometimes feel the urge to rip someone’s head off? Absolutely. But I don’t throw tantrums. Certainly not at this age.

That’s why I’m rolling my eyes, trying hard not to smack some sense into the two men currently going at each other’s throats in our home office. If I didn’t love them… I would.

Instead of resorting to violence, I stand back and observe the two grown men, who at the moment look like toddlers staring each other down. I expect this type of childish behavior from Benjamin. Our longtime friend and the godfather to all of my children has always enjoyed pushing Sebastian’s buttons just for kicks. But I expect better from my husband.

My tyrant has gone head-to-head with some of the most cunning, intelligent, and at times downright dirty people in his line of work, always managing to keep a level head. Not tonight, though. Tonight, he’s letting his emotions cloud his judgment.

That’s how I know whatever they’re arguing about, it’s something serious. Sebastian gets reckless when he cares, and as I watch him flash angry eyes at Benjamin, I can’t help but think of our life together.

Our very beautiful but very public life. Our marriage. The public speculates about many things regarding our marriage—good things, and bad things, too. Honestly, we could care less about what strangers think of us, but it always makes me wonder.

Is there a secret to a long and healthy marriage? Perhaps, but no one ever shared it with me. I guess the secret to making it work while both of us are public figures is not just communication and effort but also not caring what outsiders think of our relationship. Because people have a lot to say, and most times, they only spew venom to ruin someone’s lives.

Just like last month, a gossip magazine wrote a piece about our marriage and the many years we’ve been together. It was garbage, yet my baby sister Mila found it interesting and shared it with me. To humor her, I took a look, and as expected, it was distasteful and, quite frankly, garbage journalism. Mean? Sure. My youngest child, Everly, could write something better, and she’s only— My thoughts are interrupted by my husband calling my name.

“Arianna.” Sebastian’s voice echoes through the room, sharp and filled with anger. He turns to face me, his jaw clenched and his blue eyes burning with intensity.

Oh, he’s mad. How do I know he’s mad? He used my first name, which he rarely does. That’s how I know he’s upset. No, he’s more than upset—he’s livid.

Leaving my spot by the office door, I step farther inside the room. “Yes, Tyrant?” His angry eyes soften for a moment before returning to glaring at me.

Sighing, I think about how age has only made him more dramatic. “Saviez-vous?” His voice is unnervingly calm.

“Soyez plus précis, Sebastian.” I match his tone and energy.

The air grows heavy as we lock eyes. Benjamin slips out of the office unnoticed by Sebastian, leaving us alone to handle the matter.

Our kids and the dead man or woman that’s after our family.

“She’s my baby…” He sinks into his seat, looking defeated and so lost. Still, he’s the most handsome man I’ve ever known. Age has made him a bit dramatic but also more handsome than before. How that’s possible, I don’t know. While I’ve got a few lines around my eyes, Sebastian looks dashing and distinguished with his salt-and-pepper hair.

The look in his eyes knocks the wind out of me. Fear and sadness replace the anger that was there a moment ago.

I walk towards him and settle between his legs. I take his face in my hands and force him to look up at me. “Our baby,” I remind him. “Our baby is all grown up.”

His penetrating blues hold my gaze, a million thoughts crossing his mind. “Not him…”

So that’s what this is about—Shaw Banning. Of course, I knew.

“Do you trust me, Sebastian?” I ask, maintaining direct eye contact.

“With my life,” he answers without hesitation.

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