Page 1 of Revenge
Prologue
Six months ago, Ava O’Brien first walked into my life. Since I claimed her as mine in exchange for paying off her father’s debt. What started out as a business transaction turned into something so much more. A love powerful enough to bring me to my knees. I was all in with Ava, ready and willing to give her everything.
And then life went into a tailspin. My father started cozying up to our enemy. Our clan came under fire, and danger stalked my Ava. But what shattered us was the moment my past breezed through our door.
The revelations broke Ava. And when she disappeared completely, it broke me.
Now the danger is greater than ever, and what was exposed the night Ava left is just the beginning. I’m learning more all the time—about my father, our clan, our enemies… and Ava.
But it isn’t enough. It will never be enough until she’s back in my arms where she belongs.
Chapter One
Ava
Aweek has passed since I left Viktor. I wish I could say I don’t think about him, but I would be lying. He’s rooted in my heart. I never imagined he would sleep with his ex, Fiona. She’s apparently pregnant with his child, and the worst part is that I learned about it from her. Fiona cornered me and told me a truth that should have come from him. His father’s constant insistence that he marry Fiona is now likely to work. I never imagined Viktor would be capable of hurting me, but he did. My heart is broken. Viktor calls and texts every day. It’s getting harder not to answer.
Viktor: It’s better for you to come to me. It will be easier. Otherwise, I’ll show you what happens when you don’t obey me.
How do I reply to that? I know he means it, I’ve experienced the repercussions firsthand, but I have to be strong. There is nothing he can say that will let me forgive him. What woman in her right mind would stay? But that’s not even the worst of it. Fiona warned me if he didn’t marry her, his father would kill him. I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to Viktor because of me. One of us needs to be smart, and it will not be him. Left to his own devices, Viktor will always think of what he wants and damn the rest of the world.
“Good morning.” Lisa greets me as she enters the kitchen.
“Good morning. There’s coffee in the pot.”
“Thanks. I can get used to this. My last roommate wasn’t an early bird.” She smiles.
“It’s the least I can do. You’ve been so kind to me.”
“You’re sweet,” she says, pouring herself a coffee. “Are you excited about your first day at work?”
“I am, but also a little nervous.”
“Why?” Lisa tips her head to the side. “From what you shared with me, I see that you love fashion. Besides, you’ve worked in the industry before.”
“I wouldn’t say that. I used to work at a boutique, and it’s been some time since I last worked. I feel out of practice.” Viktor made me quit my job as part of our arrangement when I first went to live with him.
“You will be fine.”
“I hope so.” I take a sip of coffee. “What’s your day looking like?”
“Fully booked.” She laughs. “I have two classes and then work. Sometimes I wonder why I’m doing all of this.” She sits beside me.
“Because you want more, something better. It’s all anyone can want.”
“I often need to remind myself of that.” We laugh.
I look at her with a shy smile. “I made you some food for the road. It’s nothing crazy.”
“You didn’t have to.”
“When I can’t sleep, I cook. I would hate for it to go to waste.” I look at the floor, unsure if I’ve overstepped the mark. “But don’t feel you have to take it.”
“Are you kidding? I’m thrilled. I won’t have to eat whatever I can get my hands on.”
“I’m glad. I don’t mind cooking. I can always set a plate aside for you.”
“Please don’t trouble yourself.”
