Page 20 of Revenge
“Yes.” I take a sip of the milkshake. “This is good. What did you get?” I ask, changing the subject.
“I’m here if you ever want to talk,” she tells me, moving toward me.
“I know. Thanks.” I give her a small smile.
For the next hour, Maddie talks about the latest in fashion as we eat. I don’t talk, just nod at the right times and give short answers. She never brings up Fiona, and I’m grateful. But I can’t stop thinking about Fiona being here. How the hell did she find me? What does she really want? She’s a conniving bitch who would stop at nothing to get her way. I wouldn’t put anything past her. But I don’t have a choice. I have to trust that her hate for me will be strong enough to keep my secret.
Chapter Twelve
Viktor
Time is passing, and still no news of Ava. I don’t know how I feel anymore. I find myself confused, which annoys the shit out of me. I need control, and I can’t seem to find it. I’ve never been a man who dwells on emotions. I was taught they are a sign of weakness and emotions are a waste of energy. But it’s hard not to when Fiona is making my life a living hell. The clan and Manarch Industries are barely being held together. And I still don’t know where Ava is.
My life is filled with dread and anger. I can’t stop thinking about Ava. Is she safe? Has she found someone new? Does she think of me as I do of her? I can’t remember the last time I kissed her. There’s a knock at my door.
“Come in,” I call.
“Babe, you weren’t at breakfast.” Fiona stalks toward my desk. She’s only two steps inside, and I already have a headache.
“Far enough,” my voice carries through the office, making her stop.
“Are you seriously going to be like this? You have spent no time with me.” She puts her hand on her hip.
“And I’m not going to either. Get used to it.”
“I’m your wife and the mother of your unborn child.” She touches her belly.
“You’re my wife on paper. I’m not interested in being your husband.”
“It’s that whore, isn’t it? She’s the gift that keeps on giving. Jesus, forget about her already. She’s probably forgotten about you and moved on to?—”
“Get the fuck out of my office,” I bark.
“She’s a nobody. You know what will happen if you go to her.” There’s a mocking tone to her voice that makes my hair stand on edge. Leaping from my seat, I grab her by the throat.
“You will never say her name again. I might just forget who you are. Now, get the fuck out of my office,” I repeat, thrusting her toward the door.
“This isn’t over,” she spits.
Before she’s even left, there’s another knock at the door. It’s like fucking Grand Central Station here today.
“Who the fuck is it now?” I demand. The door opens, and it’s Oliver.
“Bad time?” He looks between Fiona and me.
“Fiona was just leaving,” I snarl. She rolls her eyes at me and leaves. I turn and go back to my desk. “Talk,” I growl as I sit.
“There’s a problem.” He walks toward my desk.
“There’s always a fucking problem. Tell me something I don’t already know.” I run my fingers through my hair.
“I know you’re pissed, but you can’t continue on this path,” he says, sitting across from me.
“I don’t want to hear it.”
“You need to keep your cool. Yelling at Fiona isn’t the best option, considering the stakes.”
“I told you I don’t want to hear it. Have you found Ava? Because that’s all I want to hear.” He doesn’t realize I’m losing my fucking mind. “I need to know she’s safe, how she’s doing.”
