Page 38 of Revenge
“I want more than fine. One-word answers will not work for me.”
I look at her. “That’s all I’ve got.” I take a sip of my drink.
“You can’t continue on this path. It isn’t healthy for you.”
“What path is that?”
“You’ve isolated yourself more than usual since she left.”
“I’ve been busy.” We both know it’s another lie.
I have isolated myself since Ava’s departure.
“Viktor, I miss her too. But you have to think about Fiona and the baby.”
“My priority is my child. I’ll do what is within my power to see that Fiona gets what she needs.”
“That is not what I said.”
“Ava is gone. She left me. I’ve moved on. You should do the same.”
But again, that’s not true. I’m not capable of moving on. I love Ava more today than when she walked into the restaurant the first time I saw her. I just want to be left alone and not reminded of what I already know. She’s gone, and needs to remain gone that until Fiona gives birth.
“Viktor—”
“Let it go, Mom. Let’s enjoy lunch,” I say firmly, draining my drink and asking the server for another.
Chapter Twenty
Ava
“Thank God,” Oliver says from the kitchen.
“Oliver?” I look between him and Marco, confused.
“Marco, the doctor should be here any minute. You and Jimmy can wait outside,” he shouts, looking angry.
“What’s going on? Why do you look angry?”
“How are you feeling? Are you okay? Did they hurt you? Fuck.” He runs his hand over his face.
“Oliver, I need answers, not questions.”
“Let me get you water.” He enters the kitchen, and I follow.
“Start talking, fast.”
“You’ve changed,” he says with a chuckle as he takes a glass and fills it with water. “Here. Drink.”
“I don’t want to drink. I want answers. Who were those men, and why am I here? Actually, where am I? And why are you here?” I ask, looking around.
“Those guys should have gotten nowhere near you,” he mutters. I sit abruptly. “What’s wrong?” he asks in a panic.
“Sorry, just a little lightheaded.”
“The doctor should be here any minute. Drink some water, please.” His tone is gentler. He takes a deep breath before he talks. “After we had dinner the other night, I decided to assign a security detail for your safety.”
“I don’t need security, and I thought Marco was a driver.”
