Page 43 of Revenge
“The million-dollar question. Someone is trying to fucking see me dead.” I mutter under my breath.
“That’s not what I asked.”
“Look, thank you for getting the SUVs retrofitted with bulletproof glass. But what matters now is knowing who is after me. I want to know where Cillian is at all times. I want surveillance on my father and Cillian. I’m sick of this fucking game they’re forcing me to take part in. I’m done.” I take the shot and walk toward my office.
“Viktor—”
“Oliver. Find out who wants me dead.” I slam my door in his face. It’s uncalled for, but I don’t care.
As I sit at my desk, I think of Ava. She won’t be safe until Cillian is dead. I need to end this and bring her home. The game has just changed.
I’m going for the king because I must protect my queen.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Ava
It’s finally Wednesday! I’m excited because Maddie put me in charge of arranging our newsletter. For most people, this wouldn’t be a big deal, but this is an opportunity for me. The more time I spend working at House of Beauty, the more I fall in love with fashion. I have a time set to meet the photographer who will take the pictures for the newsletter. I leave the apartment much earlier than usual since I can’t help myself. This is too exciting. I probably should wait another hour, but I’m giddy. I’m quiet while leaving the apartment, trying not to wake Lisa because it’s barely six in the morning.
The air feels cool on my skin. The streets are quiet and, for a second, I panic, remembering the two men who almost took me. I shiver at the thought, but I won’t live my life in fear. I’ll take the necessary precautions and go about my life. I spot an SUV across the street and panic for a moment. But then the door opens, and Marco gets out.
He crosses the street to greet me. “Good morning Ms. O’Brien.”
“Good morning. Shouldn’t you be at home sleeping?”
“We just changed shifts.” I give him a questioning look. “We take turns looking after you,” he explains. I shake my head. “Can I take you somewhere? It’s unusual for you to leave your apartment this early.”
“I’m just going to work.”
“I’ll drive you.”
“I’m fine taking the bus.”
“You might be, Ms. O’Brien. But I’m not.”
I want to argue, but it will be pointless. I’m sure Oliver gave him specific instructions, and, at the end of the day, I want to be safe.
“Fine, but you’re stopping at the bakery. I’m starving.”
“Of course,” he says with a smile.
I can’t believe this is my new reality.
For the last four hours I’ve been running around, making everything perfect. I don’t think I’ve even taken a breath. But the photographer is due any minute, and I don’t want to waste his time. Maddie said he’s really talented, and she was lucky to book him. He’s been traveling the world for the last six months and just came to town. They’ve been friends for years, and from what she shared, he sounds like a really nice guy.
According to her, managers from the other stores submit their own newsletters to Corporate. I can’t believe Maddie forgot to tell me the newsletter is submitted, and Corporate chooses one newsletter to highlight for the quarter. Maddie said she’s been trying for years with no luck. Some other boutique is invariably chosen for one reason or another. According to her, I’m her lucky charm. Sales have increased, customers are happy, and everyone loves coming to work. So why wouldn’t she win this time?
“Do you need anything else?” Maddie asks.
“No. I think I got it.”
“Everything looks fantastic. Did you eat something?” She uses her motherly voice.
“Honestly, I haven’t thought about food. I’ve been so nervous.”
“I can’t afford to have you pass out. Let’s get you something to eat,” Maddie says with a wink.
“Maddie, thanks again for giving me this opportunity. I know you’re taking an enormous risk on me. You have no idea how much this means to me.”
