Page 5 of Revenge
I keep calling Ava, but she doesn’t answer. It’s the same thing every day, but that doesn’t stop me trying. She doesn’t have anyone but her father, and he’s fucking useless. I’ve had men watching him in case she reaches out to him, but I’m not that lucky. My cell rings, and I think she’s finally calling, but I’m disappointed when I see it’s Tina.
“What do you want, Tina?” I ask, annoyed.
“Hello to you, too.” Her tone is sassy.
“I’m not in the mood.”
“I spoke to Ava.”
This gets my attention. “Tell me where she is,” I demand.
“I don’t know. She wouldn’t tell me.”
“You should’ve demanded the information.”
“She won’t respond to that. You know how she is.”
Ava has always been headstrong.
“How did she sound?” I sit, feeling exhausted.
“She found a job. She’s pissed at you for sending her money, and there was sadness in her voice,” she replies.
“Why is she working? I sent more than enough money for her not to work.” I’m pissed. It isn’t safe for her to be out in the open. She should be home with me.
“She has a mind of her own.”
“Did she tell you anything else?” I’m wondering if she asked about me.
“No. But I made her promise to call if she needs anything.” It brings me pleasure to know Tina has talked with Ava. It means Ava is alive and well by the sound of it. “I have to go. Just wanted you to know.”
“Thanks, Tina. Keep me posted.”
“I will. She’ll be fine.”
I end the call feeling despair. If it were only true. Ava has a target on her head, and it’s there because of me.
Checking my gun for what feels like the tenth time, I know I probably shouldn’t see my father in the state of anger I’m in, but I don’t care. I need to get this over with. I’m temporarily going to give him what he wants. My priority is always going to be Ava’s safety. If this is the only way for me to keep her safe, then I’ll do whatever is necessary. I have my top men with me. Men who are loyal to me over my father. If anything goes sideways, I won’t be outnumbered. Outside the restaurant, there are Irish men mixed with men from the clan. If my father thinks he’s going to intimidate me, he has another thing coming. I’m not intimidated by his tactics. He forgets I’m not a boy anymore.
“For what it’s worth, you’re doing the right thing,” Oliver says as we pull up. I don’t answer. My father always gets exactly what he wants. To think this time would be different was ignorant on my part. For a moment, I forgot his true colors.
“The prodigal son has arrived,” my father announces from the central table in the restaurant as I walk in. Cillian is sitting beside him like he’s at home. My father is so far gone.
“If you have a minute, I would like to speak with you in private,” I demand.
“You aren’t in any position to demand anything, boy. Sit.” I stand defying him. “I wasn’t asking, Viktor.” I sit. “Have you come to your senses, or do I have to remind you who has the last word?” I take a deep breath. He’s baiting me but I won’t give him the satisfaction.
“I want confirmation of Fiona’s pregnancy,” I say, even though I know the answer. I have to show him I won’t just jump because he demands it.
“I’ve seen it with my own eyes, and even if she isn’t, the marriage still stands.” His voice is full of threat.
“Let’s get this over with,” I tell him.
“Glad to hear you’re aboard,” my father tells me with a smirk on his face.
“You didn’t exactly give me a choice.” My father is a ruthless man. If I don’t do as he says, he will kill Ava. Ava is disposable to him. An object that stands in the way of what he wants. He isn’t a man I can just dismiss. My father is bigger than my enemies.
“I beg to differ,” he observes with a smirk. “You had a choice. Marry Fiona or see your girl die.”
