Page 53 of Revenge
We spend two hours talking and enjoying our lunch. Spending time with Max is fun. When we’re hanging out, it’s drama free. I don’t think of Viktor. Being with Max reminds me that there’s normal out there. With Max, I can just be me.
After lunch, he takes me to his studio. Somehow, by the end of lunch, he convinced me to let him take pictures, but they’re for me, not the campaign. I’m not going to lie, it makes me feel beautiful. In one of my favorite pictures, I’m wearing a fitted red dress that showcases my beautiful belly. I would have never imagined I would feel so beautiful pregnant. But there’s a moment—just a split second—when I think of Viktor. Would he find me beautiful? We could have taken a family portrait before the birth of our son. It doesn’t matter how much I fight or want to deny it. He’s the father of my son. Even if he never finds out.
Once my patience with picture-taking is worn-out, I grab my things so we can leave. The drive to my apartment is quiet. He might think it’s because I’m tired, but it’s more about me thinking of Viktor and our son.
“We’re here,” Max says, interrupting my thoughts.
“Thanks for lunch again and for taking the pictures of me. I can’t believe you convinced me,” I say, smiling.
“Anytime. Let me park. I’ll walk you up.”
“I’m fine.” I see the SUV and Marco leaning against it. I know I’m safe.
“Are you sure?”
“Of course I am.” I give him a quick kiss on the cheek and get out. He doesn’t know about Marco or the people assigned to protect me.
I look across the street and shake my head at Marco, who is looking my way with a smirk. I take out my keys and open the building’s front door as Max drives away. I smile and push the door open. Inside it’s unusually quiet, and I can hear every step I take. I go to the mailbox to check for mail. Nothing. I walk to the stairs. A few steps up, I see a man running down at full speed, aiming straight for me. If I stay where I am, we’ll collide. I take a step to the side and stop to let him pass. He corrects his course to beeline me again, and before I can react, he pushes me back. Even though I’m only a few steps from the ground floor, I lose my balance and fall on my back.
“You should be more careful,” the man shouts. He kicks me as I curl into a fetal position to protect my son. “You could get hurt falling downstairs in your condition.” He laughs as he leaves.
I try to stand, but I can’t. The man took my purse so I can’t call anyone, so I do the next best thing.
“Help, someone! Please help!” I screech, hoping someone will hear me.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Oliver
My cell rings as Viktor is talking to me.
“Fuck,” I look at the screen. It reads Marco. “I have to take this.” I turn to leave.
“Oliver, I’m not done.” Viktor tries to grab my arm.
“I have to go.” Once I’m out of the office, I answer. “Why are you calling?” I ask, knowing something must be wrong but hoping it isn’t.
“There’s been another incident.”
“Where are you?” I walk out of the building to my car.
“The hospital.”
“What the fuck? How is she? The baby?” I turn on the ignition. “What hospital?”
“The one near her apartment. Ms. O’Brien and the baby are fine. She’s been moved to a room.”
“I’ll be there in twenty. Call reinforcements.”
“Done.” I end the call.
My cell beeps. I ignore the text from Viktor. I can’t deal with his bullshit right now. Only one person wants to see Ava gone—McIntyre. They’ve been quiet since the first incident, and I thought they finally decided to leave Ava alone. I made sure she wasn’t on anyone’s radar. Even Viktor has taken a step back. I guess I was wrong. I get to the hospital, not knowing what to expect. Outside her door are Marco and Jimmy.
“How is she?” I ask Marco.
“Quiet, sir.”
“The reinforcements?”
