Page 6 of Revenge
I feel my fists clench and want to stand and put a bullet between his eyes to end this. I almost do, but I feel Oliver’s grip on my shoulder.
“Make the arrangements,” I hiss between gritted teeth. I have to think about what is best for Ava, and right now, this is it. Until I find another way—another move, I need to marry Fiona, even if Ava might not understand. I’m marrying Fiona to keep Ava alive.
“Great,” Cillian chimes in, beaming. “Fiona will be over the moon. She’s always wanted to walk down the aisle in the church her mother, and I married in.”
“I’m not marrying her in a church. We’ll marry in two days or not at all.” I’m not playing any more games. I won’t give them any opportunity to harm Ava. Because if they do, they’re as good as dead.
“But—” interjects Cillian.
“It’s a great idea.” My father interrupts. It guarantees the union, which is the only thing he cares about. “There’s no need to wait. We’ll make the preparations. The wedding will be at my house. We can even have the press there.” He doesn’t care about the press attention. To him, it’s about getting the word out quickly. Letting the other families know he controls everything. All five families are under the control of my father. The Irish, Italians, Asians, Lebanese, and our men will bow down to him.
“Let me know the time.” I stand to leave.
“You’ve done the right thing. Your girl gets to breathe another day,” my father adds. I’m about to turn to respond, but Oliver pulls me. I swear, I just want to deck Oliver. His constant need to control me it’s getting old.
“Have Ava’s things packed and stored,” I order once we’re outside. I haven’t let anyone touch her things since she left.
“Consider it done,” Oliver replies. “What else can I do?”
“Find her.” With those words, I get in my car and drive off. Leaving him standing in front of the restaurant.
Chapter Three
Ava
Another day. The days are melting together. Viktor hasn’t tried calling me in the last few days, and even though I never answered his calls or texts, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed. Somehow, they made me feel close to him.
I’ve been staring at the ceiling with no energy to stand, grateful I don’t have to work today. I haven’t felt well for the last few days, but I won’t sleep the day away or lie in bed thinking of Viktor. I refuse to be one of those women. With the little energy I have, I get out of bed and go to the kitchen.
“Good morning,” Lisa greets. “Still not feeling well?”
“I think I’m coming down with something. The last few weeks have been crazy. I’ve worn myself out.”
“Sometimes I feel like that. Before I forget, I know it’s my turn to get groceries, but I have to work late today. Do you think you can get them?”
“I have nothing better to do. I could use the distraction.” I smile.
“Awesome. The list is on the fridge. Let me get you the money.”
“It’s okay. I got it.”
“I can’t have you pay for everything. We’re supposed to split expenses.”
“The world isn’t going to end if I buy groceries this week,” I tease her.
“I’m buying next week then,” she tells me.
“If it makes you happy, have at it.”
“Thanks. I’m going to be home pretty late tonight. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Okay, have a productive day.”
“I’ll try. I left coffee in the pot for you.”
“Thanks.”
I grab the grocery list off the refrigerator. At least I won’t be moping around the apartment. I think about pouring a coffee, but my stomach feels queasy. No need to make it worse, so I skip it. Back in my bedroom, I go to my clothes drawers, but they’re practically empty. I left everything at Viktor’s. At some point, I need to buy clothes. Maybe I’ll go clothes shopping today. I take a quick shower.
