Page 80 of Revenge
“I miss your daddy,” I say under my breath. Then another contraction comes, and I cry out in pain.
How am I supposed to do this alone?
I’m barely keeping it together. Viktor should be here. But I know he isn’t because of me. I should call him, but I made a mess of things. I’m not sure if he would forgive me. I can’t help the tears. I’m not sure if they’re from pain or sadness. I suppose a little of both. I’ve never felt so alone in my life. I have a mother who didn’t stick around. And a father who, unfortunately, always thinks of himself first. All this is so fucked up. But I know I should be grateful. Soon my son will be born, and I’ll be able to hold him in my arms.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Viktor
My emails cannot hold my attention. I’m sitting at my desk at Manarch Industries trying to get work done. But I can’t. Between clan business, Manarch Industries and Aisling, I’m spread thin. This thing with the Irish and my father is shedding more blood than anticipated. Fights between the Irish and the clan are getting out of control. Then there’s the tension within the clan. I told my father getting in bed with the Irish was a disaster waiting to happen. But he just doesn’t give a fuck. My cell rings, and the screen reads Oliver. I’m dreading the call. Every time he calls, it is to give me bad news, and I’m still avoiding him. His refusal to tell me where Ava is continues to piss me off.
“What do you want?”
“Where are you?” he asks, sounding out of breath.
“Manarch Industries. Why are you out of breath? What’s wrong?” I ask, already standing from my desk. He’s in trouble. I’m pissed at him, but he’s still my brother and I’ll stand by him.
“Ava is in labor. She’s at her apartment. She called because that punk Max is with her, and she needs her family. I’m on my way, but you should be there.”
“Thank you. I know things between us haven’t been the greatest when it comes to Ava.”
“Water under the bridge. Her contractions are twelve to fifteen minutes apart, according to her. You’re closer than me.” I’m out the building hailing a cab. No time to wait for my SUV.
“I’m getting in a cab. We need at least four men.”
“I’ll make the calls.”
“I want Angus, Marco, Ray, and Beiste. I don’t want to take any chances.”
“Done. Don’t forget to stay calm. She sounded scared under her cool tone.”
“See you there.” I end the call.
I give the cab her address. I’m a ball of nerves, but I’m happy I get the chance to see my son be born. Even though I hate that she called Oliver and not me, I’m grateful she did. She needs her family by her side. She needs me.
I hand the driver cash as I get out of the car, which has barely stopped. This is the moment I’ve dreamt of. I don’t bother knocking on the door. I turn the knob, and to my surprise, it’s open. Max is sitting on the couch as I hear Ava’s cry of pain. I follow her voice. She’s in the bathtub, gripping the sides, eyes closed, trying to breathe through a contraction.
“I’m here,” I tell her.
Her eyes snap open.
“You shouldn’t be,” she tells me, but I can see relief at seeing me. I get on my knees and comb loose strands of hair off her face.
“I’m exactly where I need to be.”
“Where is Oliver? He’s such a traitor.” She lets out a breath. It makes me chuckle.
“He wouldn’t like it if he heard you.”
“Right now, I don’t care,” she mutters.
“What do you need?” I caress her face.
“We still have time. I’ve been trying to time the contractions, but it isn’t easy.” I take my cell out. For the last two weeks, I’ve been reading in preparation for this moment and hoping she would let me be here.
“I got it covered. Is your hospital bag ready?” She eyes me, confused. “I’ve been doing some reading.” She smiles.
“In my bedroom by the door.”
