Page 90 of Revenge
“Mary?”
“Sir?”
“Ava and my son will be here in fifteen minutes.”
“I’ll have something prepared for you to eat,” she says, walking away.
I would be lying if I didn’t admit I’m nervous, but I’m not sure why. It’s not like Ava hasn’t lived under my roof before. Although the last time she was here, things did not end well. I text Angus to confirm that Fiona is physically gone, and he replies, confirming she is.
Ava will be here where she belongs at any moment. I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time. Fifteen minutes later, I hear the front door open.
“Let me carry him,” I hear Ava say.
“You just gave birth. I’ve got my nephew.”
“I’m perfectly fine carrying him.”
I head to the foyer. “Why must you argue with everyone?” I ask, shaking my head in mock frustration.
“Viktor,” she responds. She isn’t her usual self. She’s cold, and I hate it, but it doesn’t surprise me.
“I’ll take him,” I inform Oliver. “Let me take you to Niko’s bedroom.”
“When did he become Niko?”
I’m going to say something, but it isn’t worth the fight. She just got home, and that’s all I care about.
“His bedroom is on the second floor.” I lead us to the stairs but notice she’s walking very slowly. “Will you be okay to take the stairs?”
“I’m fine… is your wife here?” Her voice isn’t her usual sweet velvet. This is a side of her I don’t care for.
“I already told you. She doesn’t live here, and…” I add, “… she isn’t my wife. We’re divorced.”
She doesn’t say anything, which surprises me. Instead, she takes the stairs quietly. I can’t fail to see she’s my Ava, yet she isn’t at the same time. But I’m determined to make this right. She’ll see this is where she belongs. We’re a family.
“I’ll fix this, Ava. I promise to make things right.”
She continues her silence even when we reach upstairs. I see she’s hurting, and I’m to blame. I have to do whatever I can to end this war with Cillian and my father and start my life with my family.
Chapter Forty
Ava
“If you swear the danger is real, I’ll leave with you. No questions asked,” I tell Oliver as I lay Nikolas in his bassinet.
“He isn’t lying, and you know I wouldn’t lie to you. Not about this. We’ve been through enough these five months for you to know I would never put you or my nephew in harm’s way.”
Oliver has been my rock. I wouldn’t have made it without him.
“And you swear the mansion is the safest place?”
He looks at me, thinking. Before I ask again, he answers.
“I don’t know if it is. But I know you won’t be any safer elsewhere. The mansion is a fortress. It would take a field army to get through to you or my nephew. We stand a better chance fighting there.”
“Don’t think I won’t leave at the first sign of trouble. Nikolas is my world, and he will always come first. I don’t care about the Manarch name.”
“Agreed. I’ll help you leave myself. We should go before Viktor sends an army to get you.”
