Page 97 of Revenge
It’s been a few days since I claimed Ava, and she’s been avoiding me. She claims to always be busy with the kids, but I know she wants me as much as I want her. Her body demands it every time we’re close to each other. I can sense her skin vibrating, aching to be touched by me. At any other time, I would have continued without hesitation, yet something is stopping me. I’m not sure if it’s fear of losing her again or pushing her too far. What the fuck has she done to me? I’m a man who takes without exception, yet I’m practicing self-control so I won’t lose her. But I need to find a balance, or I will lose her either way.
I don’t want to, but I left her and the kids earlier today to show my presence at Manarch Industries. I’ve been neglecting it with everything going on. But I need to get back on my game. I have a future to protect for the sake of my family.
The clan has always been the only family I’ve known but having Ava and the kids, I’ve realized there’s more than one kind of family. They need a future beyond the clan. I never thought of this shit before them, but I can’t stop thinking about it now. Some might think I’m growing soft, but I’m becoming the man they need me to be. Money and death aren’t the only things that matter. The ring of my cell brings my thoughts to a stop. The screen reads Bobby. Why the fuck is he calling me?
“Good afternoon, Bobby,” I answer.
“Good afternoon, Viktor. Your father would like a word.”
“I’m busy.”
“He isn’t asking. We’re at the restaurant.” He ends the call before I can respond. Even though I’ll be the boss someday, Bobby doesn’t seem to care about rank. It pisses me off. I dial Oliver.
“Hi, Viktor.”
“Where are you?”
“I left the guardhouse on my way to Eros.”
“Is Angus there?”
“Yes. Why?”
“My father has summoned me.”
“We knew this was coming. I’ll set everything in motion. Where are you?”
“Manarch Industries.”
“I’ll swing by and get you. Don’t leave, Viktor. Wait for me.”
“Last I checked, I’m your boss. I give the orders.”
“You are, but it’s not just you anymore. You have a family depending on you, so don’t move, and I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”
“Oliver—”
“Viktor, don’t be a dick. Think of Ava and the kids.”
“Fine.” I end the call. He’s right. I don’t know what I’ll be walking into. These aren’t times to act on impulse.
We drive to the restaurant in silence. I have a million thoughts running through my head. What could my father possibly want now?
“Is everything in place at the mansion?” I ask, breaking the silence.
“Yes. Marco called in the dozen men we have on standby. Our men are walking the perimeter inside and outside the gates.”
“And you can vouch for the men with Marco?”
“They served with him in the Marines. They’ve been protecting Ava for a long time. They only answer to Marco. In the event things go sideways with the clan, they’ll protect Ava and the kids from anyone, clan included.” I’m proud of how Oliver runs the clan just like I would.
“You thought of everything. Thank you,” I reply.
“No need to thank me. I’ve had time to plan since she’s been in the mansion. I don’t want to take any chances. I know if something happened to her or Niko, you’d have my head,” he laughs.
“You aren’t lying. I would probably forget you’re my brother,” I agree and chuckle.
“Viktor, regardless of what is waiting at the restaurant, try not to lose control. He’s going to try and bait you.”
