Page 104 of Revenge

“Fuck,” I hear someone yell. I try to follow where it’s coming from and meet Viktor’s eyes. “Ava.” He runs his hands through his hair. “What the fuck just happened?” I see Viktor interrogating Marco. Viktor looks angry.

“Ms. McIntyre pulled a gun and fired before I could take it from her,” Marco tells him.

“Ava… Ava, can you hear me?” Viktor sounds anxious, I don’t understand why.

“Huh,” I find myself saying.

“I believe Ms. O’Brien is in shock,” Marco states.

Before another word is said, Viktor picks me up and takes me to his bedroom. The ringing in my ears from the bullet finally subsides, and suddenly my arm feels like it’s on fire. There’s this indescribable pain. Before I know it, everything goes black.

“Hey,” I hear Viktor say as I open my eyes.

“What happened? Where are my babies?” I try to sit. My arm is sore. I look at it and see a tight, white bandage wrapped around my bicep.

“It’s just a flesh wound. You’ll be fine. The kids are fine.” I let out a breath, but I need to see for myself, so I push myself up and head for the door. “Where are you going?” Viktor demands.

“To check on my babies,” I say, almost at the door.

“I told you they’re fine.”

“You also told me we were safe. I’m not staying here another minute.”

I enter Niko’s bedroom. I’m pleased when I see Niko and Aisling are fine. Grace is holding Niko, while Brenda is holding Aisling.

Grace…” before I say any more, she smiles and hands me Niko. “Hi, baby boy. It’s so good to have you in my arms.” I close my eyes, finding comfort in his scent.

“I’m done,” I tell Viktor as he walks into the bedroom.

I give Aisling a kiss on her head. She smiles when she sees me. All of this is so fucked up that I’ve made up my mind. I won’t stay here any longer. Being with Viktor will lead to my death. It doesn’t matter how much I love him. My priority is Niko—not my heart or Viktor.

Chapter Forty-Seven

Viktor

Ilove spending time with Ava and the kids. These last few weeks have been exactly what I was missing and needed. It doesn’t matter what is happening outside the gates. When I’m home, everything is exactly as it should be. Everything is in its place. Even though she still doesn’t want to admit it, we’re finally a family. I understand it might be hard for her because of everything, but it’s only a matter of time before she sees the truth. She will see and accept that we belong together. I claim her every night, and she sleeps in our bed. I know she’s afraid that I’ll hurt her again. But that’s impossible. I would rather die than bring pain to the woman I love. I try to be home as much as possible, showing her our family is my priority.

I was annoyed this morning when Oliver called to say that he needed me at Eros. My plans were to spend the day with my family. About a month ago, I decided I wouldn’t discuss clan business at the house. I want our home to be a sanctuary. The only way to make that happen was to create a separation. When Oliver called, I regretted the decision. He needed to talk in person. As I drive to Eros, I’m trying to figure out what he needs to talk about. I pull up to Eros, where a few of our men are standing.

“Good morning, sir,” one of my men says as I pass him.

“Good morning.”

Inside is a little busier than usual. Oliver is at the center of what used to be the dance floor. He looks like he hasn’t slept in days.

“Hey,” he says to me when I’m close.

“You look like shit.”

“I feel like shit.” He sounds exhausted.

“What is going on? This better be good, pulling me from the house on a Saturday.”

“You know I wouldn’t if it wasn’t important.”

“I know.”

“Let’s go to your office,” he says, heading in that direction.

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