Page 111 of Revenge

“What is it?” Viktor asks.

“Gus was in on it,” Angus says.

“Then why the fuck is he walking away alive?” Viktor barks.

“Because now we know he’s a traitor. I can work with that,” I say before Angus speaks. Viktor stays silent for a second.

“I want them all to fucking burn alive. Every single person who dares to cross me.”

“You have my word,” I promise as he heads to the stairs again.

“See to it.” He leaves me with Angus.

“What did you have in mind, lad?”

“Follow his trail, and we might just learn what Bobby and my father’s move is. Let Gus think we believe he’s loyal to us, and when the moment comes, as Viktor said, burn them all alive.”

“Aye,” Angus says as I start heading for the stairs.

I know it’s risky to have Gus out in the open, knowing he has betrayed us. But this is the first time we have a leg up. I’ll use whatever is at my disposal to end this. I’ll protect my family even from the blood running through my veins. Because Viktor and Ava are my family. I’ll see no harm come to them. They have suffered enough. They deserve to be happy. Dougal Manarch, Cillian McIntyre, and Fiona McIntyre will pay for everything they have done.

Chapter Fifty

Ava

I’m sitting on my bed, looking around the empty bedroom. If you were to walk in right now, you would never imagine someone was staying in this bedroom. The last of the boxes were taken a few hours ago. I couldn’t believe it when Viktor came to me a few days ago.

“I told you I don’t want to talk with you.” I turn to enter my bedroom.

“You don’t have to talk. All you have to do is listen.” His voice is stern yet gentle. I stop and look at him.

“What bullshit are you going to feed me now?”

He takes a deep breath to control the anger he’s trying to hide.

“If you’re serious about not wanting to live here, I have a penthouse in the city you can move into.”

“What’s the catch?” I cross my arms.

“No catch. You can come and go as you please as long as security is with you.”

“I thought you said there wasn’t a catch.”

“The security detail is for safety. I’m willing to give you the freedom to leave the mansion, but you must give me this for my peace of mind.”

“I don’t like it,” I snap. I’m being irrational, of course, Viktor’s decision makes sense. I know he’s just trying to keep Niko and me safe.

“It’s not about you, Ava. This is about our son. After me, he’s the most important chess piece on the board. He’s my heir.” He closes the gap between us. I want to scream, tell him to fuck off, but I’m frozen in place. “Please,” he says, his eyes wide, intense, pleading.

“Fine.” I don’t get to say another word. He pushes me against the wall and kisses me. Reminding me that he had the final word once again, and it pisses me off.

“Ms. O’Brien,” Mary calls from the bedroom door.

“Hi, Mary.”

“Everything is ready. I’ve packed a lunch so you won’t have to worry at the penthouse. Are you sure you don’t want me to come along and help you settle?”

I smile. “No. I’ll be fine, but thank you.”

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