Page 114 of Revenge

“I wouldn’t come any closer if I were you. Did you really think I’d be here alone?” I look around and see no one.

“You’re missing the red dot over your heart.” I look down, and there it is.

“Original, a sniper. I didn’t peg you for being a coward. I guess we all have limitations, even the great Cillian McIntyre.” I’m not afraid of dying, but I won’t do that to my family. “What do you want, Cillian?”

“Power. Give me your seat at the table, and I’ll let you be. It’s not like you need the power the Manarch name brings. Manarch Industries seems to be doing well.” He looks at my building. “What’s it worth now? I believe fortune five hundred said a quarter of a billion dollars. One of the richest men in the world and only thirty-three years old. You don’t need the Manarch Clan.” His voice is mocking, but his eyes drip envy.

“I’m going to pretend what you’re asking didn’t just happen. I suggest you get back in your car and go back to whatever hole you were in.” He takes a step toward me. “Word to the wise, your sniper might be a fine shot, but I’m an excellent marksman. I might go down, but you will go down with me.” I take my gun from my back and hold it beside my leg.

“No need to get all macho. I just want my granddaughter.” He takes a step back.

“Neither you nor Fiona will ever have my daughter. If there isn’t anything else?—”

“I’ll take your seat at the table,” he says with a smirk.

I laugh. “Try.” I fix him with a glare and cock my gun. He doesn’t say anything and starts walking.

I wait a minute before I get in my car. If Cillian wants me dead, this is the perfect opportunity, but the bullet never comes. He still needs me alive for whatever he’s up to. My father might not give a fuck about me, but I’m still the heir to the Manarch Clan. He’s all about appearances. If Cillian kills me, my father will have no choice but to kill him to maintain control of the clan, or he will have a civil war on his hands.

“Where have you been?” Oliver asks as I enter Eros.

“Last minute thing at the office.” I should tell him about my encounter with Cillian, but I need him focused. He already looks like he is a second away from killing Cillian.

“Oh okay. Everything is pretty much done. I just need your signature in a few places.”

“Let’s go to the office.”

We spend an hour going over paperwork and purchases. I’m not really listening, thinking about Cillian’s not-so-subtle threat against Ava. It makes me rethink letting her live at the penthouse instead of the mansion. There are so many things that could go wrong. I can’t control everything when we’re not under the same roof. I’m a man who demands and needs control and not having her beside me twenty-four seven is throwing me of balance. How do I get her to leave the penthouse and come back home? There has to be something. Anything. I’ve given her too much say and somehow, I no longer have the last word.

“Viktor—” Oliver’s tone is sharp and startles me.

“What?” I bark.

“Maybe we need to pick this up later, and you tell me what’s wrong.”

“Nothing’s wrong. It’s been a long day, but everything looks great,” I reassure him as I stand.

“Where are you going?”

“Home.”

“The mansion?”

“Oliver, don’t forget your fucking place. Call me if you absolutely need me.” I leave my office, not wanting to hear whatever he might say. I need Ava.

When enter the penthouse, I find Ava in the kitchen talking with the chef.

“Whatever you make will be fine. I’m not picky.”

“I might be,” I tease, walking into the kitchen.

“Pay him no mind.”

I pull her close and kiss her and don’t stop until we are out of breath.

“Hello to you too. You’re being rude.” I pick her up and start walking. “Put me down.” There’s humor in her voice. I head for the guest room. “What are you doing?”

I slap her ass. “I’m going to show you.”

---