Page 120 of Revenge

“Momma,” Aisling calls as if on cue.

“She’s a smart one,” my mother says.

“Momma,” she calls again.

“Mommy will be here in a few minutes,” I tell her.

Her bottom lip drops, and she starts crying, looking for Ava. I understand the sentiment. I want to be around Ava all the time too.

“I’ll take her,” Ava says, entering the living room. “Come on, sweetheart. Are you ready for a nap?” She takes her from my arms. “I’ll be back,” she calls as she leaves the room, leaving me with my mother standing beside me.

“How are you doing these days?” my mother asks.

“Busy. Dealing with Father’s bullshit.”

“I never imagined your father would do the things he has. He used to be a good man, a family man. But he isn’t the man I married anymore.”

There’s sadness in her voice, and I embrace her, hopefully comforting her. I wish things were different for her. She doesn’t say it, but I know she’s suffering. I have asked her to leave my father but she won’t. She’s loyal to the man even though he doesn’t deserve it.

“People change and not always in a good way.”

“Have you heard from Fiona?” she whispers, keeping her voice low.

“No.”

“Ava is great with Aisling.”

“Of course, she is. She’s her mother,” I say.

“Just be careful. Fiona is wicked, as her whole family is. You never know what their true intentions are. I would hate for her to take Aisling from us.”

“Over my dead body. Aisling is a Manarch, and Ava is her mother. Fiona will never have her.”

“I hope you’re right.”

Her words play in my head. I’ve been thinking the same thing since my encounter with Cillian. I don’t take threats, but I won’t ignore them, either. Fiona hasn’t been seen or heard from since she shot Ava and her silence unsettles me. I had John send Fiona a waiver of parental rights for her to relinquish all rights to Aisling. I will pay her handsomely for it, too. Fiona is all about money, and I’m counting on her greed. Ava is Aisling’s mother, and I’ll do everything in my power to make sure Aisling never leaves Ava’s side.

Aisling will not be Fiona’s pawn.

Chapter Fifty-Four

Ava

It takes a couple of months for me to find my rhythm as a working Mom. I finally feel comfortable and not guilty about leaving the babies at home. I still can’t believe Viktor bought House of Beauty for me. I asked Oliver if Viktor knew I had worked at the boutique, but he said it was a happy coincidence. Viktor had bought the company before I called off the engagement.

Viktor has more money than any person will need, but it’s his money, not mine. I’m grateful for the gift. I’m happily building something for myself, for our family, separate from Viktor’s businesses. In a lot of ways, his money is also not clean. I want to build something legitimate, but more importantly, I want Aisling to know you don’t need a man to take care of you.

Viktor wasn’t lying when he said he retrofitted my office at the House of Beauty headquarters. My office takes up nearly a quarter of the top floor. I have a nursery, feeding room, kitchenette, shower, and a glass desk for working. It took Brenda and Grace a few days to adjust Aisling and Niko to the new environment, especially when I was in meetings, which often occurred during my first week at the company. But then I realized they’re probably more comfortable at home and not in the chaos of my job.

I’ve been trying to get the lay of the land and learn the business inside and out. I would never have imagined this for myself, a life where I can build a legacy. I want people to look past where I come from and how I got here when they see me. Even though I don’t have to prove myself to anyone, I want to earn my place as owner and CEO.

However, today I decided to work from home. I’m taking advantage of the kid’s naptime to read over some of the company’s current projects. Max is coming to the apartment to talk about pictures for the next issue of the magazine. I want to be the best in the industry, which means I need to work with the best, and that’s him.

I go and check on the babies. Niko is out cold. Every day he looks more and more like Viktor. I leave his bedroom and go to Aisling’s. She’s my little troublemaker. She’s strong-willed and wants everything her way, just like her father. I leave her bedroom and head downstairs. I’m on the last step when I hear my cell ring. It’s playing Put It On Me by Matt Maeson, Viktor’s ringtone. It makes me think about the first time I heard it.

“Viktor,” I moan.

“You have disobeyed me. Now you need to deal with the consequences.” Viktor has me tied to the bedpost. He’s devouring me with his eyes. I’m completely naked. Even though I should probably be cold, my skin is burning. Every time he moves an inch, I gasp. He chuckles and licks his lips. “I believe you have seen more than enough.” He blindfolds me. “That’s much better. I’ve wanted to bring you into my darkness. I have given you a few tastes, but now I want to show you how good it feels.”

---