Page 123 of Revenge

I can’t believe Viktor would stoop so low as to prohibit Max from coming upstairs. What does he think is going to happen? For God’s sake, the house is full of staff, including half a dozen guards. I’ve given him no reason not to trust me. I don’t want to be with Max. Viktor’s jealousy is misplaced. I take a deep breath and take the elevator. I’ll show Viktor who the real boss is.

Chapter Fifty-Five

Viktor

“Fuck,” I say, setting my cell down on my desk.

“What’s wrong?” Oliver asks.

“Max.”

“I don’t understand Ava on this one. Why is she having him work for her? Can’t she see he wants more than friendship? I don’t have a good feeling about him.”

“Glad I’m not the only one,” I agree.

“No,” he says, even though I’m not asking. I stand from my desk. “Where are you going?”

“To show Max that Ava is mine.”

“Don’t do anything stupid.”

“What the fuck did you say?” I take a step toward him.

“Your intimidation won’t work on me. Maybe on him, but not on me. I’m not scared of you. I know how hard you can punch, and it’s not that hard.” I take another step toward him. “What? Are you going to hit me?” He stands his ground. In any other circumstance, I’d laugh. You can’t deny he’s a Manarch. He shakes his head. “Give me your keys. I’ll drive.”

“You don’t even know where I’m going.”

“House of Beauty,” he says, laughing.

I hate that Oliver is always right. It’s fucking annoying.

Max has become a pain in my ass. I don’t understand why he won’t get the hint and fucking disappear. There’s no point in him sticking around. I would make Max disappear, but I doubt Ava would forgive me if I did. I wish she saw Max’s true intentions, and how much he wants her.

“Do you know what you’re going to do?” Oliver asks as we get in the car.

“Show Ava who has the final word and Max that Ava is off-limits.”

“Do you really think it’s a good idea to go blazing into her office? It’s not going to end well.” I look at him.

“You constantly defending her is getting old.”

“I’m not defending her. I’m stating facts,” Oliver retorts

“I won’t let him get close to her. I see how he looks at her. He wants to fuck her.”

“I’m going to share something with you.”

“I’m not in the mood for your lectures. All your fucking facts are annoying.”

“It’s not a lecture, just a couple of facts. Facts you need to drill into your thick head. Ava loves you. She would never do anything to betray you. She’s loyal, and you better than anyone knows that. You need to trust her.”

I think about his words.

“I do trust her. It’s him I don’t trust.”

“I have to agree with you on that one but blazing hot into her office isn’t going to show her that you trust her,” he says, adding, “I won’t tell you what to do. But don’t push her. You know this isn’t the way. Ava won’t stand for it.”

“Fine. What should I do?” I find myself asking in frustration.

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