Page 126 of Revenge

I look at him but don’t say anything.

There’s truth to what Ava said. I do use sex as a weapon, but it’s not what she thinks. It’s my only way to know we’re okay. She forgets it’s not easy for me not to be in control of everything. I do trust her. She’s the only person alive that I trust aside from Oliver. But seeing Max near her is not something I can let happen. He wants her, and she’s mine.

Chapter Fifty-Six

Ava

Putting my pajamas on in my bedroom, I’m actually surprised Viktor hasn’t tried to come to see me but has kept his distance as I asked. I know asking for space was the right call, but part of me wishes he had come anyway. I know he came to see the babies. Mary mentioned he saw them earlier when I wasn’t around. I miss Viktor, and it’s only been a few hours. What does that say about me?

I can’t excuse his behavior. What he did was wrong. I bet if I had pulled a stunt like that, he would have reacted just as I did or worse. I need to set clear boundaries if we are ever going to work. There’s a light knock at my door. I pull my pants up.

“Come in.” The door opens, and I don’t have to turn to know it’s him. I can feel him. “I thought you’d left.” I grab my towel and go to the bathroom to hang it up without looking at him. Weirdly, I’m nervous about exiting. I have butterflies like a schoolgirl with a crush.

“I’ve been here. I wanted to give you space.”

“And you decided to listen to me,” I can’t help but laugh.

He stalks my way. “I was wrong. You were right.”

“Look at that. You admitted you were wrong and didn’t burst into flames.” I’m about to veer past him when he grabs my arm.

“I’m sorry,” he tells me. I look at him, and I can see he means it.

“Don’t just say you’re sorry, be better. Max means nothing to me. He’s just working for House of Beauty. If you had told me why you don’t want him in the house, we could have avoided this argument, but your first instinct is to demand and control. For us to work, you need to trust me.”

“I do trust you. I don’t trust him.”

I put my hand on his face. “But why? What has he ever done to you?”

“He isn’t trustworthy.”

“That’s not a good answer,” I say with an exasperated sigh.

“It’s the only one I have.”

“I love you, Viktor. Max is not a factor in my life. He’s an employee. Nothing more. Our true problem is that you’re using sex as a weapon, and it needs to stop. It’s not fair to use it to get what you want.”

He takes a deep breath before answering. “It’s the only way I know.”

I shake my head and, giving in, kiss him. The next thing I know, he has picked me up and taken me to bed. I’m probably not doing us any favors by letting him claim me, but who am I to fight my craving for him?

Viktor’s fit of jealousy from a few days ago still amuses me. I’m sitting at my desk, trying to keep myself from laughing. I’m still a little pissed, but I see the irony. Who would have thought? One of the most ruthless men in the city was intimidated by Max. I don’t understand the point of stressing out. Why waste his energy? I’m with him, and he’s with me every single day and most nights. Between my babies, work, and his demanding ways, there isn’t much time left for me. So when would I have the time for anyone else? It’s dumb, and I wish he would see it.

“Ms. O’Brien, your ten a.m. is here,” my PA, Rosie, tells me from the door.

“Rosie, how many times do I need to remind you? Please call me Ava.” I smile.

“I keep forgetting.”

“Don’t. We spend more than enough hours interacting. I don’t want so much formality.”

“Okay.”

“You can let Maddie in.”

Less than a minute later, Maddie enter.

“It’s so nice to see you,” I greet her as she embraces me.

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