Page 141 of Revenge

“I bought the cabin for our family. Somewhere away from the chaos where we can relax.”

“You realize this is insane.”

“What’s the point of having money if we can’t enjoy it? There are twelve bedrooms, fourteen bathrooms, a games room, theatre, family room, hot tub, and a ton of other things,” he recites, ticking things off on his fingers as he says them.

I laugh. “Have you been practicing that?”

“A little,” he admits. “What do you think?”

“It’s too much for just the four of us. Don’t you think?”

“It’s for the whole family, not just us. A place where we can spend time together and not have to worry about anything.”

“That sounds wonderful.” I find myself imagining everyone over. Anita, Lisa, Tina, Oliver, Angus, and even Ray. “It’s perfect.” I softly kiss his lips.

“Dada,” Aisling tries to wiggle herself out of his arms.

I look around the room, and see it’s not baby-proof.

“You’d better not. This isn’t exactly kid-friendly,” I point out.

“Follow me. I have something to show you.” He leads us through a corridor toward one side of the cabin.

“Viktor,” I exclaim in awe.

This place is breathtaking. I’m staring at a family room designed with Aisling and Niko in mind. The entire room is a castle playpen, filled with everything you need to keep two young children entertained. It’s the largest dedicated playroom I’ve ever seen.

Viktor stands beside me with a gleam in his eye and a knowing smile. “What do you think? Did I do good?”

I look adoringly at him. “Yes,” I say softly.

He gives me a soft peck on the lips.

“Dada down,” Aisling demands again.

“You’d better set her down now,” I say to Viktor. As he does so, I turn to Aisling, “Let’s go and see what kind of toys Daddy got you.” As Aisling toddles into the room, I look down at Niko, who is still in my arms, “How about you, Niko? Do you want down?” He looks at me with sleepy eyes. “Okay, let’s go feed you and put you down for a nap.” I look at Viktor.

“There’s a nursery through that door.” He points to a door on the side of the playroom.

“Thanks. I’ll feed him and put him down. You’d better keep an eye on her,” I say as Aisling bolts to the other side of the room. I laugh as he tries to catch up. I open the door to the nursery, and see that it’s beautiful, just like the rest of the cabin. It’s simple and inviting, with two cribs and a glider in between. Closing the shades, I walk over to the glider and position Niko as I sit. Different from Aisling, he’s quiet and mellow. As I breastfeed him, his little hand touches my face. His eyes staring. He’s Viktor’s twin. Anita showed me a baby picture of Viktor the other day, and Niko is identical to him. Niko’s eyes slowly get heavier until he finally falls asleep.

I sit for a few minutes, taking in the moment. Savoring the peace. It’s not a place I ever pictured myself in. When I’m certain he won’t wake, I lay Niko in a crib. There are two smart baby monitors, identical to the ones at the apartment. I grab the one next to the crib I set Niko down in and turn it on. Viktor has thought of everything. I quietly leave the nursery. Standing by the door, I stare at the beautiful picture in front of me. Viktor is sitting on the floor playing with Aisling. He’s an amazing father.

He stops playing and looks at me. “What are you doing?” He asks.

I smile. “Seeing how sexy you look.” I bite my lip as I feel him undressing me with his eyes in reply.

“Dada,” Aisling interrupts, and I laugh.

Chapter Sixty-Two

Viktor

Ava is in the master bedroom, where I ordered her to take a much-needed bubble bath. I told her I would put the kids to bed so she could have an hour or so to herself. She resisted at first but then caved. I enter the bedroom, then open the bathroom door, where I’m met by her signature lavender scent. I spy her soaking in a classic detached bathtub. She has a glass of wine to the side, and her eyes are closed.

“I know you’re in here,” she murmurs.

“How?”

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