Page 28 of Revenge

“Aren’t you closing in five minutes?” A reminder he’s an all-knowing Manarch. “Please.”

“Fine. Give me a few minutes. Meet me at the diner down the street.”

“I’ll wait.”

“I have to close, as you pointed out. My boss won’t like me doing so with you here.”

“Ava—”

“Please, Oliver. It’s the diner or nothing.”

He says nothing and leaves. I let out the breath I was holding. If he’s here, Viktor is sure to follow. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do. I can leave through the back door and not talk to him, but I’m sure he has all exits covered. Oliver is always prepared for anything. If he’s here, he knows everything there is to know about my new life. The truth is, I knew this moment would eventually come. I just thought it would be Viktor who would find me. But maybe he doesn’t want anything to do with me after all. I turn off the lights and walk outside to lock the door.

“You’re still here,” I exclaim when I exit the store. “I thought we agreed on the diner.”

“I didn’t agree, and I’m certainly not taking you to a diner. You need a proper meal,” Oliver says, looking at my belly.

“Are you bossing me around, Oliver? Because it doesn’t suit you.”

“I’m stating a fact.” If I weren’t standing in front of Oliver, I would swear it was Victor talking. Sometimes I forget how alike they are.

“There’s a bistro about a mile down.”

“I’ll drive.” He leads us to his car, and I’m surprised to see he’s alone. But I need to know if that is the case.

“Did you come alone?”

“Yes, why?”

“I don’t know. I would have thought you would come with other people.”

“He doesn’t know I’m here,” Oliver replies

“I wasn’t asking about him.”

“We both know you were.” He opens my door, and I slide in. He’s right. I was asking about Viktor, even if I won’t admit it to myself. We drive in silence, and he parks in front of the bistro.

“You can’t park here.”

“Let’s see who will be brave enough to say something or steal my car,” he jokes, relaxing me. We’re led inside and are seated immediately. The power of a Manarch. Even on this side of town, their influence is limitless.

“Your server will be with you shortly. Enjoy your dinner.”

“Thanks,” I say.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Oliver asks, looking at my belly. I’m glad I don’t have to answer right away since the server arrives at our table, giving me time to think about how I will answer.

“Good evening. I’m Bob, your server. Can I get you anything to drink?”

“Water, please,” I answer.

“Same,” Oliver adds.

“Would you like to hear the specials?” the server asks.

“No,” Oliver barks.

“Manarch men!” I mutter under my breath.

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