Page 30 of Revenge

“I thought so. Does he know you found me?” I ask, bracing myself.

“Yes and no.”

“What does that mean, exactly?” I push my clean plate forward.

“I’m glad you enjoyed dinner.”

“Oliver,” I snap.

“At first, he wanted you to be found at all costs, but then…” there’s a pause like he’s trying to choose his words carefully, “… he gave up. When I told him I found you, he said he wanted nothing to do with you anymore.”

His words sting.

I swallow the lump building in my throat. “It’s better this way. You have to promise not to tell him.”

“I can’t do that.”

“You need to keep my secret. This isn’t about him or me. This is about my baby. If he finds out, it will simply force me to disappear again.” He stares in silence, his eyes boring into me like gimlets. I’m fucked. Of course, he’s going to tell him. Viktor is his blood, and I’m no one.

“One condition.”

I’m surprised by his answer.

“What’s that?”

“You have to call me if you need anything.”

“I’m fine. I swear.”

“Just promise, Ava.” His tone is serious.

“If I call you in the middle of the night asking you to get me ice cream or some other strange craving, you’ll come?” I joke.

“Yes. Anything.” His answer doesn’t waver. It’s sweet.

“I’m kidding.”

“I’m not. You’re carrying my niece or nephew. You’re family.” His conviction overwhelms me, and a few tears escape.

“Sorry, hormones.”

“Does your father know?”

“No one knows. Just my roommate and work, of course. I would like to keep it that way.” But I’m lying to him, there is one other person who knows, Fiona. But I can’t tell him. Not without consequences.

“She checks out, by the way.”

I look at him, confused.

“What do you mean? Did you run a background check on my roommate?”

“Of course I did. Your safety will always be a priority for Viktor. He wouldn’t forgive me if something happened to you. I would say more now than ever.” He looks pointedly at my belly.

“I thought you said he wanted nothing to do with me anymore,” I ask in confusion.

“Just because he wants nothing to do with you doesn’t mean he’s stopped caring about you.”

“That makes no sense.”

---