Page 51 of Revenge

“I have to go.” He rushes out of the office.

“What the fuck, Oliver?” I bark, but he’s gone.

He’s hiding something. But what? What would possess him to start keeping secrets now? Is he choosing my father’s side? Is he scared that we can’t win? I pull out my cell and text him.

Viktor: You will tell me what you’re hiding or I swear I’ll beat the truth out of you

I pour another drink, waiting for his response, but it never comes. What is happening? I’ve never felt this out of control. I thrive on commanding my men. Before Ava, life was simple. I didn’t care about shit. My life was about business and the occasional fuck. Relationships weren’t in my DNA, and it was just how I preferred it. My life was the clan. I was comfortable and knew how each day would start and end. Now I know nothing. Everywhere I look, something is waiting to explode. I can’t help but think of Ava—she changed my life.

“I want to sit in a rocking chair drinking tea, enjoying the beautiful day next to my husband when I’m wrinkled and gray,” she tells me.

“Does that include me?” I tease.

“I’m sure my husband wouldn’t mind sharing me with you.” I go to grab her, but she’s too quick. “What, you wouldn’t like to be my lover?” She giggles.

“It’s been a few days since I’ve seen my handprint on that perfect ass. Should we see how many spanks it will take to make it a nice shade of red?” I go to grab her again, but she dodges me.

“I think you’re getting old, mister. You can’t even catch me.” She giggles. I fake forward, making her miss my true intentions.

“Got you now.” I throw her over my shoulder and slap her ass. “This one is a freebie. Let’s see how many it will take to remind you who I am.” She giggles more.

I never imagined missing someone as I do her. A part of me is missing without her. The thought both confuses and angers me. How did I allow myself to be reduced to this? I’ve become a shadow of the ruler I once was. She’s softened me, making me think about my fucking feelings. What the fuck?

Why the fuck did you have to walk into my life, Ava?

Chapter Twenty-Five

Ava

I’m laying in bed, super uncomfortable, thinking about life. It doesn’t matter what position I lay in—I can’t sleep. The clock reads midnight. Although I’m exhausted, it doesn’t seem to matter. I find myself wanting a thick chocolate milkshake and fries from the diner. I lay there, contemplating what to do. I can’t really get dressed and get it myself without someone freaking out. Oliver would probably kill me, and I don’t want to bother Marco if he’s not on duty tonight. I wage an internal debate, but the more I think about options, the stronger the craving gets. It’s annoying me.

“Listen here, little cabbage of mine. It’s late, and you don’t need the sugar,” I say to my belly as I rub it. But it only encourages him, and he starts moving. “Fine. I guess we’ll have to call your uncle after all. He said I could call him for anything. This will be fun.” The thought makes me smile.

I get up and walk over to my cell. I feel bad when I look at the time again. He’s probably sleeping, but he said I could call him anytime if I needed something. No time like the present to test it. I dial. He answers on the fourth ring. There’s music in the background.

“Hey, you okay?” There’s panic in his voice.

“Hi, Oliver. Take a breath.” I can’t help laughing. “I need a small favor. Of course, you can say no.”

“Anything.” His voice is calmer.

“Where are you? It’s loud.”

“Sorry. Eros.”

“Oh, if you’re busy, don’t worry.”

“I’m not. What do you need?”

“Here’s the thing. Your nephew is giving me cravings. I didn’t think I could get it myself at this time of night without you getting mad.”

He chuckles. “What does he want?” I hear the humor in his voice.

“A thick chocolate milkshake and fries from the diner.”

“Of course he does. I’m glad you didn’t go outside. Thank you for calling me. I’ll call you when I’m close,” he says, laughing again.

“Thanks.”

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