Page 56 of Revenge

“Don’t fuck with me. I’m not playing.”

I’ve been preparing for this scenario for a while. I had a contingency in place in the event it came to this. I take my cell and dial. I set the cell on speaker.

“Hi, Sarah.”

“Hi, Babe. I’m fine. Promise.”

“Are you sure? I’m sorry I had to leave, but I just needed to check in again.”

“I swear I’m fine. I’ll cook something for dinner tonight if you can get away.”

“I’ll be there. I’ll text you when I’m on my way. I have to go.”

“Okay. Thanks again for always being here for me.” I end the call.

“What kind of trouble is she having? Why didn’t you tell me you had a girlfriend?” he asks, taking a few steps back. His shoulders are now relaxed.

“We haven’t been together long enough to meet the family. The drama isn’t anything I can’t handle.”

“I’m here for you if you need anything.”

“I know.”

This lie is going to cost me. I had never lied to Viktor before Ava came along. I have never kept anything from him. But just like him, I feel a sense of responsibility to protect Ava and my nephew. I can’t explain it. There’s something about her that brings out the protector in me. I’m not in love with her. It’s something else entirely. What started as a vow to my brother has become a brother protecting his sister. Insane, considering we aren’t related, and she isn’t from the clan. But at the end of the day, it’s not about blood or the clan. Me protecting her is about doing the right thing. She needs me more than Viktor needs me to tell him the truth. Because Ava is right. I’m not sure she would be any safer if Viktor learned I’m helping Ava keep a secret that could change our lives as we know it.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Viktor

“Fiona, you’re torturing yourself.” I hear Fiona’s mother.

“I just spoke to the fucking guy, and nothing happened to her. She has more lives than a cat.” They’re talking in the kitchen.

“Sweetheart, you need to stop. You’re risking someone discovering your secret. You need to leave that girl alone. She already told you she isn’t going to tell Viktor. There’s no reason to worry. If she hasn’t told him by now, I doubt she will.” I stand closer to hear the conversation. Who is Fiona talking about, and what is her mother warning her about?

“I don’t trust her, and I don’t believe her, Mom. I can’t risk it. There is too much on the line. I have to get rid of her. As long as she lives, she’s a threat. Under no circumstances will I allow Viktor to find out Ava is pregnant with his child.”

“You need to calm down, sweetheart. This stress isn’t good for the baby.”

“What did you just say?” I enter the kitchen, knowing exactly what she said.

“Nothing. What did you hear?” Fiona mumbles.

“Is Ava pregnant?” I’m a few steps from Fiona.

“I don’t know what you think you heard, but it was not that. That’s preposterous,” Fiona says, but I can see she’s lying.

“Do you take me for a fool? I know what I heard.” I turn to leave the kitchen.

“Viktor, stop. Where are you going?” Fiona asks, but I don’t stop. I take out my cell.

“Where are you?” I ask Oliver.

“In the garage. Why?”

“I need Ava’s address.”

“That’s not a good idea. You said it yourself. Things are fragile right now. If you go to her, it will tip the scales.”

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