Page 65 of Revenge

“It wasn’t yours either. It was hers.”

“I could kill you right now. She’s been alone, unprotected.”

“She hasn’t been alone or unprotected. I’ve had Marco and a team with her since the first night I learned she was pregnant.”

“I want her home.”

“If you corner her, she’ll disappear.”

“Again, not your fucking decision.”

“Sir, you need to keep it down,” a nurse says, approaching us.

“You have one job now. I want you by her side until I speak with her,” I order him.

“I’m sorry, Viktor. I needed to do what I felt was right for her, not you. She needed me more than you needed the truth.”

“Fuck you, Oliver.”

He leaves without another word.

I’m furious that Oliver lied to my face. I would have expected it from anyone else but not him. I know he’s right. He’s the only one thinking clearly right now when it comes to Ava. She was safer without me beside her. Tensions are growing in the clan, and at this point, war is unavoidable. I’m grateful he stood by her, although she isn’t his to protect. He was there when she needed someone. But I had the right to know. She’s having my son.

Chapter Thirty

Oliver

Inever meant to lie to Viktor. I’m sure he feels betrayed. I would if I were in his shoes. Despite how he feels, I would do it all over again and wouldn’t change a thing. I love my brother, but Ava needed my protection. Now that the secret is out, it’s about containment. I’m sure our father knows by now, and he isn’t going to stand by and not act against Ava. On top of that, Ava is having a boy. Even though my niece is legitimate and firstborn, she will never be the head of the family. He won’t kill Ava until my nephew is born. But once he’s born, our father will take him and claim him, and I can’t let that happen. I won’t let that happen. Outside the hospital, I dial Marco.

“Sir,” he says. His tone is off.

“What’s wrong?”

“Ms. O’Brien is missing.”

“What do you mean she’s missing?”

“I went upstairs to check in, but her roommate said she’d stepped out. The men on shift must have missed her when she left.”

I get in my car. “Where were you?” I growl. I’m pissed. This is what I pay him for.

“I just got here for my shift. I’m sorry, sir. The other men dropped the ball.”

“Fuck. Where are you?”

“Outside her building. I have two men sitting at her job, in case she shows there.”

“Don’t move. I’m on my way.”

This is exactly what I was worried about. When Ava feels cornered, her first instinct is to run and hide. I was surprised she didn’t run when I showed up. Her father still doesn’t know she’s pregnant. I’ve been monitoring him, and I doubt she’s with him. She won’t risk it. Short of leaving the state, there aren’t that many places she can go to. Why does she have to be difficult? I know Ava won’t answer, but I call just the same. She doesn’t answer. I try a text.

Oliver: Ava, where are you?

Nothing. Fifteen minutes later, I pull up to her building, where Marco is waiting with Jimmy. She has to be with Max. It’s her only logical move. She doesn’t have anyone else who can help her.

“Anything?” I ask as I approach.

“Nothing.” Marco answers.

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