Page 86 of Revenge

“She went to see her mother. After a few hours, the men watching became suspicious and asked to see her. Initially, her mother refused to let them in, but they insisted. After searching the house, they realized she was gone.”

“Fuck.” I hit the wall. “Triple Ava and Nikolas’ security. Call my lieutenants. It’s time to strike.”

“Nikolas?” He searches my eyes.

“Your nephew,” I say right before I leave.

I open the staircase door and head back to Ava’s room. There’s no way I’m letting her go back to the apartment where I know it isn’t safe. I know it will only be a matter of hours before the McIntyre’s show at her apartment. Everything has changed.

Entering her room, I see Max. He just doesn’t get it.

“What the fuck? Can’t you get a fucking clue? I want you gone.” I bark at Max. The sudden noise startles Nikolas, who starts wailing.

“Get out, Viktor.” Ava picks up Nikolas. Her eyes are throwing daggers at me. She’s angry, but there’s no time for anger.

“I’m not going anywhere. He has to go. I won’t repeat myself,” I say, looking at Max.

“I love him like a son. I’m not going anywhere,” Max says.

“Max, we’ve talked about this. This is not about you or what you want. I’ve been clear with you more than once,” she tells him. I hear a trace of anger. “You and I…” she trails off, not wanting to finish whatever she was going to say. I’ll have to question her about this later.

“He’s not your son. I’m his father.” I walk into the room, closing the distance between Max and me. I’m going to grab him by the neck when Ava speaks.

“This is not a schoolyard and certainly not the time. I want you both gone,” she snaps as she soothes our son, trying to calm his cries.

“Ava—” Max reaches a hand toward her.

“I said to get out. I don’t want to see either of you.” Her voice is filled with conviction. If her anger wasn’t directed at me, I would be proud. She never ceases to amaze me.

“I need a word with you. It can’t wait,” I tell her. She looks at me, contemplating. “I wasn’t asking. This is about our son.” I look from her to Nikolas.

“Fine. But the minute you’re done, you’re leaving.” Her voice is strong, commanding.

“I’m staying too, Ava. You need me here,” Max says.

She looks into my eyes and sees the rage. She knows me better than anyone.

“Are you not fucking listening? She doesn’t need you here. Know your place, Max,” I bark at him. Ava takes a deep breath. She knows I’m right even though she hasn’t said it.

“You need to leave, Max. It’s obvious this is a family matter.” She looks at our son. “Go,” she repeats, her voice stern. I close the door once he leaves. “What?”

“We’re leaving.”

“I already told you I’m not leaving with you.”

I run my hands over my face.

“It isn’t safe. What part of that don’t you fucking understand?” I finally ask.

“What does that mean exactly?” She looks at our son. Her anger is replaced by fear for our son.

“There’s a storm coming, and I’m afraid it’s almost at our doorstep. I need you and Nikolas safe.” She looks between Nikolas and me. I can see her struggle with whether to believe me or not. I’m going to add more, but she speaks.

“You swear you aren’t lying?” she asks.

“I have never lied to you. Why would I start now?” The words are true. I have never lied, just kept things from her.

“I don’t understand, Viktor. What’s going on?”

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