Page 98 of Revenge

“Oliver—”

“Not this time, Viktor. I swore to Ava that I will always make sure you come home to her and the kids.”

His confession surprises me.

“When did you swear to that?” I ask as we pull up to the restaurant.

“It doesn’t matter. We’re here,” Oliver says, stating the obvious as we park. I knew they were close but didn’t realize how close. I’m going to demand he tell me, but he opens his door and gets out before I can.

Outside the restaurant stand a mixture of two dozen men from both sides. If I didn’t know better, I would think this was a battle cry. Is my father calling because he’s going to war and needs me by his side, or is he calling me to my death? When did it come to this? At what point did my father openly become my enemy? We walk in and are met by even more men. If he thinks this will intimidate me, he needs to try harder. I’m not afraid of my father.

“You’re finally here,” my father says as I enter. He’s standing, and Cillian is on his left, where I should be.

“You called. I’m here.” I stop, keeping enough distance from him.

“We have business to attend to. Have a seat,” my father says, walking to the head of the table.

I take a deep breath and sit at the other end of the table. He might be at the head of the table, but so am I. We’re sitting at a table that seats at least sixteen people and all the chairs are filled with his men.

“How can I help you, Father?”

“I’ve been informed Fiona no longer lives with you. You divorced her and brought your little girlfriend back.” He’s acting like it’s breaking news. He’s known since Niko’s birth, everyone has. It’s not something I’ve hidden.

“You’re acting like you didn’t know,” I say, sitting straighter.

“I was clear with you, Viktor. She isn’t a Manarch, and it’s not her place to be by your side. I’m feeling generous, so I’ll give you a choice. She can leave quietly on her own, you remarry Fiona, and she moves back in, or Ava leaves in a body bag. Your son is born. There is no need for her any longer.” It’s the first time he says Ava’s name, and I hear the venom in his voice.

“I don’t tell you how to live your life, Father. I suggest you give me the same courtesy.” I say, trying to control the rage growing inside of me.

“Listen here, you piece of shit. I gave you an order and I expect you to follow it.”

“Are you taking orders from the Irish now?”

“I don’t take orders from anyone, especially a little dipshit like you. I expect you to follow my orders.” I stand as his tirade continues. “If you don’t do as I say, you will become my enemy. I won’t care that you’re my son and heir.”

“You stopped caring that I was your son the moment you brokered a deal for me to marry the woman who nearly got me killed.”

“Walk out that door, and it means war. Remember, in war, there are many casualties. Are you ready to lose those you can’t live without?” he challenges.

I step forward and put my hand on my back, where my nine-millimeter is. I could end this right here. One bullet, and it would all be over.

“Don’t,” Oliver whispers. I look at him. If I shoot, the probability of us walking out alive is zero. I want my father gone but not at the cost of my own life. God knows what would happen to Ava and the kids if I died.

“Then war it is, Father. Clearly, you have made your choice.” I turn to leave.

“I hope you’re willing to pay the price,” My father rejoinders.

“I can say the same.” I leave, determined to fight at all costs. I won’t bow down to my father. “Are you ready?” I ask Oliver as we stand by my car.

“Until the very end.”

I’m exhausted. It’s only been two hours since I left the restaurant, and it feels like years have passed. Oliver and I decided to iron out our plan further at Eros. We can’t afford any mistakes. The men will have to pick sides after the first strike.

“Viktor,” Oliver calls across the room.

“What?”

“You should go home. There’s nothing left for you to do here. Spend time with your family. I got this.”

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