Page 99 of Revenge

I look at him, knowing I’m not fighting alone to protect my family. My brother is with me, ready to fight whatever comes next.

Chapter Forty-Four

Ava

It’s such a beautiful day outside, the kind of day you want to soak up as much as possible. The house is busier than usual, with men everywhere. I’m trying not to think about it. I have to think of my babies—my babies—Aisling is as much my daughter as Niko is my son. Would I take her with me if I decided to disappear? Can I take her with me? I doubt I could. It saddens me that Fiona still hasn’t come to see her. Viktor was right. Fiona isn’t a mother to Aisling. I won’t let my little girl suffer—she’s mine to protect. I get up from the glider and make my way downstairs.

“Hi, Mary,” I say as I enter the kitchen.

“Hi, Ms. O’Brien, are you ready for lunch?”

“Actually, I’m wondering if you could help me with something. It’s such a beautiful day outside, and I want to have a picnic with my babies.”

“Of course. But the house is on lockdown, so you might want to check with Marco.”

I take a deep breath. What has my life become?

“You make something picnic worthy. I’ll worry about the rest.” I leave the kitchen in search of Marco. It doesn’t take me long to find him. “Just the man I was looking for.”

“Ms. O’Brien. Did you need something?”

“As a matter of fact, I do. Apparently, you’re the only person who can make it happen.”

“I could try. What is it?”

“It’s beautiful outside, and I would like to have a picnic with my babies.” He gives me a questioning look. “You can’t be worried. There are more men here than in a darn army base. I’m sure you guys can protect a woman and two babies without incident.”

“I’ll have to make a call.”

“He has no power over me. I can do as I please,” I tell Marco.

“That might be so, Ma’am, but he’s the boss, and I have orders I need to follow.”

“I’ll talk to him, but my cell is upstairs. Do you mind dialing yours?”

“Not at all.” He takes his cell and dials Viktor. “Yes, sir, everything is fine. Ms. O’Brien would like a word.” He hands me the cell.

“Hi.”

“Is everything alright? Are the kids good?” Viktor sounds anxious.

“We’re all fine. I’m calling because I want to have a picnic with our babies outside. Marco mentioned he needed clearance from you.” I look at Marco.

“I’d rather you stayed indoors.”

“Viktor, I’ve been cooped up for nearly three months without complaint. Your babies don’t know what sunshine is. You practically have an army here. I don’t see how two hours outside could harm anyone. If they can’t manage two hours, they aren’t the men for the job.” He stays quiet. Usually, this is where he shouts, ordering me to do as he says.

“Ava, it isn’t safe to be outside.”

“This place is a fucking fortress. Make it safe,” I snap. I hand the cell to Marco. “I should be ready in about twenty minutes. The nannies will join me. See to it that everything is ready.” I order Marco, walking away. I will not let Viktor run my life. I have to stand up to him. He’s not my man or husband, and I refuse to be a prisoner in my own home.

Twenty minutes later, I have Niko wrapped in a carrier, snuggled, and peacefully sleeping. Aisling is being held by her nanny while the other nanny carries a baby bouncer. It’s amazing how big Aisling is getting. We make our way downstairs, where I hear Marco.

“Everything ready?” I ask him.

“You’re the boss,” he says with a light laugh.

“How pissed was he?”

---