Page 17 of Possession

“Thank you for having my clothes washed. You didn’t have to.”

“It was my pleasure. You must be hungry.”

“Viktor, I need to go. I have to be at work in two hours. I have to check on my dad and my phone is dead.”

“We can charge the phone while we eat.”

“I doubt you have a charger for my phone.”

“What model is your phone?” I ask as we reach the dining room.

“iPhone six. Before you say anything, I am very well aware there have been six models that hit the market since. Hence I’m sure you don’t have a charger.” She adds, sure of herself.

“Good morning. Would you like something to drink, Ms. O’Brien?” Mary greets.

“Coffee if you have it.”

“I’ll have the same. Can you let Oliver know I want to see him?”

“Right away sir.”

“I can’t stay long. I have to be at work in two hours.” She repeats as she sits.

“How did you sleep?”

She shakes her head.

“Fine.” She is curt.

“Oliver, can you find a charger for an iPhone six? Ava’s phone is dead.” I say as he enters. She turns back to see him.

“Good morning, Oliver. Please don’t trouble yourself. I will be fine.”

“Good morning, Ava. It’s no trouble at all.” He smiles at her. I don’t like it. I give him a look. “Do you have the phone with you?” He asks more seriously.

“No. I can go get it. It’s back in the guest room.” She is about to stand.

“If it’s in plain sight there is no need. I’ll get it and put it to charge.”

“Thanks, Oliver.” She speaks to him with a familiarity I don’t appreciate. I am going to reprimand her when Mary walks in with our coffees. She sets everything down and announces breakfast will be out shortly.

“Cream? Sugar?” I ask.

“Black is fine.” She answers, taking the first sip. “Why am I here?”

I don’t speak at first. Mary is returning with breakfast and this is a conversation I don’t want anyone to hear. I want this to stay between us. The fewer people who know, the easier it is to keep secret. Mary enters and sets breakfast in front of us. Ava looks unsettled and uncomfortable. I don’t understand why since I’ve already told her I am not going to harm her.

“Thank you, Mary. Please make sure no one disturbs us.”

“Yes sir.”

“Viktor,” she starts.

“Eat.”

“I don’t want to eat. I want to know why I am here. What do you want from me?”

“Eat and I’ll speak.” She takes her first bite. “As I told you yesterday, I have a proposition for you. You need to pay off a debt and I need a wife.”

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