Page 28 of Possession

Viktor: My mother says there is a stop you will be making to meet at the restaurant. We will have to talk about you not answering texts. I expect updates on your whereabouts when you aren’t home

I’m surprised by his texts. Viktor has many moods I can’t keep them straight. One moment he is sweet then the next he is controlling. I am not sure how I feel about reporting every move I make when we aren’t together. I understand I have a debt to pay off and these are his rules, but still. It seems the more time I am with him the more rules he imposes. He is forever changing and I don’t appreciate it. It has only been twenty-four hours, how is it going to be in a week? A month? A year?

When the car pulls to the restaurant I’m suddenly nervous. What if he doesn’t like how I look? Is he going to be upset that I changed my hair and clothes without discussing it with him? This is ridiculous. I’m not a child who has to ask permission. He isn’t my father. He isn’t my boyfriend or my husband. I take a deep breath to steady my nerves. From the car, I see people inside the restaurant. To be expected since it’s almost dinner. But I don’t feel comfortable. Somehow I feel all eyes will be on me.

“You look stunning. He will love it.” Anita squeezes my hand.

I smile and exit the car. There is no time like the present. I stand tall. There are a few men outside who greet Anita and smile at me. I don’t respond or linger. I don’t want Viktor to think I’m flirting with anyone by returning a smile. One of the men opens the door. Anita enters first. I try to glance around the restaurant searching for Viktor. But it’s crowded and loud. Then the kitchen door opens. Our eyes meet and it’s like we are alone. I’m no longer nervous. I can’t explain it. He is smiling. I start walking towards him but he meets me halfway. If I didn’t know better, I would say he ran to me. He pulls me in and kisses me. It isn’t one of those quick kisses either. You know the one you do out of habit? His fingers are digging into my hair. Like he wants to consume me. Like he can’t get enough of me.

“Hello to you too, Viktor.” Anita mocks, forcing Viktor to let me go. I’m breathless. My legs feel weak. I’ve never been kissed like this before.

“Hi, Mom. You look beautiful as always.”

“Thank you, Sweetheart. But the real beauty is Ava. Wouldn’t you say?” She winks at me.

“Besides you, she is the most beautiful woman alive.” Shit, did he just say that? His words are warm. They feel good coming out of his mouth. But I can’t get caught up. He is just playing his part and I need to play mine.

“Thank you.” I give him a sweet peck on the lips just like a fiancé will do after being complimented by the man she is marrying. The restaurant is loud again. When did it get quiet?

“Is your father here?” Anita asks.

“On his way.”

“Perfect. We will have our first of many family dinners. I’m going to check on things in the kitchen.”

“Would you like me to help?” I ask.

“Not in that dress.” She teases with good reason. My dress is white. “You have to keep Viktor busy.” She smiles.

“If you change your mind I am right here ready to help.”

“She won’t. Let’s sit.” Viktor leads us to a nearby table.

Chapter Fifteen

Viktor

When I saw Ava as I opened the kitchen door I was in awe. Ava is a beautiful woman but it’s incredible what a little pampering and new clothes have done. It’s night and day. You would never guess she grew up on the wrong side of the city with nothing to her name. Now she looks like she is one of the elite women from the Upper East Side. She stands tall and commands the room. I’m glad my mother took her to get something new to wear. She is more than I imagined. She was born to be a Manarch. I walk to a table away from everyone. I refuse to share her with anyone. I find myself being territorial with her.

“You look beautiful.”

“Thank you. Are the clothes and hair ok? I wasn’t sure. Your mom and Tina insisted.”

“It’s perfect.” I am pleased. She is a woman who can represent me.

“I’m glad.” She whispers.

“I have something for you.” I go in my pocket for the box that has been burning a hole in it. I was going to take her to choose a ring but I had time to kill. “Your ring.” I open the box.

“Viktor, it’s beautiful. Don’t you think it’s too much?” She looks at me

“My future wife deserves the very best.” I take the ring out of the box. I’m holding a four-carat diamond as the center stone with surrounding diamonds. I take her left hand and put the ring on.

“This must have cost you a fortune. You could have bought something simpler.” A fortune is an understatement. I probably should have not gone with this ring. Her ring cost more than a Nissan Sports Car. But she doesn’t need to know that.

“You represent me. You will have the very best. As I told you, I will take care of you. You will be noticed now. People will look at you because of who I am. The ring on your finger tells everyone that you are mine.” She sits back as my words sink in.

“Viktor, I…” she starts but the front door opens. I am immediately on alert.

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