Page 31 of Possession

“That house isn’t my home. I demand you take me to my home or pull over so I can take myself.” There is a long moment of silence. “Oliver please.” He says nothing. He turns the radio on to drown my pleas. I’ve made a mistake. This price is much higher than I am willing to pay. Somehow I feel this is not about the hundred thousand dollars. There is more to what Viktor is asking of me. “I can’t stay. I need to leave.” My final plea to him.

“I have to do what Viktor says. But it will probably be at least an hour before he leaves the restaurant.” I read between the lines.

“How can I leave? Is there a bus, train, cab?” I ask as the house comes into view.

“There is a bus about a quarter of a mile away.” The SUV stops at the gate. He doesn’t look at me. “I’ll appreciate it if you keep our conversation to yourself.”

“I will.”

I open the door and start walking in the direction he pointed. I won’t be caught in this family drama. I’m on the losing end. I don’t need to be a genius to know that. There has to be another way to give him his money. There has to be someone who isn’t afraid of the Manarch name. I’m pissed Dad would put me in this position yet again. I wish I could run away. Run away from this life he has forced me into. Dad is slowly dragging me down with him and I’m not sure he cares.

It’s a long time before a bus comes. It takes me two hours to get home. The lights are off. If I’m lucky, Dad is sleeping and not gambling. I’ll have to come up with a good excuse for why I’m here. My things are at Viktor's. Maybe I should have gone inside and grabbed my stuff. But there is nothing I can do tonight. Tomorrow I’ll figure it out. Tonight, I need rest.

Opening the door, I instantly know the apartment is empty. Dad is not here. I don’t have the energy to be upset. I’m a little hungry but I am sure there isn’t anything to eat. In the kitchen, I get a glass of water to attempt to fill my belly. I walk to my bedroom feeling confused and disappointed in myself. Don’t know why. I have done nothing wrong. I take off my overpriced shoes and the dress that can pay the rent for two months. I find a worn down t-shirt and a pair of Nathan’s old boxers I must have taken by mistake once upon a time.

In bed with my stomach growling and a massive headache, I let the tears out. They won’t solve anything but maybe they will make me feel better. There has to be a way to solve this money issue without being Viktor’s fake fiance. The man is controlling. Exhausting. Demanding. Shit, infuriating. But I can’t stop thinking about his lips on mine. The way my body craves him. I don’t know how much time has passed. Suddenly there is a knock on the door. The clock says it’s past midnight. Who would be knocking at this time? Then I remember Dad isn’t here.

“Coming.” The knock gets louder. “Shit, hold your horses.” I am annoyed by the knocking which is getting more desperate. I open the door without asking or looking. “What the fuck are you doing here?” Viktor pushes himself in. “Sure come in.” I say with all the sarcasm I can muster.

“Why are you here?” He is angry.

“Last I checked, I live here.”

“You don’t. I gave you specific instructions.”

“I’m not your property you can command.”

“I’m not playing games, Ava.”

“Neither am I. This isn’t going to work.” I walk past him but he grabs my arm.

“Is there a fucking man in here?”

“What?” I turn to look at him. He scans me up and down.

“You are wearing boxers.”

“And if there is? It doesn’t concern you.”

“Baby girl,” he pushes me to the nearest wall. “I don’t play games.” His mouth is inches from mine. My breath catches but I try to hide it.

“Neither do I. This isn’t going to work for me. I’ll find a way to get your money.” I stare into his eyes.

“I will only accept payment in the form of our arrangement. Otherwise, your father and you will have to adhere to the consequences.” I try to push him off but it only leads him to get closer. “Is there a man here?” I want to be spiteful and say yes. But something screams I shouldn’t.

“No.”

“Why are you wearing boxers?”

“If you recall, I don’t have my things here. They belonged to Nathan.” I look away. He grabs my face and turns it so I face him again.

“I want them off. You will never wear another man’s clothing.”

“I’m not yours to order.”

“So help me. If you don’t take them off I will take them off for you.”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

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