Page 28 of Revenge

“Don’t worry about him. He will be fine. To more pressing matters. Why didn’t you say something?”

“You know why. Besides, it is for the best.” Before I can continue, the server drops our water and shares an update on our meal.

“Thank you. Don’t return unless you bring our food.”

“Oliver,” I snap.

“What?” He asks as the server leaves.

“Uncalled for.”

“We need to talk. He keeps interrupting.” I shake my head.“Continue.”

“I found out shortly after I left. We both know if he learned about the baby,” I touch my belly.“He would have come for me.”

“It wasn’t your call to make.”

“It is. This is my baby. I won’t let him/her get caught in the middle of the Manarch family drama. I have to think about what is best for my baby.”

“It’s his child too.”

“That might be so. But I won’t take any chances.”

“How are you? Do you need anything?” His tone is gentler, more like him.

“I’m good. I should know the sex pretty soon.” I find myself sharing.“I don’t need anything. Your brother saw to that.” I accuse still bitter about the one hundred thousand dollars deposited in my account.

“Then why are you working? You shouldn’t be working.”

“I love working. If I don’t, I’ll go crazy.” The server returns with our food, fear written all over him. I feel bad for the man.

“Thank you,” I guy.

“Eat,” Oliver orders.

“I don’t take orders. I’m going to eat because I’m starving, not because you are ordering.” He laughs, and I roll my eyes.

For the next thirty minutes, we eat. We talk about everything but Viktor. I’m not sure if it’s deliberate. But it’s for the best, and I’m grateful. I don’t need that can of worms opened.

“Oliver, how did you find me?” I ask the burning question in the back of my mind.

“With great effort. To be honest, I was pissed when I learned you were just a few miles on the other side of town. Smart, hiding in plain sight.” He sounds proud.

“I thought so. Does he know you found me?” I ask, bracing myself.

“Yes and no.”

“What does that mean exactly?” I push my clean plate forward.

“I’m glad you enjoyed dinner.”

“Oliver,” I snap.

“At first, he wanted you to be found at all costs, but then,” there is a pause like he is trying to choose his words carefully,“he gave up. When I told him I found you, he didn’t want anything to do with you anymore.” His words sting.

I swallow the lump building in my throat.“It’s better this way. You have to promise not to tell him.”

“I can’t do that.”

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