Page 64 of Revenge

“Don’t worry about Viktor. Let me worry about him. Phone off when I end the call.”

“Bye, Oliver.”

“Bye, Ava.” I end the call.

I'm walking a fine line. But I’m going to do whatever I have to. I am going to protect Ava at all costs from everyone, including from my brother. I want my nephew to have a better life than mine. I don't regret being a Manarch, but I want more for him.

Chapter Thirty One

Ava

“This place is beautiful,” I tell Max.

“I love coming out here when I want to get away. It’s a great place for me to turn off the white noise and find peace.” I stare out a beautiful bay window overseeing a lake.

“Do you come here often?” I ask him.

“Not as often as I used to. My work has me traveling.”

“We can’t all be famous photographers.” I tease.

“I love capturing beauty. My work allows me to discover beautiful things. I can’t complain. Come, let me give you the grand tour.”

He walks around and tells me a little more about the cabin. It’s a one-bedroom cabin on top of a mountain. It has a rustic look. It’s the kind of place you go to unplug. The kind of place you hide out at which is what I am doing. I’m hiding from Viktor. When Max is done with the tour he takes me outside where there are two chairs. We sit in silence. I stare out at the lake trying to sort myself out. Seeing Viktor today has me rattled.

“Are you hungry?” Max interrupts my thoughts.

“A little.”

“We can go into town to get something to eat and groceries.”

“Max, I don’t feel right about taking your bedroom,” I tell him thinking of our earlier conversation.

“The couch is super comfortable. Most times, it’s where I sleep. You take the bedroom. You’re my guest. You and the hippo need the rest.”

“But,” I try to object.

“No buts. This is time for you to think of you and hippo. No one else. You’ve been through enough.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“Nothing. You are going to let me take care of you like you deserve.” The way he says it comforts me. It's nice not to feel alone.

“Thank you for being an amazing friend. I wouldn’t know where I would be without you and Lisa.”

“Everything will be fine. It will work out. You will see.”

?

“Darling,” I feel a soft touch.

“Max,” I greet, opening my eyes. Somehow I fell asleep on the couch.

“Dinner is ready.”

“I’m sorry. I was going to help. I guess I was more tired than I realized. Why didn’t you wake me?” He holds out his hand, which I take.

“You looked so peaceful. I couldn’t wake you.” He leads us to the table.

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