Page 89 of Revenge

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“Remodel the house to your needs. What are some of the obstacles you are facing?”

“Haven’t really given it much thought. I guess, for starters, it would be nice if Niko and Aisling’s bedroom were next to each other. Maybe a sharing bathroom between both bedrooms. It would make things easier. A large nursery on this floor so I don’t have to go up and down if we have company.” I confess.

“Why didn’t you say something?” Viktor asks, interrupting me as he enters the living room. When did he get home?“Hi, mom, Tina.” He walks to his mom and hugs her.

“I would think she was a little busy taking care of your children to think about it,” Tina answers sarcastically.

“How about you don’t speak for Ava.” His voice is deep and commanding, waking my libido. I have to remind my libido what the truth is.Simmer down libido. You and Viktor aren’t together.

“Settle down, you two,” Anita says.

“I need a moment with Ava.” His eyes glue me in place.“Ava,” he starts.

“Sure.” I stand.“I’ll be right back.”

“We will check on dinner. Come on, Tina.” Anita says.

Viktor leads me to his office. The air between us is filled with sexual tension. I can feel the pull. But sex has never been an issue. Being here isn’t making it easy on my inner desires. But I refuse to let us go there. He opens the door to let me in first. I stop midway.

“Did you need something?” I ask.

“Why didn’t you tell me the kids' bedroom arrangements aren’t working or that you wanted something on the first floor?” He takes steps closer to me. I take a few back.

“Honestly, I hadn’t given it much thought until recently. Besides, it isn’t my place to make changes to this house. This is your home, not mine.” Again he takes steps closer to me. I take a few back.

“This is your home too. If you need to make changes for the benefit of our children, then so be it.”

“Viktor, as much as I love and adore Aisling, don’t forget she already has a mother.” I find myself reminding him. But I think it’s me reminding myself. I know I claim over and over that Aisling is my daughter but I can’t ignore or forget that Fiona is her biological mother. Fiona can take her away from me and I would not be able to do a damn thing. The law is on her side if he chose to take it there.

“She is as much yours as she is mine.” He takes more steps closer, and I try to take some back, but I have nowhere to go. I literally hit a wall.“Ava,” he starts inches from me. He moves a few strands of hair behind my ear.

“Don’t,” I beg.

“How long are you going to fight this? How long are you going to fight us?” I want to tell him as long as it takes. Until my body no longer craves him or my heart no longer loves him. Even if it’s impossible, I have to try.

“We can’t happen,” I tell him.

I don’t get to finish my thought. His lips brush mine. If I were stronger, I would try harder to push him away. But I can’t. Instead, my fingers dig into his hair, and I kiss him with the same intensity as him. It’s ferocious, animalistic. It’s been over a month since we last kissed in the hospital bathroom when Niko was born. I’ve kept my distance from him, always using one of the kids as my protection. Because I know what will happen. I put my hands on his chest, breaking the kiss.

“We have company. I have to go,” I finally say, taking a step back.

“Ava,” he starts.

“No Viktor. I was clear,” I say, leaving his office before I cross a line I won’t be able to come back from.

?

After a long day, I find myself exhausted both physically and mentally. I touch my lips that still feel like they are burning from earlier. How did I ever think I could be near him and be able to move on? My need for him grows by the second. He is ingrained in the deepest part of me. I am lying to myself if I ever thought I would no longer love or crave him. He is the love of my life. The man that, in so many ways, completes me. I will never be able to love another man. I am his. He has made it clear with every touch. What did I get myself into by coming back? It’s becoming obvious Viktor has no intentions of letting me go, and I am not so sure I want him to.

Chapter Forty Two

Viktor

In my line of work, observation is the key to success. I am good at spotting problems. I see them clearly all the time with the clan or Manarch Industries. So how the hell did I miss that Ava wasn’t pleased with the layout of the house? How did I not see that the layout was a problem myself? I haven’t paid much attention to the smaller details like I normally would. I’ve been distracted, and that is dangerous.

Growing up, I remember my father left the raising up to my mother because he couldn’t be bothered. Unless he was teaching me to run the clan, he didn’t want anything to do with me. I want to be more for Aisling and Niko. It’s one of the reasons why I need to figure out a way to end this fucking war with my father and Cillian. I’m getting tired of waiting for their next strike. It’s not just me anymore. I have Ava and the kids depending on me.

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