Page 93 of Revenge

“What?”

“You should go home. There is nothing left for you to do here. Spend time with your family. I got this.”

I look at him, knowing I am not fighting alone to protect my family. My brother is with me, ready to fight whatever comes next.

Chapter Forty Four

Ava

It’s such a beautiful day outside. The kind of day you want to suck up as much as you can. The house is busier than usual. There are men everywhere. I am trying not to think about it. I have to think of my kids. My kids. Aisling is as much my daughter as Niko is my son. Would I take her with me if I decided to disappear? Can I take her with me? I doubt I could. It saddens me that Fiona still hasn’t come to see her. Viktor is right. Fiona isn’t a mother to Aisling. I won’t let my little girl suffer because sheismine to protect. I get up from the glider and make my way downstairs.

“Hi Mary,” I greet as I enter the kitchen.

“Hi, Ms. O’Brien, are you ready for lunch?”

“Actually, I am wondering if you might be able to help me with something. It’s such a beautiful day outside. I want to have a picnic with the kids.”

“Of course. But the house is on lockdown. You might want to check with Marco.” I take a deep breath. What has my life become?

“You make something picnic worthy. I’ll worry about the rest.” I leave the kitchen in search of Marco. It doesn’t take me long to find him.“Just the man I was looking for.”

“Ms. O’Brien. Did you need something?”

“As a matter of fact, I do. Apparently, you are the only person who can make it happen.”

“I could try. What is it?”

“It’s beautiful outside. I would like to have a picnic with the kids.” He gives me a questioning look.“You can’t be worried. There are more men here than in a darn base. I am sure you guys can protect a woman and two babies without incident.”

“I’ll have to make a call.”

“He has no power over me. I can do as I please,” I tell Marco.

“That might be so, ma’am. But he is the boss. I have orders I need to follow.”

“I’ll talk to him. My phone is upstairs. Do you mind dialing yours?”

“Not at all.” He takes his phone and dials Viktor.“Yes, sir, everything is fine. Ms. O’Brien would like a word.” He hands me the phone.

“Hi,” I greet.

“Is everything alright? Are the kids good?” Viktor sounds anxious.

“We are all fine. I am calling because I would like to have a picnic with the kids outside. Marco mentioned he needed clearance from you.” I look at Marco.

“I’d rather you stay indoors.”

“Viktor, I’ve been cooped up for nearly three months without complaint. Your kids don’t know what sunshine looks like. You practically have an army here. I don’t see why two hours outside could harm anyone. If they can't manage two hours, then they aren’t the men for the job.” He stays quiet. Usually, this is where he shouts orders commanding me to do as he says.

“Ava, it isn’t safe to be outside.”

“This is a fucking fortress. Make it safe,” I snap. I hand the phone to Marco.“I should be ready in about twenty minutes. The nannies will join me. See to it that everything is ready.” I add, walking away. I will not let Viktor run my life. I have to stand up to him. He is not my man or husband. I refuse to be a prisoner in my own home.

Twenty minutes later, I have Niko on a carrier wrapped, snuggled, and peacefully sleeping. Aisling is being held by her nanny while the other one is carrying a baby bouncer. It’s amazing how big Aisling is getting. We make our way downstairs, where I hear Marco.

“Everything ready?” I ask him.

“You are the boss.” He says in a light laugh.

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