Chapter 20
Chapter Twenty
Ava
W hy do I let him get to me? Running away like a child will not solve anything. Somehow, I know there won’t be a good outcome for me. But he’s so irritating. I tried conversations that felt neutral, and he dismissed me. I hate doing what people tell me. When I hear footsteps, I lock the door in just enough time.
He tries to open it.
“Ava, open the door.” I don’t know why his voice is so paralyzing. “Now.” I stand in place, hoping he’ll go away. “This will go better if you open the door and not me.”
“Go away. I’m not opening the door,” I yell.
“Last chance.”
“Fuck you and your last chance. Stop telling me what to do.” He doesn’t speak. I hear him walk away.
I let out a breath. Viktor is intense and more controlling than I had imagined. I get I’m an employee to him, but there is no need for him to run every detail of my life. For goodness sake, we’re in his house. After a few minutes of silence, I decide the coast is clear. Maybe I’m wrong, and he won’t do anything to me. I take my clothes off and put them in the hamper, leaving me with only my panties on. I need a good shower to wash this day away.
“What the fuck Viktor?” I yelp as he enters my bedroom. I grab the first thing off the bed to cover myself. “Get the fuck out. I’m naked.”
“You aren’t naked. This is my house. I go wherever I please.”
“You can’t be in here. This is my bedroom.”
“Which I pay for.” He steps closer.
“You don’t own me. I’m not part of your house.” He’s almost reached me. I walk back but stumble onto the bed.
“Baby girl, you will always do as I say.” I’m pinned between the bed and his body. I pull the sheet higher, creating the illusion of separation.
“There’s no need to cover yourself. You’re a beautiful woman,” he whispers.
“Viktor, get out.” I shove him, but he’s all muscle and doesn’t budge.
“I won’t leave until you accept I’m in control of you. You will do anything I say.” He’s so close. I feel the heat of his body through his clothes.
“I’ll tell you whatever you want as long as you leave.” I nudge him, but it’s a futile effort.
“Fighting me isn’t going to get you anywhere.” He pulls the sheet away from me. I’m exposed. With the back of his hand, he caresses my neck, sternum, breasts, and stomach, but he stops at my panties. I close my eyes, fighting the urge to let him take me. “You’ll find submitting to me is easier and more pleasurable.” He caresses me over my panties. A moan escapes me. “You feel wet. Are you wet for me?” His tone is almost mocking.
“Get off me!” I scream.
“If you fight me, it will be worse.”
“Stop, Viktor,” I plead. In an instant, he gets off me and the bed. I’m shocked and surprised. We stare at each other in silence. Then he pivots and leaves, closing the door behind him.
I don’t understand him. One minute he’s one way, and the next, he’s completely different. The more I learn about him, the more I’m certain I shouldn’t be here. I can’t tell where I stand with him.
I get out of bed and relock the door. Then I go straight to the shower. I’m confused about how I feel. I’m hot for him—his demanding ways turn me on. It feels wrong to feel like this, but I want to feel his hands caressing me like he did earlier. Does that make me a masochist?
I feel the wetness between my legs. I turn on the shower, hoping a cold shower will cool me off, but I’m lying to myself. In the shower, thoughts of Viktor come more frequently and clearly. Closing my eyes, my hand finds its way to my most sensitive area. My fingers have barely touched myself, but I’m already on edge. I think about our first kiss. The first time he could have claimed me but didn’t. The feeling of his lips tracing the line of my neck down to my breast. With my other hand, I pinch my nipples. Sweet torture between both hands. I slide two fingers inside me and begin to pleasure myself. I start slowly at first, savoring how good it feels and imagining he’s the one doing it. But quickly I know I need more, so I increase the speed, searching for the release I’ve been craving for two days. I try to keep quiet, but it’s hard when I’m almost there. I’ve never felt a desire like this. I want Viktor, shit, I need him. As the realization comes, so does my orgasm. I swear the whole house could have me. I then wonder if he heard me, too. I’m out of breath and more confused.
After my shower, I pop my head out of the bathroom, making sure he isn’t in my bedroom. The clock reads nine. Today doesn’t seem to want to end. I choose one of my old T-shirts and leggings to wear. I need tea or something to help me find some sort of peace. I’m emotionally and mentally drained. Even though my orgasm brought some relief, I’m still restless. With the bedroom door ajar, I peek out, hoping the coast is clear. The house is completely quiet, and I head for the kitchen. Hopefully, I won’t run into anyone, especially anyone named Viktor.
“Ms. O’Brien, did you need something?” I’m startled by Mary’s voice.
“I’m just getting some tea,” I say opening cupboards.
“Let me get it for you. Any tea in particular? I’m afraid we just have chamomile and peppermint. But if you tell me what kind you like, I’ll pick it up tomorrow.”
“Please don’t trouble yourself. Peppermint is fine.”
“I’ll put the kettle on. It will be a few minutes. I can take it to your bedroom, so you don’t have to sit and wait.” Normally I’d object but taking her up on her offer means less chance of running into Viktor.
“That will be great.” I leave, looking in every direction.
Upstairs is quiet. I wonder if he left. I walk close to his door but don’t hear anything. There’s no light spilling through the door, either. Why do I care? I don’t want to be in the same room as him. He knows no boundaries. What I need to do is avoid him and be out of his reach. I open the door to my bedroom and smell his scent. It’s like he’s in here, but he isn’t. I shake my head, striving to rid the image of him from my head. I walk to the dresser where my cell is. There are two texts.
Tina: Hi Ava. Don’t know if you remember me. It’s Tina, Viktor’s cousin. Just wondering if you have plans on Friday. Want to have lunch? Hope to hear from you.
Viktor must have given her my number. This entire family has no boundaries. He assumes I want to hang out with Tina. She sent the text a few hours ago, but I didn’t hear my cell go off. I don’t answer it since it’s late. The next text makes me angry.
Viktor: Your driver Marco starts tomorrow at six in the morning. You’re only allowed to leave the house with him. He has a list of approved places you can go to. We can discuss anywhere that isn’t on the list.
He sent the text while I was in the shower. I feel like banging on his door and cursing him out. I don’t need permission to go anywhere. I’m a grown woman. I read the text again, hoping I read it wrong. I guess I’m hoping he isn’t the asshole he seems to be. But the words and their meaning don’t change. I’m walking to the door, determined to put him in his place, when Mary knocks and walks in with a tray. So much for cursing Viktor out.