Chapter 30
Chapter Thirty
Ava
I ’m back at Joe’s office.
I can taste the stench of him.
I stand from my chair and race away, but when I reach the door, he yanks me back by my hair. I dig my nails into his leathery arms to force him to let me go, but instead of freeing me, he pushes me against the wall.
“Let go of me,” I plead. My heart is pounding so hard I’m surprised he can’t hear it. He presses himself against me, and when I see his intention to kiss me, I turn my head.
“You smell delicious,” he says with a leer and licks my face.
I move to kick him, but he presses me harder.
“I swear if you don’t let me go?—”
He grabs me by the neck and squeezes, and with his other hand, he fondles my breast.
“You’re mine,” he says with a sneer as he pinches my nipple hard.
I scream for help.
“Ava, wake up.” Someone shakes me. I open my eyes and spot Viktor beside me.
“Oh god,” I throw myself at him.
“It’s just a bad dream.” He gets in bed and brings me to him.
It takes a few minutes for me to process what just happened. I taste the saltiness of my tears. Viktor’s grip tightens, reminding me I’m in his arms. It doesn’t matter how hard I try, I can’t forget what Joe did to me. I think Viktor knows I lied when I said nothing happened. Finally, my breathing returns to normal.
“I’m… I’m sorry. Did my screaming wake you again?” I stammer. For the last few nights, Viktor has rushed into my bedroom and soothed me back to sleep.
“I haven’t gone to sleep yet.” I look at the time. It’s nearly one in the morning.
“You must be exhausted from working late. I’m fine now.” He doesn’t move, and I’m grateful.
“You need to tell me what your nightmare is.”
“I don’t remember.” It’s a lie and he knows it.
“I’ve been patient with you. I don’t do lies, and it’s obvious something more happened in Joe’s office.” I look up at him.
“I told you, nothing.”
“You know that’s a lie. Last night, in your sleep, you spoke. You told him not to touch you. You said to take his filthy hands away from you.” His voice isn’t accusatory or harsh. It’s actually tender, but there’s a hardness in his eyes that says he wants the truth.
“Viktor—”
“If you’re going to lie again, I’d rather you not say anything at all.” His lips are pressed tight, and he’s frowning.
We’re both quiet. My head is on his chest, and I can hear the steady sound of his heartbeat. I suddenly realize he’s only wearing pajama pants, and I smell a hint of alcohol. He must have been drinking.
“You should get some rest. I’m okay now.” I finally say. He takes my chin and lifts my face for our eyes to meet.
“Joe is dead.” His voice is flat.
“Viktor—”
“I told you. You’re mine. No man will ever touch you and live. Now get some sleep.” He moves me and gets out of bed. He leaves without saying another word.
I’m shocked by his confession. Did he kill Joe because of me? I didn’t know I talk in my sleep. How many times had I spoken? What had I said? A part of me feels guilty.
I didn’t want Joe to be killed, even if he was evil.
Viktor is so confusing. He constantly tells me I’m his employee but goes and kills Joe because he touched me. I don’t know what to believe anymore.
I wait until my door closes before I get out of bed. I know I won’t find sleep. I walk to the small desk by the window and take out my journal. It’s a habit I’ve picked up since living here. Somehow, I find journaling therapeutic. It helps me process my feelings for Viktor. Because I know I have feelings for him. I shouldn’t, but I do.
Tuesday, August 21st
It’s another sleepless night. I had the same nightmare. Just like last night, I woke up to Viktor in my bedroom. He got in bed and held me. I’m beginning to see he isn’t just the cold man I once thought. Deep down, he’s kind. I dare say, even loving. I’m not sure what this is about. I don’t like not knowing where we stand. Every day that passes, it gets, harder not to see the man he tries to hide.