Chapter 39
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Viktor
“ M r. Manarch, your two o’clock has been rescheduled. You have a call with the GM for the hotel in twenty minutes. Would you like me to order your usual for lunch?” Becky, my PA, asks.
“Yes. Has HR sent the resumes for the new guards?”
“I believe your head of security wanted to take a look before you get the final list.”
“I need a reservation for Le Bernardin.”
“Will Ms. O’Brien be joining you?” I want to tell her that’s a stupid question, but I remind myself I have business dinners too.
“Yes. Seven o’clock. That will be all.” She takes her cue and leaves.
I turn my chair and stare out the window. Oliver’s question is still replaying. Do you love her? I run my fingers through my hair. Loving her wasn’t in the plan. I can’t love her. I don’t know what love is. I was rough on her this morning. I didn’t mean to take her by the throat, but I won’t tolerate someone slapping me—not even her. My men need to know I won’t accept it from anyone. Truth be told, it was difficult.
It bothered me to see the way she looked at me. There was hurt in her eyes that I couldn’t take. Ava is changing me. I’m not a man who cares about how others feel. But with her, there’s something else altogether. My cell goes off. The screen reads Marco. He shouldn’t be calling. Every time he does, all hell is breaking loose.
“Is Ava safe?” This is what I need to know first.
“She is, sir, but we have a problem. She tried to leave the premises. She’s currently at the front gate demanding to be let out.”
“How the fuck did she get that far without you noticing?”
“We haven’t quite figured it out yet. Angus thinks she found the tunnel. The last place she was seen was in your office.”
“Fuck.” I slam my hand on the desk. “Take the cell to her.” As he walks, I hear Ava screaming. I rub my forehead. She’s going to be the death of me.
“She won’t take the cell, sir.”
“Put the cell on speaker.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Ava, take the fucking cell.”
“I don’t want to talk to you,” she screams.
“I won’t repeat myself. Take it or deal with the consequences.”
“Fuck you and your consequences,” she barks.
“Marco, take Ava to her bedroom by any means necessary. Lock her inside.” I stand from my chair. She must learn who is in control and who has the final word.
“I’m not your fucking prisoner.”
“Marco.”
“Yes, sir.” She starts to yell at him, so I end the call and leave my office.
“Mr. Manarch, do you need something?”
“Cancel the rest of my day.”
“But, sir—” I glare, and she nods. “Right away, sir.”
I storm out of the building. I might be falling in love with Ava, but I won’t submit to her. I get in my SUV and start driving, thinking of her punishment. She needs to understand I need her safe. Before I know it, I’m pulling up to the house. My men are scattered on both sides of the gates. The gate opens, and I drive in. Angus is posted at the front door of the house. I park and get out of my SUV.
“What the fuck happened?” I ask when he reaches me.
“She found the tunnel. No one noticed until she tried to open the gate, and the alarm went off.”
“In other words, she outsmarted twenty men.” I’m impressed. Under other circumstances, I’d be proud.
“Aye.”
“Where is Marco?”
“Outside her door.” He answers as we walk through the door. “Viktor,” says Angus tentatively. He rarely calls me by name, so I stop.
“What?”
“I’m not sure what she’s seen or heard. She might not say it, but she’s scared.” Angus is a wise man who’s seen more than most.
“Still no excuse.”
“Aye. But she doesn’t know this world or its rules. You can’t expect her to know the danger she’s truly in.”
He turns and leaves. I think about his words. I’ve never really sat down with Ava and explained this life to her. But I can’t second guess myself. I must have the last word, and I’d told her she was expected to obey without question. Upstairs, Marco is sitting on a chair outside her door.
“Sir…” He stands when I approach. “I apologize for this mishap. I thought she was in her bedroom.”
“How is she?” I ignore his apology. Because of his neglect, Ava could have been hurt.
“She screamed for a while but stopped.”
“That will be all.” I take the key from him and open her bedroom door. Hearing the shower running, I walk to the bathroom, but I stop when I hear her voice.
“I fucking hate you. I can’t stop thinking about you. I need you inside me.”
At first, I think she’s talking with someone, but that’s impossible. No one would dare be in here. She wouldn’t be stupid enough to allow a man in her bedroom, yet I find myself ready to break the door down. I slowly open the door, and she’s under the shower head, caressing herself. She couldn’t look more beautiful. I strip, ready to give her what she wants.
“Viktor,” she moans, sliding a finger inside herself.
I can’t take it. I slide into the shower and turn her to face me. I expect her to say something—argue, or tell me to get out. But she doesn’t. Instead, she kisses me. It’s ferocious, demanding. I try to pick her up, but she slaps my hands. I’m going to respond when she drops to her knees. On her knees, she stares at me, the wanton lust shining in her eyes as she takes me into her mouth. She’s mercilessly sucking me like I’m her favorite popsicle, sliding me in and out of her mouth.
“Fuck, Ava,” I groan as I try to keep myself upright with a hand on the wall. She has barely started, and I find myself close to the edge. “I’m going to come.”
She doesn’t stop. She just continues, determined to get what she wants. Her eyes smile in gratification, but I will not submit to her. In one swoop, I bring her to her feet. She licks her lips making me harder. I turn off the water, pick her up, and carry her out of the shower. Not giving a damn that we are soaking wet, I throw her on the bed. Her eyes don’t leave mine. I go to her closet and collect two rope belts hanging by the door. I walk back out, and she watches me.
“Slide up to the headboard,” I command, and she gives me a questioning look. “Now.” My voice brooks no argument. I walk over to one side and tie her first hand. She looks at me like what I’m doing doesn’t faze her. I walk over to the other side and do the same. “This should keep you out of trouble,” I say with a glint in my eye. Walking to the front of her bed, I look her up and down. “You’re so fucking beautiful and infuriating. You have disobeyed me again. Do you know what happens when you do?” She doesn’t speak. I fix her eyes with mine. “Answer, Ava, what happens when you disobey me.”
“You punish me.” Her voice is low and full of arousal.
“What am I going to do with you?”