Chapter 43
Chapter Forty-Three
Viktor
I ’m proud of Ava. She’s done such an amazing job with the party. She’s truly a Manarch at heart. She just doesn’t know it yet. I’ve made my decision and I want her beside me, to be my partner. I want her to be my wife.
“Everything looks beautiful, sweetheart.”
“Thanks, Anita. I wouldn’t have been able to pull it off without you and Tina.” Ava squeezes my mother’s hand.
“All I did was give you a few pointers.”
“Mom, do you know when Father is coming?” I ask curiously, checking the time. It isn’t like him to be late for these types of events.
“He said he needed to run an errand. I imagine he should be here soon.” She looks at her watch. “I’m going to walk around.”
I scan the backyard. Suddenly, I have a gut feeling something isn’t right.
“Viktor,” my mother calls.
“Go right ahead.” I pull Ava close. “Stay with my mother at all times.” She gives me a confused look. “Do as I say,” I whisper.
“Okay.” I kiss her. It’s a soft, tender kiss. What has this woman done to me?
She leaves with my mother. I go back to scanning the backyard. Even though everyone in attendance has been invited and searched before entering the house, you can never be too careful. I walk around and greet guests. Occasionally, I look for Ava. She’s still beside my mother. I instruct Marco to stay near her. My father has left the topic of Ava alone for now, but I won’t take any chances. With him, you never know.
“Baby, I’ve been looking for you everywhere.” The voice instantly puts me on alert. I turn to see Fiona walking toward me. She stops in front of me and kisses me. I grab her arms and push her away.
“What the fuck, Fiona? Why are you here?” I look for Ava. I can’t see her.
“That’s no way to speak to your future wife.” My father reaches us with Cillian beside him. When the fuck did they arrive?
“I should have known it was you who put this little reunion together,” I bark at my father.
“This is not the place. I suggest you mind yourself,” he responds.
“I could say the same. My future wife is Ava, and I’m not sure how I can make myself clearer.” I take a step to leave, but he grabs my arm.
“You’re not marrying that girl. Your wife will be Fiona McIntyre. Know your place, Viktor.”
“It’s okay, Mr. Manarch. I’ve been gone a long time. I have myself to blame. We’ll make things right. Don’t you worry,” Fiona takes my arm.
“Excuse me.” I pull my arm away and leave. I look around. I don’t see my mother or Ava.
“Where have you been?” I turn at Oliver’s voice.
“I could ask the same question. Fiona and Cillian are here.”
“I know. I’ve been calling to warn you.”
“My cell is upstairs. You should have looked for me.” I’m pissed. I hate being caught off guard.
“Do you know what they want?”
“I could care less what they want.” I continue to search for Ava.
“Who are you looking for?”
“Ava.” I say like it should be obvious.
“I saw her go upstairs.”
“Fuck.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m pretty sure she saw Fiona kiss me.” I walk inside the house. I spot my mother.
“She’s upstairs. Let her be, Viktor,” Mom says before I ask, but I don’t stop. She grabs my arm. What is it with people today? “Ava is clearly in love with you. You need to let her go if you aren’t sure.” I’m surprised by her words. Does she know my relationship with Ava up to this point has been a facade?
“Mom, stay out of this.” She lets go of me.
Upstairs, I try to open my bedroom door, but it’s locked. I call her name, but she doesn’t answer. I go to my office, get my spare key, and return to open the door. She’s sitting on the bed, appearing broken. She’s been crying, but when she realizes I’m in the bedroom, she looks up and dries her eyes. I lock the door behind me.
“I told you not to leave my mother’s side,” I snap.
“I’m not in the mood for one of your controlling tantrums.” Her voice is weak. I walk toward her. “Please don’t. I need a few minutes to myself.”
“What’s wrong?” I ask even though I know.
“She’s the woman from the pictures in your office. You were happy once.” Pictures in my office? I thought those had been destroyed.
“It’s not what you think.”
“I doubt you know what I’m thinking.” I close the gap between us despite her request.
“She’s my past.”
“A past you’re supposed to marry.”
“Who told you that?”
“Everyone at the party is talking about it. It seems I’m the only one who didn’t know. She’s beautiful and your father’s choice. This needs to end, Viktor. I can’t do this anymore.” She closes her eyes.
“I don’t give a fuck who my father’s choice is.” I softly pull her off the bed. “You’re my choice.” I kiss her.
It’s a reckless kiss. My need for her is inexplicable. I turn her and unzip her dress, and her body responds to my every touch. Her breathing is labored. I bite her shoulder as the dress pools on the floor. I face her and kiss her. I snap her bra open and take her panties off. My beautiful woman. I need her. I lead her to the bed.
“Bend over. Hold yourself on the edge of the bed. I want your perfect ass in all its glory.” She doesn’t question. She does exactly what I want. “You’re perfect, but you disobeyed my order. Now you have to deal with the consequences of your actions.”