Chapter 46
Chapter Forty-Six
Ava
O n Christmas Day, I wake feeling extremely hot and sweaty. I look to the side and see that Viktor and I are twisted together like a pretzel. It’s like his subconscious is keeping me in place. I try to untangle myself, but it’s not as easy as I think. It takes me five minutes since I don’t want to wake him. Out of bed, my body feels sore. He claimed me again in the middle of the night. His need for me is as strong as my need for him.
I wash my hands, and the glare of my new ring gets my attention. This ring is more me, but the implication of the ring isn’t lost on me either. He’s going against his father’s wishes. I’m his choice, and he’s fallen for me as I have for him. I dress and quietly leave the bedroom. It’s almost nine in the morning. The house is quiet. I wonder how the party ended. Downstairs, there isn’t a trace of evidence that the party happened at all. I smell bacon coming from the kitchen. Mary must be making breakfast. I’m surprised when I see Anita instead.
“Good morning, Ava.”
“Good morning, Anita. Merry Christmas. I didn’t know you were here.”
“Merry Christmas to you, sweetheart.” I give her a quick hug. “I wanted to make sure everything was cleared away by the time you two were up.”
“You didn’t have to trouble yourself. Is Mr. Manarch with you?” I softly ask.
“Don’t worry, he isn’t here.”
“Oh, okay.”
“I hope you’re hungry. It’s a tradition. I make breakfast for all my single children.” She winks.
“Last I checked, Viktor wasn’t single,” I tease.
“It’s an excuse to be with my boys. But I won’t be cooking next year for Viktor. That will be your job.” She says with a big smile. I wonder if Oliver is here.
“I’m teasing. But you shouldn’t be doing anything. Let me help.”
We start cooking. Anita tells me about the success of the party. Praising me for hosting my first event. The praise feels weird, considering it was a disaster.
“I’m sorry it ended abruptly,” I say after she tells me what happened when Viktor came down last night.
“It wouldn’t be a family affair without a little drama.” We laugh.
“Anita, I’m not trying to cause problems between Mr. Manarch and Viktor,” I confess.
“I know, sweetheart. Viktor is stubborn like his father. He doesn’t like people telling him what to do.”
“His father wants him to marry Fiona.” The thought is like a punch in the gut.
“That girl is pure trouble. The devil if you ask me,” she says in a serious tone.
“Why do you say that?”
“She almost got him killed three years ago.”
I think about his scars. I’ve never had the courage to ask how he got them. Learning it’s because of Fiona makes me angry. It makes me want to destroy her—make her pay.
“How?” I can’t help but ask.
“A party. They were announcing their engagement. She—” Anita begins.
“Mom.” Viktor interrupts her.
“Good morning, sweetheart.” Anita says.
Viktor walks over to me and kisses the top of my head.
“This isn’t the time to talk about ancient history, Mom.” Viktor turns to me. “I missed you in bed.” I shake my head.
“Are you kids hungry?” Anita interrupts.
“Starving,” Viktor says, leading me to the breakfast table.
“I’m helping Anita,” I tell him.
“She’ll be fine.” He tells me.
“Viktor—” I call his name, embarrassed by the way he is acting in front of Anita.
“It’s okay. Everything is practically done.” Anita smiles.
“You’re being rude to Anita,” I tell him as we sit.
“Mom doesn’t mind that I took you away. Do you, Mom?”
“What are your plans for today?” Anita asks.
“A lazy one. Are you planning to stay all day?” Viktor asks with a grin.
“Viktor.” I elbow him.
“What? I want to stay in bed with you all day. I have no desire to share the woman I’m marrying with anyone. Not even my mother.” He smirks, and Anita laughs.
“You’re being rude,” I tell him.
“It’s ok, Ava. I know what it is to be young and in love. Besides, I need to go home and check on Viktor’s father.”
“He isn’t here?” Viktor asks in a cold voice.
“He left last night,” she tells him.
“I’m sorry for last night,” I say.
“You’ve done nothing wrong. Last night wasn’t your fault,” he says, holding me closer.
Thankfully our conversation turns to a lighter topic. They tell stories about the children loving the gifts and the entertainment area last night. Anita praises me for being thoughtful. I listen, nod, and eat to keep up appearances. But the truth is, I can’t stop thinking about my encounter with Fiona. It has overshadowed any good thing that might have happened at the party.
Fiona’s words echo in my mind. She seemed certain that she would marry Viktor. Her threat was not lost on me. I know there’s more to her story—their story. Viktor isn’t telling me everything either, which hurts. He’s keeping me in the dark, even though he’s asked me to share his life with him. It’s like he doesn’t trust me enough to tell me what he’s hiding. When I watch out the kitchen window, I see at least four men walk by every few minutes.
“Ava…” Viktor starts.
“I’m sorry. What?”
“Are you okay?”
“Yes. Why wouldn’t I be?” He doesn’t seem convinced but doesn’t push. “Mom is inviting us to dinner.”
“Sounds great. When?” I ask, looking at Anita.
“Friday. It will be nice to spend time as a family. Saturday will be chaotic with New Year’s Eve.
“But it’s time for this old woman to leave you lovebirds.” I stand and walk over to her.
“There’s nothing old about you. Thanks for breakfast.” She hugs me.
“Everything will work out. You’ll see,” she whispers. She lets me go. “As for you, my sweet son, be good. Don’t get into too much trouble.” He hugs her.
“Never.” She chuckles as she leaves. I start clearing the counter.
“Are you going to tell me what’s wrong?” He asks once his mother leaves.
“Nothing. Tired, I guess.”
“I won’t tolerate lies. Tell me what’s wrong.” His voice deepens. I know that voice. It makes my stomach flutter.
“What’s going on?” I’m avoiding answering his question.
“What do you mean?” he counters.
“You’ve at least tripled the guards,” I say, pointing at the window.
“Nothing’s wrong.”
“Who’s lying now?” I step aside to get the rest of the plates.
“I won’t be questioned.” He turns me, his eyes dark and hungry. Picking me up, he sits me on the counter. He kisses me, and I melt like a stick of butter, but after a few seconds, I nudge him lightly.
“And I won’t accept you lying to me. I’m not stupid. I deserve to know if I should be worried.”
He stares, and I see he’s struggling with how to answer.
“You’re mine. You’re going to be my wife. You don’t need to worry about anything else.”
Before I can say a word, he kisses me. It’s his way of ending a conversation. His hands pull my sweatshirt over my head. He softly bites my shoulder making moans escape me. I don’t care if it’s early morning or the men are walking around. I want him. I need him. I wrap my legs around his waist, and he picks me up while he kisses me with desperation. My fingers dig into his hair, making him groan. I think he will take this to the bedroom, but he doesn’t. He stops at his office. I understand—the bedroom feels like it’s miles away. He opens the door and deposits me on the couch.
“Ava.”
“Viktor,” I respond, pulling his T-shirt over his head.
Those are the last words spoken. He claims me like his life depends on it. Every kiss, every bite, every orgasm, reminds me I’m his. This moment is perfect. There are no problems. It’s just him and me.
“Tell me,” he says as I’m on the brink of my fourth orgasm. I know exactly what he wants to hear.
“I’m yours.”
The words take us over the edge.