Chapter 47
Chapter Forty-Seven
Viktor
T hings have been tense for the last few days. There have been arguments and fights between the men from both sides. My father forcing us to work with the Irish Mafia has been bad for morale. I’m not sure how long it will be before the carnage starts.
“There has to be another way,” I tell Oliver.
“I’ve been racking my brain. The clan is dividing, and our father is tearing us apart. We had three brawls last night alone. It might have ended in a blood bath if it weren’t for the capos making rounds.”
“How much damage?”
“The brawl at the bar was the worst of all three. They destroyed all the furniture, and bottles were flying everywhere. Three of our soldiers are in the infirmary.”
“Fuck. I don’t know how much longer this can last. Are we any closer to learning what my father and Cillian are up to?”
“No. Everyone is keeping tight lipped. How are things with Manarch Industries? Were you able to finalize everything?”
“We’re in the final stages of the initial public offering. The goal is to make the announcement at the beginning of the year. Selling shares to the public is the first step of growth for Manarch Industries. The hotel is doing well. The acquisitions of House of Beauty and the tech company are almost complete.”
“I still can’t believe you bought House of Beauty. Have you told her?”
“Not yet. I want it to be a wedding present.”
“That is quite the present. Buying Ava the most influential fashion house and magazine. How much was it again?” he asks, laughing.
“A lot.” I laugh. “But she deserves it. She’s smart. I know she’ll take it to the next level.” There’s a soft knock. I know it’s Ava since I saw her coming on the camera. “Come in, Ava.”
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt. Hi, Oliver.”
“Hi, Ava. I was just leaving.”
“You don’t have to leave. But we need to leave in an hour to make it on time,” she says, looking at me.
“Shit, I better get going. Mom will kill me if I’m late.”
“I’ll see you there,” I tell him.
“Bye, Ava.”
“Bye, Oliver.”
“Lock the door and come here.” I deepen my voice, suddenly hungry for her.
“Oh no, sir, I know that tone.” She giggles.
“I just want a kiss,” I tease, standing.
“Nope. Your kisses lead to other things, and we don’t have time to spare.” She takes a few steps back, but I see the hunger in her eyes.
“Fine. Let’s take a shower.”
“That’s worse. You’re definitely going to make us late.” I reach her and kiss her. I watch the play of emotions across her face, she looks like she’s trying to find reasons to object, but it only lasts seconds.
I don’t care if we’re late.
I’m claiming her.
End of story.
“Come on, zip me up,” Ava calls from the bedroom as I get out of the shower.
“You’re quite bossy,” I say with a laugh as I walk over and zip her dress. “You look stunning.” I kiss the back of her neck.
“You don’t think it’s too simple?”
“You could be wearing a potato sack and you’d still look stunning.” I playfully smack her ass.
“Keep your hands to yourself, mister. You have ten minutes to get dressed.”
“Yes, boss.” I bow my head mockingly.
“I’ll wait for you downstairs.”
“Why? Keep me company.” I drop my towel as I walk to my dresser for boxers. I’m semi-hard from seeing her in the fitted dress that hugs her curves.
“Nope.” She takes her coat and makes it out the door before I can catch her.
I’m not in the mood for this dinner. I think that’s why I’ve been dragging my feet. I saw my father earlier, and he reminded me about my pending marriage to Fiona. The man just doesn’t get it. The only reason I’m going to this dinner is because of Ava and my mother. I’m buttoning my shirt when my cell rings. The screen reads Angus.
“What’s up, Angus?”
“We have a little bit of a situation.”
“What happened?” I sit on the bed to put my shoes on.
“Another fight broke out. This time at the warehouse.” That’s the third one today.
“Anyone gravely injured?”
“Not on our side.”
“What do you need?”
“I need clearance to beef up the warehouse. We could use four more.” I feel a headache coming.
“Granted. Anything else?”
“I hate to bring it up. The men are asking about their pay.”
“What do you mean?” I stop what I’m doing to concentrate on the call. “Haven’t they received it?”
“Not for two weeks. I wouldn’t have brought it up, but morale isn’t good with all the changes.” Now I’m pissed. The one thing I always make sure of is that our men are paid.
“Go to the controller. Freddy will have the money ready for pick up.”
“Thank you. Enjoy your dinner. I’m sorry to bother you.”
“It’s my job.” I end the call. Angus is one of my closest friends. We’ve known each other since we were teenagers. When I take over, he’s being promoted to capo.
Putting the issues Angus has raised to one side, I head downstairs.
“Thank you, Mary,” Ava says.
“What are we thankful for?” I hug Ava from behind.
“I was complimenting Ms. O’Brien on how beautiful she looks.”
“She does. You can take the rest of the weekend off and visit your daughter.”
“Thank you. I know she’ll be happy to see me. I never pass up the chance to see my granddaughter.”
“I guess we’ll see you next year.” Mary shakes her head and smiles at my lame joke. I turn to Ava. “Ready?”
“Yes. Are you driving?”
“Not tonight. I want to enjoy you.” I smack her ass.
“Keep your hands to yourself.” She giggles.
What I’m not telling her is I’m not taking any chances.
I’m bringing six men, including Marco.