Chapter 33
Chapter Thirty-Three
Ava
I t’s been a week since Viktor claimed me. Every night since, he has come to my bed and claimed me again. I wish I could say I want him to stop, but I’d be lying. I crave those moments, even if he leaves right after. What does that say about me? He never spends the night. What does that say about him?
I check my overall look in the mirror. I have a lunch outing with Tina today, and I want to impress. I’m finishing my makeup when there’s a knock at the door.
“Come in.”
“You’re taking too long,” Tina says, entering my bedroom.
“I’m just finishing up. How long have you been here? Why didn’t you call me when you were on your way like we agreed?”
“My errands didn’t take as long as I thought, and I was near. We have to go if we’re going to make it on time.”
“Where are we going exactly? You didn’t say.”
“For lunch.”
“I know that, but where?”
“A restaurant,” She laughs.
“You aren’t funny. I have to tell Viktor.”
“I already told him. No need to worry.”
My gut tells me I should tell him. But Tina knows how he is. I’m sure she told him, so I let it go.
“Okay.” I grab my purse, and we make our way downstairs. I stop at the landing, then search for Marco.
“Who are you looking for?”
“Marco.”
“Who is Marco?”
“My driver. I’m not allowed to leave the house without him.”
“We don’t need a driver. I got this.”
I’m about to say something when Marco appears from nowhere.
“Ms. O’Brien, ready to go?”
“Never mind, let the hottie drive us. Nothing better than eye candy.”
Tina makes me laugh. We get in the SUV. Marco drives like he knows where he’s going.
“Hey, sexy, change of venue,” Tina tells Marco once we’re on the highway.
“Our destination is the only place approved.”
“I called Viktor on my way, and he said it was fine,” she flirts with him.
“I’m sorry, miss. Unless he calls me, I can’t take Ms. O’Brien somewhere different.”
“Come on, sexy.”
“Give it up. He won’t change his mind,” I say
“Fine.” She pouts. She pulls out her cell. “Hi, babe. Change of plans. Let’s meet at Lockhart. I know. It will be just as fun. See you soon.”
“Who was that?” I ask.
“My friend.” She’s cryptic, which worries me. But that’s Tina. This is nothing new.
“How are things with Viktor?” I eye Marco. “Don’t worry he won’t say anything.”
“Says who? Viktor pays his salary,” I tell her.
Marco chuckles.
“Don’t be boring. You’re so proper.” She laughs. I shake my head. “Fine. I’ll tell you all about my latest conquest then.”
For the next twenty minutes, she overshares her sexual exploits with the guy she’s seeing. I’m not interested, and to be honest, it makes me uncomfortable. We’ve only hung out a few times, but that doesn’t stop her from sharing. We’re still getting to know each other, but she loves to fill the silence with her voice. Which is fine since I don’t want to talk about Viktor and me. I’m still processing whatever this is between us.
“We’re here.” Tina turns to look at me. “Have you heard a word I’ve said?” she asks.
“You went out last night, had too much to drink, and had sex for hours.”
“Well, yes. It was divine.”
We get out of the car. I swear Marco chuckles. I shake my head.
“I’ll park the SUV. Call if you need anything, Ms. O’Brien,” he says as I close the door.
“Thank you.”
“Come on,” Tina says.
The place is beautiful. Another place I’d never be able to afford on my own. It isn’t crowded, which is nice, and I wonder if that’s why Viktor approved it. He’s been so particular with everything I do since we spent the night together at the hotel. Well, more than usual.
“Welcome to Lockhart. Do you have a reservation?” The hostess asks.
“Tina Manarch.”
“Ms. Manarch, are all your guests with you?”
Guests?
“Not yet. It will be another fifteen minutes.”
“Let me check if your table is ready.” The hostess leaves.
“Guests?” I ask.
“I told you a few friends are coming.”
“You certainly did not.” I feel a rising panic. Viktor only knows about Tina and me having lunch. I think that’s the only reason he agreed.
“I’m sure I did. It’s just a few friends. Harmless.”
“Your table is ready. If you’ll follow me.” The table we’re led to is surrounded by a dozen chairs. “Your waiter will come around shortly. Enjoy lunch.”
“Tina, this is more than just a few friends,” I protest.
“Relax. It’s just lunch,” she adds as we sit, but I know better and things are good with Viktor so I text him.
Ava: We made it to the restaurant.
Viktor: Thank you for the update. Enjoy your time with Tina. But not too much. I expect you home at a reasonable hour.
I debate if I should tell him, but if I don’t, Marco is sure to do so, and it’s better if it comes from me.
Ava: I should mention Tina has a few friends joining us. Last-minute change she sprung on me.
Bubbles appear, and then nothing, so I put my cell away. A few minutes later, I see Marco walking in our direction. I’m not surprised since I know he’s Viktor’s spy. The waiter comes, and Tina orders a pitcher of mimosas. She continues her conversation. I’m really only half-listening.
Twenty minutes later, a group of people—a mixture of men and women—enter the restaurant and are directed to our table. This is not good. Definitely not good. Viktor will be pissed.
“Tina, I can’t stay,” I whisper.
“What do you mean?”
“Viktor doesn’t like me to be around men when he isn’t present. Especially men he doesn’t know,” I whisper.
“They’re just friends. Relax. Have a drink.”
They sit as Tina greets them. I‘m so uncomfortable, and I can’t stop thinking of what Viktor would think if he knew. But I don’t have time to dwell since they dive into conversation. Appetizers are brought out, but it doesn’t deter their chatting. It only makes them talk louder as they eat.
“Ava, you’re marrying the most eligible bachelor. How does it feel?” One of the women asks.
“It’s great.” I take a sip of my mimosa.
“I really thought he was going to marry Fiona. They were so in love.”
I’m transported back to the picture I saw in his home office when I first moved in. He was going to marry her?
“How’s your boy toy, Nicki?” Tina asks.
“Don’t tell me you don’t know anything about Fiona,” Nicki continues.
“Drop it, Nicki,” Tina says sternly.
“Relax, Tina. I was just making conversation.”
I’m stunned by the revelation. I shouldn’t care, but I do.
“You were saying more than you should,” Tina scolds, frowning at Nicki.
“Sorry,” Nicki looks at me apologetically.
“No worries.” I plaster a fake smile. I’m ready to get out of here.
Our orders are taken, and the conversation changes to the latest places to party. But the elephant in the room has made the meal awkward, and I’m willing the lunch to end. I want to go home. I’m no longer hungry, unable to get the new information about Fiona out of my head. He was going to marry her. It makes sense. He looked truly happy in the pictures.
I’m pushing my food around the plate when suddenly I see Viktor walk in. Our eyes lock. He doesn’t look happy behind the plastered smile. I move to get up and meet him, but his eyes glue me in place. He walks over to me, and I turn to face him. He stands me up, then kisses me. The kiss is demanding. Clearly stating I’m his. By the time he lets me go, I’m panting.
“Good afternoon, Tina.” He doesn’t address the rest of the table.
“Viktor, what brings you here?” Tina asks.
“I’ve come to join the party.” He pulls a chair from the table beside us, not caring that other people are sitting there. I take my cue to sit, and he places his hand on my thigh. His fingers are digging in, demanding I stay in place.
“Can I get you anything, Mr. Manarch?” the waiter asks.
“No, thank you.” The table is quiet and even more awkward, if that’s possible. “Come with me.” He breaks the silence, standing and holding out his hand for me to take. All eyes are on us as I stand. “Good girl,” he whispers. The temperature rises inside of me.
I think we’re leaving, but he walks toward the back of the restaurant. We pass a few doors before he opens one and leads me inside. I don’t have time to ask him why he’s here or why we’re in an office. He pushes me to the nearest wall, and his lips devour mine. I place my hands on his chest, trying to create distance as I gasp for air.
“You should have called the minute you knew there were men at the table,” he snarls. He’s rough. Animalistic.
“They’re Tina’s guests,” I respond by way of explanation.
He pushes his hand inside the front of my skinny jeans.
“Viktor, what are you doing?” I try to stop his hand.
“I told you that unless I’m with you, you aren’t allowed to be in the presence of another man.” He’s cold.
“I’m in a restaurant and didn’t invite them. What was I supposed to do?”
His fingers travel deeper and despite myself, moans escape me.
“You have disobeyed an order, baby girl. I had to hear it from Marco. You must be punished.” He takes his hand out and pops a finger in his mouth. It’s so erotic. He unbuttons my jeans and pulls them and my panties down. “Bend over the desk.”
I’m afraid, but there’s a thrill to his command. I do as he says.
“Do you know what happens to bad girls who can’t follow orders?” I shake my head. “They’re disciplined.”
“What are you going to do?” I whimper.
He doesn’t answer. I hear him opening the buckle of his belt.
“What are you doing?” I ask and turn from the desk.
“I’m going to whip you three times, and you’re going to count with me.”
“No, you’re not.”
He has his belt in his hand, and his eyes are filled with lust and darkness.
“Care to make it six?” His voice deepens, letting me know the seriousness of the situation. I don’t answer and go back to my position. I’ve read about men who find pleasure in inflicting pain. I just didn’t know Viktor was one of them. “Good girl.” I feel him step closer. “You can’t imagine how beautiful you look.” He softly caresses my ass. Without warning, the first sting of the belt cracks across my skin. It burns. “Count, Ava,” he orders.
“One.” Another one comes. I’m confused by the sensation. It stings, but I’m aroused. “Two.” The last one comes with force. “Three.” The belt falls to the floor, then he unzips his pants and tears open a condom. He thrust inside me in one move, and I let out a surprised scream.
“This will be quick. Hold on to the desk.” His voice is dark, hoarse. I feel the fire between us, but we’ve never done anything like this. “Fuck, Ava,” he groans, his voice thick with lust. Three more thrusts, and he comes. I’m too shocked to register what’s happening, but I’m left wanting him.
Am I a masochist?
He pulls out and gives me a handkerchief. “Clean yourself up.”
I take it and do as I’m told before pulling up my panties and skinny jeans. Until this moment, I hadn’t realized I had tears in my eyes. I’m confused, pissed he would do something like this to me, but I’m more pissed that I want him to claim me, to take me to my happy place.
“I was gentle this time, Ava. A warning you’re never to disobey my orders.” He kisses me gently like nothing happened. “I must get back to work. Marco will take you home.”
“I can’t leave,” I say without thinking.
“Would you care for round two?” The darkness in his eyes is daring me to say yes.
“Let me get my things and say bye to Tina.” I readjust my clothing and pull my hair in a ponytail, trying to cover any evidence of what just happened.
“I’ll walk you.” We walk with his palm on my back, guiding me. At the table, everyone quiets when we reach it.
“Thanks for inviting me, Tina. I have to go.” I grab my purse.
“But it’s early. We were heading to an art show not far from here.”
“Another time.” Her gaze moves between Viktor and me.
“Okay.” She hugs me and whispers, “I’m sorry. Call me later.”
“Enjoy the rest of lunch, everyone,” I say.
Viktor guides me outside where Marco is waiting.
“Straight home.” He kisses me and opens the door for me to slide in. I’m not sure if he’s instructing me or Marco.