Chapter 35
Chapter Thirty-Five
Ava
I ’m in the SUV, pissed at Viktor. His need for control is infuriating. What did he think I was going to do with the men at the table? This latest tantrum has jealousy written all over it. When he said he was going to discipline me I thought it was rhetorical. I never imagined he was physically going to. The confusing thing is that a part of me was aroused. My thoughts are interrupted by a car crashing into us.
“What’s happening, Marco?” I gulp.
“I’m not sure, Ms. O’Brien.”
Then it happens again. Followed shortly after by gunfire.
“I can’t die like this,” I scream.
“Ava, wake up. It’s just a nightmare.” My eyes try to adjust and land on Viktor.
“Viktor,” I whimper. I’m covered in sweat, and taste the salt of my tears.
“You’re safe,” he soothes. The trouble is, I don’t feel safe. I only feel safe in his arms, but that comfort can be ripped from me at any moment.
“What’s happening? Why was I attacked?” I mumble.
“I don’t know yet. But I will find out.” He rubs my back in circular motions. “You need to rest.”
“I can’t. Every time I close my eyes…” I trail off.
“Why don’t I prepare you a bath? I’ll have Mary make you something to eat.”
“I’m ok,” I whisper.
“You aren’t, and it’s normal. I’d be surprised if you were.”
His voice is gentle. He stands, holds out his hand, and leads me to the bathroom. I watch as he prepares a bath. The scent of lavender takes over the bathroom. The lights are dimmed, and he takes a few candles from a cupboard and lights them. It’s unexpected. I never imagined Viktor capable of doing something like this.
This day was so fucked up. He helps me out of his shirt and my panties, walks me over to the tub and helps me get in. I think he’s going to join me, but he doesn’t. Before I say anything, he speaks.
“I’m going to call Mary. Relax.” He leaves the bathroom, and I’m suddenly cold and lonely.
I can’t erase the images of bullets flying or glass shattering. I grew up in the projects, so gunfire was a normal thing to hear. But it’s different when you’re the one being shot at. I swear it felt like a bullet was going to hit me. I’ve never been so scared in my life. I don’t know if being with Viktor is any safer than leaving and facing whatever consequences he might have planned. I don’t want to leave, but I feel like I shouldn’t stay. From the moment I met Viktor, it’s been one thing after another. I pull my knees to my chest to fight the chill in my bones. I close my eyes and try to think of a way out. I’m falling for someone who might just be the end of me.
“Just try eating a few more bites,” Viktor coaxes.
“I can’t.” I push the tray with the grilled cheese sandwich away from me. I suspect Mary made it because it’s my favorite.
“Drink some water.” He hands me the glass, and I drain it. A sudden wave of panic comes over me.
“Viktor, my dad.” I stand from his bed. I need to call Dad and make sure he’s safe. Before I make it to the door, he grabs my arms.
“Let me go,” I cry. “I have to call him.” I try to free myself. But his grip tightens.
“Your father is fine,” he says softly
“How do you know?”
“I had one of my men check in on him.”
“I need to hear his voice and make sure for myself,” I scream.
“Calm down,” he whispers, turning me into his arms.
“Don’t tell me to calm down. I almost died today. I need to hear his voice.” I try to stomp on his foot, but he sees it coming. “Let go of me!”
“I have your cell. You need to calm down before you call him.” The words make sense, but my brain isn’t registering. “Ava, you’re safe. He’s safe. You have my word.”
I stop struggling. After a minute or so, he releases his hold and walks me back to the bed. He walks to the dresser where my cell is sitting. How did I not see it there? He hands me the cell.
I call Dad and find instant relief when I hear his voice. He spends five minutes telling me about all the bills he hasn’t been able to pay and how horrible his boss is. I’m not sure if he’s trying to make me feel guilty or just sharing. But right now, I don’t care. Viktor brings me a fresh glass of water and two white pills. I take them without questioning him. I find myself centered knowing my dad is safe and I’m with Viktor.
“I’ll let you get some rest, Dad. I’ll come by and give you money.” Viktor’s face wrinkles in anger. “I love you too. Good night.” I end the call.
“Did he ask you for money?”
“No. He told me he’s behind on some bills.”
“He’s a grown man. He doesn’t need you bailing him out.”
“He’s my dad. Family is everything. I’m sure you get that.” I get out of bed. Viktor’s demeanor has changed back to controlling. I can’t deal with this version of him right now.
“Where are you going?”
“Bed. I’m tired.” I say as I reach the door. I think he’s going to stop me but he doesn’t.
“Get me if you need anything.”
I can’t deny my disappointment. I was hoping he would demand I stay. Keep me near. This is so confusing. He’s so confusing. I need Viktor more than I should. But I see when he looks at me, he doesn’t feel the same, which makes sense considering this isn’t real for him. What we have will come to an end, and I need to prepare myself for that reality. As he so often reminds me, what’s between us is temporary.
In my bedroom, I’m filled with dread. I wish there was someone I could call who would understand how I feel. But I have no friends. Even if I had friends, I’m not sure I could tell them I was almost killed because of who my fake fiancée is. The price of this facade is high. Life and death high. My eyelids begin to feel heavy, and my body feels like a rock. I lay in bed replaying the afternoon. I still hear the bullets flying. I can’t stay here. I need to leave the first chance I get, or I’m afraid it will lead me to my death.