Chapter 50
Chapter Fifty
Ava
“ A re you sure about this?” I ask Tina for the third time.
“You aren’t a prisoner. You’re allowed to go out and enjoy yourself. Life is too short.”
“Easy for you to say. You’re not the one marrying Viktor.”
Things have been great between Viktor and me in the last couple of weeks. We talk all the time, which I didn’t think he would ever do. He used to be so closed off, but he showed me his vulnerable side. His father isn’t making things easy for him. I see how restless he is. He barely sleeps anymore, and the mansion has turned into a military base. I’ve been steering clear of the restaurant or any place I might run into his father. I’ve pretty much sequestered myself in the mansion. Tina has been trying to get me out of the house, but I don’t want to make things worse for Viktor.
“And I’m glad I’m not you. He’s a handful.” She laughs.
“Maybe I should call him and make sure.”
“I already told him, and it’s cool.”
“You tend to stretch the truth.” It’s my least favorite thing about Tina. She’s the type to ask for forgiveness later. Which doesn’t go well with Viktor.
“Come on, you’re only twenty-three, not married with kids.”
“I can’t argue with that. I’ll text him. Let him know where we’ll be.”
“If you must.” She rolls her eyes mockingly. But I’ll feel better if Viktor knows where I’m going. I know he worries when I’m not with him.
Ava: Hope I’m not interrupting but wanted to let you know I’m going out with Tina.
Bubbles…
Viktor: Where?
“Where are we going, Tina?”
“Eros. Free drinks, good music, and VIP. I believe we both know the owner,” she teases. It’s been a long time since I’ve been there. Viktor will be comfortable with us going there.
Ava: Eros
Bubbles…
Viktor: OK. I’ll meet you there once my meeting is over. I won’t be much longer. Text me when you arrive
Ava: Wouldn’t have it any other way
Viktor: Take Marco and Angus
His text stops me. If he’s telling me to take Angus, one of his top guys, with Marco, he must be concerned about something.
Ava: Should I be worried? Should I stay home?
Bubbles…
Viktor: Take Marco and Angus, that’s an order
With that text, I know he won’t tell me anything more. If I push, he might just order me to stay home.
Ava: OK. See you later
Bubbles…
Viktor: Two drinks max until I get there
I roll my eyes.
Ava: I’m not a kid. I can handle my liquor
Bubbles…
Then my cell rings.
I take a deep breath.
“I’m not playing, Ava.” His voice is deep and commanding.
“Hello, Viktor. How are you?” I mouth to Tina, I’ll be a minute as I walk to the bathroom.
“Did you hear me?”
“Relax. I read the text. You know me better than that. I won’t drink more than I should. I don’t even do it with you.” I fix a few loose hairs as I speak.
“It’s still not an answer.”
“Do I have to say it?” I give him sass, knowing I’ll pay for it later. The thought wakes a fire in me.
“Yes.”
“Fine. I won’t drink more than two drinks. If I want more, I’ll wait for the most controlling, suffocating man walking this earth.” I mock him.
“You aren’t funny.” His tone is lighter.
“But according to you I’m entertaining.”
“Ava, let’s go. Wrap it up. You live with the man,” Tina yells.
“I have to go. See you in a while.”
“Behave.”
“I will. I love you.” I freeze. I haven’t said it since the night I confessed it. I know he loves me, but he hasn’t said it to me. He’s quiet. The silence is deadly. “See you later.” I end the call. I’m sure he’ll say it when he’s ready.
“Hurry up.” Tina walks into the bathroom.
“How about boundaries? I could have been using the bathroom.”
“You don’t have anything I haven’t seen before. Let’s go. I don’t want the good VIPs to go.”
“I’m sure you called to reserve one,” I rejoin with a laugh.
“And if I did? You know I don’t like leaving things to chance. Marco and Angus are waiting by the SUV.”
I look in the mirror one last time. I’m not wearing anything grandiose. Ripped skinny jeans, a beige camisole top with a sequin mesh overlay, and four-inch Louboutin ankle boots. My makeup is subtle but sexy, just the way Viktor likes it. My engagement ring sparkles in the mirror. It makes me smile. A reminder that I’m marrying the love of my life.
An hour later, we’re pulling up to the club. There’s a line to get in, and it’s only eleven. I can’t even imagine what the inside will look like.
“You guys can park. We’ll meet you inside,” Tina says.
“Ava isn’t allowed anywhere on her own. We will go inside together,” Angus says, using his fatherlike tone. He’s the only man besides Oliver who calls me by my name.
“Don’t be a buzzkill, Angus. How is Viktor going to know we went inside alone?” Tina asks with sass.
“Tina, they’re just trying to protect me,” I say, trying to diffuse something before it starts. She is strong willed and Angus won’t back down.
“As your best friend, I care about your safety as well. But Viktor owns the place. Everyone knows who you are. You’re perfectly safe walking inside Eros without Angus and Marco.” Marco looks at me in the mirror, and Angus looks pissed. It’s alright for Tina—she won’t have to deal with Viktor’s wrath.
“Let’s park and go inside together,” I say.
Marco gives me a grateful smile, and Angus’s shoulders relax. For a moment I wonder what is truly happening. Why is Angus really here and adamant I can’t be in the open without security?
“You’re so boring,” Tina teases.
“And Viktor has a temper. I’m sure you don’t want the night to be ruined by him arguing about why we didn’t follow simple instructions.”
“I’m sure it would have been fine.”
“Says the woman who tears up the minute he raises his voice at you,” I tease.
“True. Now you need to buy me a drink.”
“I thought you invited me out.” I laugh.
“I’m not the one marrying the owner.” She smiles.