Chapter 51
Chapter Fifty-One
Ava
“ I t’s insane here,” Tina yells. They’re definitely over capacity again. It feels like we’re in a can of sardines.
“Maybe we should go somewhere else,” I yell.
“No way. I have some friends meeting us.”
“What friends? Did you forget what happened last time?” I’m suddenly nervous.
“No guys, relax. Girls’ night out.” She laughs. “Let’s go see if the VIP is ready.” I let her lead. The manager spots us.
“Ladies, so good to see you.”
“Hi, Arty.” I smile.
“Is Viktor with you ladies tonight?” I notice Arty is glancing behind us where I know Marco and Angus are standing.
“Later. Just us for now,” I tell him.
“I called earlier about a VIP,” Tina chimes in.
“I don’t have anything at the moment. Your request must have fallen through the cracks. Sorry,” he says apologetically. “I can clear one right away.”
“No need. I’m assuming Viktor will be here in an hour. Just shuffle some people,” I tell him.
“Thanks, Ava. I’ll figure something out. You ladies go to the bar. I’ll get you when everything is ready.”
“Thanks,” I say as he leaves.
“Why did you do that?” Tina huffs.
“Do what?”
“You’re always so nice. I called and said we were coming. You should have let him kick someone out of our VIP.”
“It’s just you and me. You aren’t going to die if we’re among people for an hour. Besides, we both know he’s going to clear it now.” I lead us to the bar.
“I might die,” Tina says dramatically as we walk.
I ignore her. If I encourage her, she’ll continue her five-year-old tantrum. At the bar, Marco and Angus quickly clear a space for us. Another perk of being with Viktor.
“Two shots of Patrón,” Tina tells the bartender.
“I’m only having two drinks,” I warn her.
“Sure.” She gives me a devilish smile.
“Don’t ‘sure’ me.”
“I’m not. Drink.” She pushes the shot over and hands me a lime. “Bottoms up.”
“Shit. I forgot how strong the taste of Patrón is,” I tell her, sucking on the lime.
“You love it,” she teases.
“Two bottles of water, please,” I ask the bartender.
“Let’s dance.” Tina takes my hand.
“No way. It’s too packed.”
I really want to say that Viktor will have a coronary if he sees me on the dance floor.
“Don’t be like that. One dance. Please?” She gives me her best puppy eyes which makes me laugh.
“You’re going to be the death of me.”
“I’m not.” She drags me to the dance floor.
We hit the dance floor and let loose. Somehow the crowd stays at a distance from us. I suppose Marco and Angus are doing their job. No one dares to even come close to us. Five songs later, I need to pee.
“Have to go to the bathroom,” I tell Tina.
“I’ll be here.”
“I’m sure you will. Don’t leave this spot. I’ll be right back,” I tell her. Tina is a few years younger than me, and I feel that I need to take care of her like a big sister would.
“You worry too much.” She’s right. I do worry.
“Stay with her,” I tell Marco. I don’t see Angus.
“You know I can’t let you out of my sight.”
“I’m going to the bathroom. If I’m not back in ten minutes, come find me.” I laugh.
“At least wait for Angus.”
“I’ll be fine.” I start walking.
“Ms. O’Brien?—”
“Don’t worry, Marco. I’m more worried about leaving Tina alone.” He turns and sees guys all over her. “Please?”
“Okay. I’ll send Angus once he comes back.” I nod.
I walk over to the bathroom. I’m grateful the line is not as crazy as it can be. Eight minutes or so later, I’m walking out of the bathroom. I walk toward the bar, but not before I make eye contact with Marco. I swear he looked like he was holding his breath. I shake my head as I see Tina still dancing. The bar is more crowded, and without Marco or Angus, it’s a jungle. I stand and wait for my turn.
“Hi, gorgeous.” I hear from behind me. I recognize Nathan’s voice and choose to ignore him. The next thing I know, he’s beside me. “How long has it been?” he asks
“Not long enough.”
“I’ve missed you.”
I take two steps closer to the bar, away from him.
“Two bottles of water, please,” I say.
“Are you not talking to me?” He moves closer.
“Nothing to say.” My goal is to ignore him long enough so he’ll leave or the bartender brings the water. Where is Marco or Angus when you need them?
“Come on. We have so much history, and you look hot.” He grabs my arm and turns me so I’m facing him.
“Let go, Nathan.” But he doesn’t. Instead, he draws me closer. “What the fuck? Let go of me,” I scream, trying to force him away. But he’s strong.
“I miss you.”
“I suggest you let go of my fiancée if you want to live past tonight.” The voice is cold but undeniably Viktor.
“We were just talking. No need for violence,” Nathan says, sighing heavily as he lets go of my arm.
“Shut up and go, Nathan,” I say. Angus starts pushing him out.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Viktor scolds. His eyes are dark and cold.
“I’m waiting for two bottles of water.” On cue, the bartender returns with them. “Thanks.”
“I told you to text me when you got here. And why aren’t you in a VIP room?”
“Can we talk about this later?” I move closer, trying to diffuse his anger. People are beginning to turn and look at us.
“No.”
I do a double take. I’m not sure why I should expect anything less from him. I guess I was hoping he would surprise me. I turn to leave, not willing to entertain whatever this tantrum is about.
“Where are you going?”
“Taking a bottle of water to Tina.” He grabs the bottle and hands it to Oliver, who I hadn’t noticed was beside him. Viktor takes my hand and leads us to his office.
“Viktor.” But he doesn’t say anything. We walk to his office. He leads us deep enough into the building where it won’t be easy for me to escape if I want to leave. “What the heck? Let go.” I finally say.
“I told you to text me when you got here. Then I found you being friendly with another man who happens to be your ex.”
“You can’t be serious. Did you not hear that I was telling him to let me go? I know you did since you repeated what I said.” I take a step back. For him to insinuate anything with Nathan, of all people, is preposterous.
I’m marrying him.
I love him.
“Why were you alone? I told you to have Angus and Marco with you.”
“Marco was with Tina, and Angus was away somewhere. I had to go to the bathroom. Did you want them to go into the bathroom with me?” I’m annoyed.
“No, but one of them could have waited outside. You can’t be alone. They’re well compensated for your safety. Especially Marco. He is paid handsomely to not leave your side.”
“Are you listening to yourself? I’m not a child who needs a babysitter or protection. You keep saying I’m safe and nothing is wrong. Clearly, that’s a lie if you persist in saying I shouldn’t be alone.” I take a few more steps away from him. I put enough distance between us to let me assess his facial expressions and body language. Perhaps it can tell me what he isn’t saying.
“Nothing is wrong. I don’t want you alone. I want you to follow my orders. You agreed to that the moment I put the ring on your finger.”
“I don’t know what is wrong with you. Why are you acting like this?”
“I told you nothing is wrong.”
“You need a drink or perhaps two. I’m going home. I won’t be your punching bag when I didn’t do anything wrong.” I’m close to the door, but three of his steps are enough to reach me.
“You’re mine.” He stresses.
“I’m yours. But I’m not your property.” I look into his eyes. I can’t read him tonight. But one thing is for sure, I don’t want to argue. Neither of us is going to win. I stand on my tiptoes and kiss his cheek. “I’ll see you at home.” I turn to leave, but he stops me. We look at each other in silence. I place my hand on his cheek. “It’s obvious something is wrong. You need to cool off. We’ll talk when you get home.” He shakes his head like he’s trying to clear it but lets me go.
“Have Marco drive you.”
“Okay.”
I walk out of the office, feeling confused. It’s like we take two steps forward and then more back. One minute he shows me he loves me but the next, it’s like we’re back to being together for the arrangement. There are days when I see his uncertainty about us. There’s always something wrong between us. We never seem to be on the same page. No matter how hard we try, something always gets between us. Back in the club, I see Marco waiting for me.
“Take me home, Marco.”
“Right away, Ms. O’Brien.”
I walk past the dance floor. Tina is surrounded by girls. I assume they are her guests. I think about saying goodbye, but she’ll want an explanation about why I’m leaving. The truth is, I don’t know why I’m leaving. It’s not like I have to. But it’s obvious Viktor has some shit he needs to work out. Whatever is happening with his father is only getting worse. He barely sleeps, and when he does, it’s only for a few hours. I can’t help but think he wouldn’t be going through this if I wasn’t in his life. That his life would be less complicated if I wasn’t in it.
Even if he doesn’t admit it, I’m the root of his problem. His father wants me gone and Fiona wants him for herself. But how can I walk away from the man who makes me whole?