Chapter 30

Chapter Thirty

Oliver

I never meant to lie to Viktor. I'm sure he feels betrayed. I would if I were in his shoes. Despite how he feels, I would do it all over again and wouldn't change a thing. I love my brother, but Ava needed my protection. Now that the secret is out, it's about containment. I'm sure our father knows by now, and he isn't going to stand by and not act against Ava. On top of that, Ava is having a boy. Even though my niece is legitimate and firstborn, she will never be the head of the family. He won't kill Ava until my nephew is born. But once he's born, our father will take him and claim him, and I can't let that happen. I won't let that happen. Outside the hospital, I dial Marco.

"Sir," he says. His tone is off.

"What's wrong?"

"Ms. O'Brien is missing."

"What do you mean she's missing?"

"I went upstairs to check in, but her roommate said she'd stepped out. The men on shift must have missed her when she left."

I get in my car. "Where were you?" I growl. I'm pissed. This is what I pay him for.

"I just got here for my shift. I'm sorry, sir. The other men dropped the ball."

"Fuck. Where are you?"

"Outside her building. I have two men sitting at her job, in case she shows there."

"Don't move. I'm on my way."

This is exactly what I was worried about. When Ava feels cornered, her first instinct is to run and hide. I was surprised she didn't run when I showed up. Her father still doesn't know she's pregnant. I've been monitoring him, and I doubt she's with him. She won't risk it. Short of leaving the state, there aren't that many places she can go to. Why does she have to be difficult? I know Ava won't answer, but I call just the same. She doesn't answer. I try a text.

Oliver: Ava, where are you?

Nothing. Fifteen minutes later, I pull up to her building, where Marco is waiting with Jimmy. She has to be with Max. It's her only logical move. She doesn't have anyone else who can help her.

"Anything?" I ask as I approach.

"Nothing." Marco answers.

"Stay put." I go inside the building. I walk upstairs and knock on the door.

"She isn't here. Go away," her roommate calls without opening the door.

"It's Oliver. I just need a minute." There's silence, but after a minute, she opens the door. She puts her arm on her hip.

"What do you want?"

"Where is she?"

"Like I told the other guy. She's stepped out."

"Is she with Max?"

"No," she says too quickly, letting me know she's lying.

"She isn't safe. I need to know."

"What do you mean she isn't safe?" She opens the door wider.

"Can I come in?" She moves to the side. "Thank you. Those incidents she had weren't accidents."

She flinches.

"Who are you guys? What have you gotten her into?"

"It doesn't matter. What matters is keeping Ava safe."

"She is safe," she says.

"Is she with Max?" I ask again, even though I know the answer.

"Yes," she finally admits.

"Where?"

"Honestly. I don't know." I can hear in her voice that she's telling the truth.

"If you speak with her, please tell her to call me. It's important."

"Okay." She says as I walk out the door.

"She's with Max," I tell Marco once outside.

"It shouldn't be hard to find him."

"I want you to find them without raising red flags. Her location must be kept off the radar. No one other than me should know."

"Yes, Sir."

It only takes Marco a few hours to find her. He sends me a text which I delete immediately after reading. I can't risk it if someone gets a hold of my cell. I've been lucky that Viktor has been preoccupied with my niece. But he will reach out eventually.

I take the opportunity to make sure everything is running smoothly at Eros and Manarch industries. Our father hasn't called, which I find odd. But I don't want to make any noise that might attract unwanted attention. From what the men are saying, he's with Cillian and Viktor at the hospital. My cell rings. The screen reads Viktor. It was only a matter of time before he called me.

"Hey," I greet him.

"How is Ava?"

"Good." Not exactly a lie.

"I want to see her. Take her to the apartment."

"Do you really think it's a good idea?"

"Then take her to yours."

"All eyes are on us. Focus on my niece."

"I want to see her." I stay quiet. "You better not tell me she's gone. So help me, I won't be merciful. I don't care that you're my brother."

"She went into hiding."

"Good. Give me the address."

"Viktor—"

"What are you hiding?"

"She's gone. Max took her. That's all I know right now." A necessary lie. He doesn't need to know where she is or that I know. Another lie I hate telling.

"You better turn every rock. I want her found tonight." He ends the call.

As I enter my apartment, my cell rings. The screen reads Ava.

"How are you?" I greet her.

"I'm fine. I'm not going home. I'm safe."

"I know. Don't go home. I need you to stay where you are. Don't tell anyone where you are. I have a few things to work out. You will be safer there."

"Do you know where I am?" she asks me.

"Yes."

"Of course you do. Viktor?"

"No. Only Marco and I know. The fewer people, the better. Call me if you need anything or if something changes." She's quiet. "Ava?—"

"Okay."

"Actually, shut off your cell. Unless you need to speak with me, keep it off," I instruct her.

"Okay."

"Good. Stay safe and out of sight."

"Thank you."

"I told you, you don't ever need to thank me."

"But I do. I can't imagine the price you're paying. I'm sure Viktor is giving you hell."

"Don't worry about Viktor. Let me worry about him. Cell off when I end the call."

"Bye, Oliver."

"Bye, Ava." I end the call.

I'm walking a fine line, but I will do whatever I have to. I'm going to protect Ava from everyone, including from my brother, no matter the cost. I want my nephew to have a better life than me. I don't regret being a Manarch, but I want more for him.