Chapter 42

Chapter Forty-Two

Viktor

I n my line of work, observation is the key to success. I'm good at spotting problems. I see them clearly all the time with the clan or Manarch Industries. So how the hell did I miss that Ava wasn't pleased with the house's layout? How did I not see that the layout was a problem myself? I haven't paid much attention to the smaller details like I normally would. I've been distracted, and that is dangerous.

Growing up, I remember my father left the raising of the children to my mother because he couldn't be bothered with us. Unless he was teaching me to run the clan, he didn't want anything to do with me. I want to be more for Aisling and Niko, the father he never was. It's one of the reasons I need to figure out a way to end this fucking war with my father and Cillian. I'm getting tired of waiting for their next strike. It's not just me anymore. Ava and the kids depend on me.

I've probably been staring at Aisling for fifteen minutes, thinking of the life I want for her. I wish Fiona wasn't her mother. She hasn't even attempted to see Aisling since I threw her out. What kind of mother does that to her child? But she has Ava to love her like she loves Niko. I see how Ava is with them. She doesn't play favorites. The fact that Aisling is two and a half months older than Niko doesn't matter to her. I kiss Aisling's head softly and make my way to Niko's bedroom.

I quietly open his door, walk over to his crib, and take a second to soak him in. Every day he looks more like Ava. She claims Niko looks like me, but I see Ava when I look at him. It's incredible how fast time is passing. It feels like it was just yesterday I was cutting his umbilical cord. I'm grateful I was there and hope he will be a better man than me. That he learns there's more than one way to be a Manarch. He doesn't have to follow in my footsteps. He doesn't have to be a criminal. He and Aisling are the reason Manarch Industries exists. I want a different future for my children. I softly kiss Niko goodnight and leave his bedroom. I text Oliver to meet me in the office. By the time I reach the office, Oliver is waiting.

"Hey," Oliver says as I enter the office.

"I have a new project for you."

"I'm listening."

"The layout of the house doesn't function effectively for Ava. She mentioned she wants the kids' bedrooms beside each other instead of with her bedroom between them. Also a nursery on the first floor. I am sure there are a few other things she hasn't realized yet, too."

"What do you have in mind?"

"I want a contractor to propose options to make it happen."

"I can get names. But do you think that is a good idea? It isn't exactly the best time to make changes in the house. We're still in the middle of a war."

"If I wanted your opinion, I would have asked," I bark.

"I'm stating facts, not an opinion. Have you thought about where you will move them? You can't have the house under construction with two babies inside. That's not taking security into consideration."

I hadn't thought of that.

"We'll cross the bridge once we are there."

"Got it. How are the kids?"

"They're fine."

"Have you heard from Fiona?"

"You know the answer to that. That will be all for tonight."

"Good night." He shakes his head and leaves.

I'm being a dick for no reason. But I don't care to understand why. I have more important things to worry about than hurting his feelings.

I pour a drink and go to my desk. I pull up the screen that shows all the cameras in the house. I zoom in on the only feed I want to see, Ava's bedroom. I come to my office and watch her every night. There's something peaceful about it. The light in her bathroom is on, and the door is open. She isn't in any of the other cameras, so she must be taking a shower. The thought makes me hard instantly. Images of my hands roaming over her body wake my desire to claim her again.

I drain the drink and leave my office on a mission. This cat-and-mouse bullshit we have going on has to end. I miss having Ava in my arms, in our bed. The feel of her skin and her sweet taste. She's the only person who can center me.

I quietly go upstairs and open her door. I'm not exactly sure how she will react, and honestly don't care. I open her door and walk into her bedroom, where I'm met with her taking off a bathrobe, ready to dress for bed.

"What are you doing in here? Get out." She pulls the bathrobe back on and tightens it. But she's mistaken if she thinks that will stop me. I close the gap before she has a chance to speak. I kiss her. Her lips taste like vanilla, and her skin exudes lavender.

"Viktor," she moans.

I don't let her say another word as I untie her robe and let it fall. I step back and look at the beautiful woman in front of me. "You are so fucking beautiful, and mine."

I lead her to the bed, lay her down and kiss her. Immediately I let my hands wander. Motherhood has made her even sexier. I make my way down her neck, kissing her softly and leaving bites behind. I've desired her long enough. Finally, I stop when I reach her hips. I get off the bed, pull her to the edge, kneel and spread her legs wide. She's glistening, ready for me. There's no point in making her wait. My mouth quickly embraces all she has to offer.

"Viktor," she moans with my first lick. I taste all of her. Her sweet nectar. "Please," she begs.

I lick and circle her clit with my tongue. I increase the speed, and it only takes seconds for her to get to the edge. Her body tells me she's nearly there.

"You taste so good," I murmur before I continue until she lets go. But I don't stop. I keep going.

"Viktor," she howls as a second orgasm overcomes her. But it's not enough for me. I keep going. "Fuck, I need you inside me right now," she whimpers.

I can't get my clothes off fast enough. This is the moment I've been craving. To have her. To claim her. I thrust into her, and she cries out in pleasure, pulling me to kiss her. I swallow her cries as her legs push me deeper. Her hunger for me is just as strong as mine, and she meets every thrust. Her body tenses, ready for release. I increase my speed.

"Fuck, I'm going to come again," she whispers, out of breath.

"Come with me, baby girl," I command as waves of ecstasy overtake us. I roll off her and lay next to her, trying to even my breathing. I turn to look at her, and her eyes are closed. "I love you, baby girl," I whisper, then I hear Niko cry. She's standing before I take another breath. She puts her robe on and leaves me naked on her bed.

I stare at the ceiling, trying to understand what the fuck is happening. Every time I think we'll break whatever barrier is between us, something happens, and she seems to run away from me. Granted, at this moment, our son needs her. But lately, she has found ways to use the kids as a barrier. She might think I don't notice, but I do. The barrier between us is keeping us from moving past all the bullshit. All I want is for things to go back to how they were and are supposed to be. I need to make her understand that we were made for each other, and this is where she belongs.