Chapter 53

Chapter Fifty-Three

Viktor

A month has passed since I gave Ava her present, and everything has been so good between us that I've been evaluating my life. In my line of work, good moments don't come easily. I've lived a life full of violence and death.

I never thought there was more to life before Ava walked into the restaurant. She was a sassy, smart-mouthed woman who was barely keeping shit together in her own life, but now she's an amazing mother and businesswoman who always puts her family first. It's always about the little things with her, and I aspire to be like her.

Her focus on the little things led to her implementing family Sunday brunch. Whatever might be happening, everything stops once a week for a few hours of family time. Today is Sunday, and she's been on a roll. It's amusing

"Get your ass off the couch, Viktor," Ava snaps, entering the living room.

"What?" I play dumb. I can't help myself.

"Anita and everyone else should be here soon. You need to help me with the babies."

"You realize we have two nannies."

"Get upstairs and dress Niko," she demands.

"Yes, boss."

She shakes her head and goes to the kitchen.

It doesn't matter that we have a chef or an apartment full of staff to help her. She still wants to do things herself. I must admit it's one of the many things I love about her. Money hasn't gone to her head even though it could have. I go upstairs to Niko's bedroom. Inside, Grace is already dressing him.

"Hi, Mr. Manarch. He's almost ready."

"Don't tell Ava you dressed him." She smiles. "Hi, little man. Ready to go see Mommy?" His eyes open wide. I can't believe how big he's getting.

"Here you go, sir."

"Thank you." I take him, and he's all laughs. I walk over to Aisling's bedroom. Right when I'm going to open her door, Brenda opens it.

"Hi, Mr. Manarch. We're on our way down. Did you need anything?" Aisling sees me and wants me to carry her. If it were up to her, she'd have me carry her all the time. She's as bossy as Ava.

"Aisling, Brenda will carry you downstairs since I'm carrying Niko." She gives me a funny "I want to cry" face, but I stand my ground. I can't let her have her way all the time. She needs to learn we can't always have what we want.

"What's taking so long?" Ava calls from the bottom of the stairs.

"Calm down. We're here now," I tease. She's sexy when she's flustered.

Aisling coos and reaches out to Ava.

"Hi, sweetheart," says Ava taking her with a smile. "The castle playpen is set up in the living room if you want to set Niko down," she says, looking at me.

"Tell Mommy you and I are going to play, Niko."

"Suit yourself." She leaves with Aisling still in her arms.

It's been a few hours of good food, company, and conversation. My mother, Tina, Lisa, Oliver, and Angus are seated around the table with us. It's nice not worrying about clan problems for a few hours.

"My turn," Tina says, taking Niko.

"You're going to spoil him," Ava tells her.

"It's my job as an auntie," Tina says, laughing.

"I'll take Aisling then," my mother says.

"I guess I'll help clear the table," Lisa adds with a smile.

"You guys relax. I got this," Ava says.

I look around the table. I'm content. Despite everything that is happening my family is experiencing joy.

"Hey," Oliver says, walking over. "Care for a drink?"

"Why not."

We leave Angus at the mercy of Lisa, who he's quite taken by. In the living room, I go to the bar and pour drinks. I give a glass to Oliver as we sit. We're quiet at first.

"You look happy," he observes.

"I am. I never imagined having a family."

"Why not? Despite all your flaws…" he says mockingly, "… ?you're a good man."

"With the life we live, it didn't seem possible."

"You got lucky with Ava. Don't let her go. She's good for you." I look at him curiously.

"I think you've had too much to drink," I chuckle.

"Not at all. These last two years have been nothing but tragedies. It's nice to have something good for a change." I understand what he's saying. But I know the reality. This could end without notice in a blink of an eye.

"Oliver, I want you to put together a contingency plan in the event something happens to me."

"What?"

"I want to know there's a plan for Ava and the kids in case I die."

"Do you know something I don't?" He sits straighter as he sets his glass down.

"About a month ago, I ran into Cillian as I came out of Manarch Industries. Nothing happened because the man is a coward, but it could have played out differently." I decide not to tell him about the sniper since it won't make a difference now.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I don't have to tell you everything," I say more firmly than I mean to. Oliver shakes his head in disapproval.

"What do you have in mind?"

"Ava and the kids are set financially in my will. But I want you to find a place out of state where she can go, plus new identities for all three of them. They will also need a security team who will leave with her at a moment's notice. Most importantly, I don't want anyone to know." I drain my drink.

"I didn't know you had a will."

"It's in The Box."

The Box is a secure safe room I had built inside Eros.

"I can arrange everything."

"They're what is most important in my life. Regardless of how much we argue or disagree, you're the only person I truly and fully trust."

"I love you too, brother. I will put something in place for your peace of mind. But I know we will never need it. Between us, we won't let things get that far."

I walk to the bar. "I'm counting on you to protect my family if I can't."

"With my life."

"You're a good brother. I know I don't say it enough, but I'm grateful for you," I confess.

"What are you two talking about?" my mother asks, entering with Aisling. Aisling speaks, not giving Oliver a chance to respond, and I'm ok with that.

"Dada," Aisling calls, trying to leave my mother's arms. I take her.

"Hi, princess," I kiss the top of her head.

"She's talking up a storm," my mother says proudly.

"Not at all. All she says is Dada and Momma."

"Momma," Aisling calls as if on cue.

"She's a smart one," my mother says.

"Momma," she calls again.

"Mommy will be here in a few minutes," I tell her.

Her bottom lip drops, and she starts crying, looking for Ava. I understand the sentiment. I want to be around Ava all the time too.

"I'll take her," Ava says, entering the living room. "Come on, sweetheart. Are you ready for a nap?" She takes her from my arms. "I'll be back," she calls as she leaves the room, leaving me with my mother standing beside me.

"How are you doing these days?" my mother asks.

"Busy. Dealing with Father's bullshit."

"I never imagined your father would do the things he has. He used to be a good man, a family man. But he isn't the man I married anymore."

There's sadness in her voice, and I embrace her, hopefully comforting her. I wish things were different for her. She doesn't say it, but I know she's suffering. I have asked her to leave my father but she won't. She's loyal to the man even though he doesn't deserve it.

"People change and not always in a good way."

"Have you heard from Fiona?" she whispers, keeping her voice low.

"No."

"Ava is great with Aisling."

"Of course, she is. She's her mother," I say.

"Just be careful. Fiona is wicked, as her whole family is. You never know what their true intentions are. I would hate for her to take Aisling from us."

"Over my dead body. Aisling is a Manarch, and Ava is her mother. Fiona will never have her."

"I hope you're right."

Her words play in my head. I've been thinking the same thing since my encounter with Cillian. I don't take threats, but I won't ignore them, either. Fiona hasn't been seen or heard from since she shot Ava and her silence unsettles me. I had John send Fiona a waiver of parental rights for her to relinquish all rights to Aisling. I will pay her handsomely for it, too. Fiona is all about money, and I'm counting on her greed. Ava is Aisling's mother, and I'll do everything in my power to make sure Aisling never leaves Ava's side.

Aisling will not be Fiona's pawn.