Chapter 57

Chapter Fifty-Seven

Ava

I t's finally Saturday. It was such a crazy week at the office, and I was counting down the minutes to my quiet, relaxing Saturday. My only task today is to enjoy my beautiful babies. I turn and look at the clock. It's almost seven, which means one, or both, of them will wake soon, if they haven't already. I get out of bed to start my day, and I'm in the shower when I hear Viktor's voice.

"Can I join you?" he asks, walking in half undressed.

"That's a moot question considering you're half-naked and only a couple of steps away from me."

He takes off the rest of his clothes and enters the shower. Once inside, he pushes me to the wall.

"I don't ask. I take," he announces before kissing me.

Our kiss only lasts about half a minute before he breaks it to start kissing my neck. I already feel the fire igniting inside of me. He continues moving down until he reaches my breasts. He covers me with soft bites, sucks, and licks. Moans escape me. I start pushing him down where I need him. I want to feel his mouth and fingers inside of me. I need him to take me to the edge as only his mouth can. Pleasure me until I can't take anymore. I imagine the smile on his face as he follows my lead. With me against the wall and him on his knees, he takes one of my legs and throws it over his shoulder. One hand holds me in place, and the other massages my clit. I know it's coming, but I'm still surprised by the sensation of his mouth. He's gentle at first. But the more I moan, the more determined he becomes.

"I'm going to come," I squeak.

"Let me taste you, baby girl."

It's all it takes for my body to reach euphoria. My legs shake, turning to water with the intensity of my orgasm when he speaks again. "My turn now."

My body steadies instinctively. I'm excited and ready to get on my knees and give him the same pleasure I just received. I want to taste him just as he tasted me, but he has something else in mind. He stands and picks me up. He positions me against the wall and thrusts inside me without warning. I cry out in pleasure as my body adjusts to him. It doesn't matter how often we're together, I still can't get used to his size, but I wouldn't change it. He increases his speed, not wanting to waste another second, and I can't blame him. As I moan, he growls, and I hold on to him, my nails practically tearing the skin on his back. This only makes him increase the speed further. At this point, my back is moving up and down. The cold wall cools my burning skin. My legs are wrapped around him, and they begin to tremble, letting me know I'm close. I'm ready to let go and let the orgasm take over.

"Come with me," he commands.

I do just that, and I scream his name.

It's a beautiful sunny day, which I am enjoying from my couch. I look at the skyline through the living room floor-to-ceiling windows. By some miracle, Aisling and Niko are both taking a nap which hopefully will be a long one. As much as I love them, I also like a little downtime. I take a sip of my tea, relaxing. Viktor is God knows where. He promised to be back for dinner.

It's been nice spending time as a family. I've seen a different side to him. One that I don't think anyone else has seen. He's still demanding and controlling, but a gentler side is surfacing. At least it is at home. For the first time in a very long time, I can say I'm home, and it feels so good. I'm startled by my cell. I look at the screen, and it reads, Dad. After Niko was born, I called Dad to meet his grandson. He did and promised to stay in touch, but it's been a few months since we last spoke.

"Hi, Dad."

"Hi, Pumpkin. How are you?"

"I'm good. Enjoying some quiet time while the kids are napping."

"So you're still taking care of Viktor's daughter." I'm not sure if he's asking or telling me. His tone is condescending, and I can hear a bitterness I don't understand. I'm the one raising Aisling, not him, and she is my daughter.

"How are you, Dad?" I decide not to entertain his remark. There's no point in arguing with him. It won't change anything.

"I'm alright. Lost my job, if you can believe that. I'm looking for work."

I sit up straighter.

"What happened? I thought everything was on the up and up with your job."

"So did I. But the new supervisor had it in for me, Pumpkin. He nitpicked everything I did. Wrote me up even if I was one minute late."

"I'm sorry to hear that." There's silence. I know what's coming, but I hope I'm wrong. I hope he's just calling to see how I'm doing. "Dad, is everything okay?"

"I hate to bother you with these things, Pumpkin. But I just don't know what to do and don't really have anyone to ask. I'm hoping that with you working and that Manarch boy of yours, you might be able to help your dear old man."

There it is.

Because of who he is, I'd decided not to tell him I own House of Beauty. He thinks I just work there. But as I listen to his words, I'm surprised that he's asking me for money, even though I shouldn't be. I don't know what I expected. The man didn't even bother to ask about his grandson before asking for money. At the end of the day, he only cares about himself, and I'm a sucker for wanting to help him.

"What do you need?" I finally ask.

"Some of the bills are overdue, and there isn't even a loaf of bread in the house."

I guess he's lucky to have a roof over his head since I pay his rent, not that he acknowledges it.

He continues, "I know it might be a lot to ask for, but if I can get a thousand dollars, I know I can settle all the bills and have some leftover money while I look for another job."

I close my eyes, trying to surrender myself to the reality of my father. He will never change. I bet he lost his job because of gambling and is looking for more money to continue playing.

"If you're worried it's for gambling, I swear I haven't gambled since you left," he adds.

I want to believe him. I always want to believe him, but in the pit of my stomach, I know he's lying. My dad will never change, and I need to accept it.

"Why don't you come to the house?" I suggest. "It would be nice to spend some time together as a family. You've only seen your grandson a handful of times. I'd hate for him not to get to know you or for you not to get to know him."

"That's a great idea. You're such a great daughter, Pumpkin. I wouldn't know what to do without you."

Neither do I, I wish I could say. Instead, I force a smile into my voice. "If you could come before six, you can join us for dinner."

"Do you think you can send a car for me? I don't really have the funds to go into the city."

"Of course. What time works best for you?" He's quiet for a moment. At first, I think the call has dropped, but I hear a noise in the background. "Dad, are you still there?"

"Yes, sorry. If you can send the car about four this afternoon, that will work."

"Okay. I'll send you a text when the car is close."

"Thank you, Pumpkin. I'll see you soon. Love you."

"Love you too, Dad." I end the call with a strange feeling that I'm missing something. He's not telling me the whole truth.

I don't want to read too much into it, but he's never called me Pumpkin so many times. I can't ignore the fact he's kept his distance from the kids and me. But then again, it can't be easy dealing with a man like Viktor, who's threatened Dad's life multiple times in the past. I'm just disappointed Dad hasn't tried to see Niko or me. After all, I am his daughter. I set my cell down and make my way to the kitchen. No point in dwelling on the past or what he's not done. At least Niko gets to see his grandfather today, and I can get a better read on Dad. It's obvious he's hiding something. I'm just worried about what it might be. The last time he hid something my life was turned upside down.

My cell beeps, letting me know my dad is on his way. I go to the kitchen to check on dinner. I figured we could have dinner early, so we can eat and enjoy Dad's visit. I haven't told Viktor that he's coming. So it should be interesting once I do. Viktor doesn't care much for Dad. He always says the man is nothing but bad news. I think deep down, he wishes I wouldn't have any relationship with my dad.

"Something smells good," I say to the chef.

"Thank you. I'm making lasagna."

"That sounds delicious and perfect. Can't remember the last time I had it. Can I help you with anything?" I ask.

"I'm all set, Ms. O'Brien. Did you want something to snack on?"

"No, I'm good."

"Let me know if you change your mind."

"I will." I leave the kitchen feeling like I should be doing something. Then I hear Niko's cry on the baby monitor. I shake my head and go to his bedroom. "Hi, little man," I say as I open his door. His arms reach out to me as soon as he hears my voice. Picking him up, I walk out of his bedroom and run into Grace.

"Hi Ava, I was just coming to get him. I didn't realize you were here."

"I was near."

"I can take him if you like. I know Mr. O'Brien is coming over. Not sure if you still have things to do."

"That's very thoughtful, but it's okay. Is Aisling up from her nap?"

"Not yet. I'm sure she will be at any minute now that Niko is awake, though." She smiles.

"They do seem to be in sync," I agree.

"They sure are. Did you need me to do anything?"

"Could you set up the play area in the living room?"

"No problem."

I make my way downstairs to the play area with Niko. At the very least, I can enjoy my time with him. Every day he looks more and more like Viktor. Niko's eyes are the perfect shade of hazel. When Niko smiles at me, it's like Viktor is smiling at me. I sit with him for a while, him playing with his blocks or at least attempting to. I can sit and watch him for hours. About ten minutes later, Grace enters the play area carrying Aisling. The minute Aisling sees me, she wants me to take her. She holds out her hands, opening and closing her palms, letting me know this is what she wants. Of course, since I'm a sucker, I gladly take her from Grace.

"Hi, my sweet girl. I hope you had a good nap." She smiles, then looks at Niko, letting me know to put her down. I feel so lucky and grateful that they are so good together.

I've been reading a magazine for the last fifteen minutes while Niko and Aisling play in the castle playpen. The room is filled with giggles and music, and I love every second of it. Then I spot Marco walking toward me.

"Ms. O'Brien, your father is on his way up."

"Thanks, Marco."

"Hi, Pumpkin," Dad says, entering the living room shortly after.

"Hi, Dad." I stand and give him a hug once he reaches me. "It's so nice to see you."

"It has been some time." His voice sounds a little odd.

"Let's take a seat. Would you like something to drink?" I ask, trying not to read anything into the situation.

"No, thank you. How are you doing?"

"We're fine. Thanks for asking. The kids are growing up so fast."

He looks over at the playpen. "That's kids for you. They grow in a blink of an eye." He sits down.

"Do you want to hold Niko?" I ask, looking between Niko and him.

"Maybe not now. He looks like he's having fun."

"Okay. Maybe later then." I sit, a little unsettled. He's so different from Anita. She never passes up a chance to hold her grandchildren. But I guess I have to accept that Dad is nothing like Anita.

"Were you able to get me the money, Pumpkin?" I'm annoyed by his question.

"Dad, you've been here a few minutes. Don't you want to relax a bit? I haven't seen you in a long time."

"Sorry, I wasn't trying to be pushy. Of course, we can relax. How have you been?"

Suddenly I notice how sweaty and fidgety he is. Something isn't right with him. I'm certain he's trying to hide something from me.

"What's going on, Dad?" I ask him directly.

"Nothing," he answers, but his eyes evade mine.

"I can tell you're lying. Are you gambling? Is that why you need money so desperately?" I ask, hurt.

"No." He looks away. Now I am certain he's lying.

"Grace, Brenda, take the kids upstairs."

"Okay," Brenda says. I wait for them to leave with the kids before I speak.

"Dad, tell me the truth. You're asking me for a lot of money. I deserve to know why you need it. I pay your rent, so you don't have to worry. Where has all your money been going? It's not like you have that many bills."

"I told you, Pumpkin, I lost my job, and the bills just stacked up." I want to believe him, but he always disappoints me. "I just thought, with you being with the Manarch boy, you could help your old man. Doesn't he give you money?"

"Are you fucking kidding me? Viktor's responsibility is to your grandson. The grandson you haven't even bothered to properly meet. He's seven months old, and I swear you've seen him about three times. You come to my house and ask for money after being here for less than five minutes. So tell me the truth. What's the money for?"

"I don't have to stay here and tolerate this. I'm your father. If you can't help me, you should have said so instead of wasting my time by bringing me here. I should have known better. You're useless. You've done nothing but bring me trouble."

His words cut me like a knife.

What have I ever done to him? What troubles is he talking about? All I've ever done is fix his problems.