Chapter 61

Chapter Sixty-One

Ava

M y mind goes back to a conversation with Viktor a few nights ago.

"I'm glad you made it home safe," I tell him.

"So, this is our home now?" he teases.

"You know what I meant." I giggle. "Are you hungry? I can make you something to eat."

"I'm okay. I actually want to talk to you about something." The seriousness of his voice stops me.

"What is it?" He takes my hand and leads me to the elevator. "Where are we going?"

"Somewhere no one can hear us." I don't ask any more questions because there's something different about him. We ride the elevator in silence until it opens in the lobby.

"We can't just leave the kids unattended." I look at him.

"We aren't going far, and they have more than enough people with them." His tone is stern but loving if that makes any sense.

We get in his SUV and drive in silence. From time to time, he looks at me. He takes my hand, to reassure me everything is fine, I guess. Otherwise, he wouldn't have left the kids behind. But I don't understand where we're going. I'm surprised when he pulls into Eros.

"Why are we here?"

"I'll tell you inside."

There are men everywhere, and it feels and looks like an army gearing up for war. Something has changed. He takes my hand and leads us inside. Everyone moves to the side as we walk in. I think he will take us to his office, but he veers past it and stops at an unmarked door I've never noticed before. He keys some numbers into a keypad and opens the door. There are stairs leading down somewhere. At the bottom of the stairs, there's another door and another keypad. Once again, he keys something and opens the door.

"Where are we?" I finally ask. He lets me enter first, then closes the door behind me. I hear the sounds of bolts locking.

"This is one of my safe rooms. We call it The Box. I come here whenever I need to have a sensitive conversation, and I can't risk anyone overhearing. Only three people can open the door to The Box." He leads us deeper into the room. At first glance, it's some sort of office.

"Why are we here?"

"Before I tell you, I want to show you some things." He emerges even deeper into the room. It's bigger than I realized. "This place is self-sufficient. You can hole up here for a month if you need to. Through that door, there's a bedroom with a shower. The other door is a fully stocked kitchen and some weapons. You can see the entire property on the CCTV. The only way in this room is the door we came through, and you need a code. To leave from the inside, you need to use a palm screen and enter a code."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"If something, anything happens, and you can't leave for one reason or another, come here. Like I said earlier, there are only three people who can get in. Oliver, me, and you after this conversation."

"You're making me nervous, Viktor," I say, taking a step away from him.

"Let's sit."

I don't want to, but the way he says it, he isn't exactly asking. So I sit. I don't have any other choice.

Viktor takes a deep breath and reaches for my hand, "I don't want history to repeat itself. I didn't trust you enough in the past to handle anything that we could face. I want to do things differently. To do better." I want to say something but don't. At this moment, he needs me to listen. "My father has declared war by dividing the clan out in the open. He has sided with the Irish." He looks at me as he sits. "This will test loyalties and lead to many deaths."

"What does that mean exactly?" I hold my breath, not knowing what he's going to say.

"It means either my father dies or I do." He's cold as the words come out of his mouth, making me shiver. This was not the answer I was expecting. "I know it's not what you want to hear, but it's the truth. I brought you here because there's a contingency plan in place. If something goes wrong, there's a plan for you and the kids. A plan that will take you to safety. There are new identities, money, and a place to live away from everything."

"I'm not going anywhere without you." Surprising myself, a tear escapes.

"You might not have a choice. I need to know you will do what needs to be done to get yourself and the kids to safety." I don't say anything letting his words sink in. "Ava, I need your word."

"You have my word. I'll do whatever it takes to keep our kids safe," I say, wiping my tears.

"Are you feeling okay?" Viktor asks, opening the bedroom door.

"Yes, why?" I sit up.

"Marco mentioned you haven't gone downstairs all morning."

"Just a little tired. I'm fine."

"Are you sure? You haven't really been yourself since our talk."

"It's just a lot to process. I'm fine, really."

"I'm here," he adds, walking over to the bed.

"I see." I smile. "What brings you here?" I try to change the subject.

"I thought I'd take you and the kids out."

"Really?"

He sits on the bed. "Don't sound so shocked. I thought we could go away somewhere. Somewhere outside the city."

"That sounds perfect." Maybe this is what we need. A break from everything. The storm is nearly here, and after our conversation, I don't know if we will get another opportunity. "I'll get the kids ready." I smile.

"The nannies are packing the kids. All you need to do is get ready and pack clothes for a couple of days. I have everything else handled."

"What are you up to, Viktor Manarch?" I eye him.

"I guess you'll have to get ready to see."

We've been driving for nearly an hour, and Viktor still doesn't want to tell me where we're going. The scenery is beautiful as we drive, and as far as I can tell, we're heading upstate. It's nice to get a break from the skyscrapers. Oliver and Viktor are in the front seat while I'm in the back with the kids, who are napping. It feels like we're a normal family doing normal things. We aren't in the middle of whatever Viktor is facing. He doesn't talk business anymore at home, but I see how stressed he is.

He looks at me through the mirror, and we both smile.

Another hour goes by before he turns off the road, and it looks like we are pulling up to a cabin.

"We're here," Viktor says.

"Where is here exactly?" I ask, looking around.

He doesn't answer, instead turning the engine off and opening his door. It takes a few minutes to get the kids out of the SUV. He takes Aisling, and I hold Niko.

"Are you going to tell me where here is?" I ask again.

"Let's go inside."

"Viktor—"

"Come on, don't be so stubborn."

Since it's useless to stay outside the cabin asking him questions, I follow him. The cabin is amazing, and I'm in awe. It has a rustic charm with modern touches and looks like it's right out of a magazine. Angus, Marco, and Jimmy, who were in the SUV behind us, follow us as we enter the cabin.

Through the front door is a beautiful foyer with high ceilings and exposed wood details.

"This place is beautiful," I exclaim, reaching out to feel the smooth wood. "Who lives here?"

"We do," he responds with a broad smile.

I give him a questioning look. "You might have to give me more," I say with a smile.

"I bought the cabin for our family. Somewhere away from the chaos where we can relax."

"You realize this is insane."

"What's the point of having money if we can't enjoy it? There are twelve bedrooms, fourteen bathrooms, a games room, theatre, family room, hot tub, and a ton of other things," he recites, ticking things off on his fingers as he says them.

I laugh. "Have you been practicing that?"

"A little," he admits. "What do you think?"

"It's too much for just the four of us. Don't you think?"

"It's for the whole family, not just us. A place where we can spend time together and not have to worry about anything."

"That sounds wonderful." I find myself imagining everyone over. Anita, Lisa, Tina, Oliver, Angus, and even Ray. "It's perfect." I softly kiss his lips.

"Dada," Aisling tries to wiggle herself out of his arms.

I look around the room, and see it's not baby-proof.

"You'd better not. This isn't exactly kid-friendly," I point out.

"Follow me. I have something to show you." He leads us through a corridor toward one side of the cabin.

"Viktor," I exclaim in awe.

This place is breathtaking. I'm staring at a family room designed with Aisling and Niko in mind. The entire room is a castle playpen, filled with everything you need to keep two young children entertained. It's the largest dedicated playroom I've ever seen.

Viktor stands beside me with a gleam in his eye and a knowing smile. "What do you think? Did I do good?"

I look adoringly at him. "Yes," I say softly.

He gives me a soft peck on the lips.

"Dada down," Aisling demands again.

"You'd better set her down now," I say to Viktor. As he does so, I turn to Aisling, "Let's go and see what kind of toys Daddy got you." As Aisling toddles into the room, I look down at Niko, who is still in my arms, "How about you, Niko? Do you want down?" He looks at me with sleepy eyes. "Okay, let's go feed you and put you down for a nap." I look at Viktor.

"There's a nursery through that door." He points to a door on the side of the playroom.

"Thanks. I'll feed him and put him down. You'd better keep an eye on her," I say as Aisling bolts to the other side of the room. I laugh as he tries to catch up. I open the door to the nursery, and see that it's beautiful, just like the rest of the cabin. It's simple and inviting, with two cribs and a glider in between. Closing the shades, I walk over to the glider and position Niko as I sit. Different from Aisling, he's quiet and mellow. As I breastfeed him, his little hand touches my face. His eyes staring. He's Viktor's twin. Anita showed me a baby picture of Viktor the other day, and Niko is identical to him. Niko's eyes slowly get heavier until he finally falls asleep.

I sit for a few minutes, taking in the moment. Savoring the peace. It's not a place I ever pictured myself in. When I'm certain he won't wake, I lay Niko in a crib. There are two smart baby monitors, identical to the ones at the apartment. I grab the one next to the crib I set Niko down in and turn it on. Viktor has thought of everything. I quietly leave the nursery. Standing by the door, I stare at the beautiful picture in front of me. Viktor is sitting on the floor playing with Aisling. He's an amazing father.

He stops playing and looks at me. "What are you doing?" He asks.

I smile. "Seeing how sexy you look." I bite my lip as I feel him undressing me with his eyes in reply.

"Dada," Aisling interrupts, and I laugh.