Chapter 62

Chapter Sixty-Two

Viktor

A va is in the master bedroom, where I ordered her to take a much-needed bubble bath. I told her I would put the kids to bed so she could have an hour or so to herself. She resisted at first but then caved. I enter the bedroom, then open the bathroom door, where I'm met by her signature lavender scent. I spy her soaking in a classic detached bathtub. She has a glass of wine to the side, and her eyes are closed.

"I know you're in here," she murmurs.

"How?"

"I have superman's enhanced hearing."

I chuckle. "Is that so?"

"Yes." She opens her eyes and looks at me, then stands, letting me drink her in. "When you've finished gawking at me, I need a towel," she declares.

"Yes, boss." I help her out of the bathtub before pulling her close and kissing her.

My hands are holding her face as I swallow her soft moans. Her hands are over my shoulders, nails digging into my back. She breaks the kiss and pushes me away. I see her intentions immediately when she starts unbuttoning my shirt. Three buttons in, she gives up and rips the shirt open. With my shirt on the floor, she works on my undershirt. Eventually, she gives up and sinks to her knees to unbuckle my belt. Soon, my pants are pooled at my feet. She looks at me with eyes like pools of molten fire before sliding me into her mouth. She begins slowly at first, like I'm something to savor. She swirls her tongue around the tip of my cock before sliding her mouth back down my shaft. She doesn't use her hands, just her mouth, and her eyes are fixed on mine all the while, drawing me into their depths.

"Fuck, Ava," I growl. She continues, determined. "Get up," I command. She looks at me. "Now." She sits back on her feet. I help her up.

I lead her to the bedroom. The walls on the side of the bedroom are made of glass. We're on the third floor overlooking the mountain, and on a clear night like tonight, you can see everything. But right now, I'm focused on the only view that matters. I lead her to the bed and sit her on the edge. Our eyes never leave each other as I kiss her lips and neck, making my way to her breasts. With every inch of progress I make, she moans. I take one breast in my mouth while I pinch the other. She cries in pleasure as her nails dig into my shoulders, breaking the skin this time.

"You have no idea the power you hold over me," I confess as I keep going lower. I gently push her onto her back.

She knows what's coming, but I feel the desire in her body. She grips the sheets as my mouth gets closer. I'm taking my time, not wanting to rush, savoring every second. Her moans get louder as I'm reaching my final stop. She tries to quiet herself with her hand but is not successful. On my first lick, she screams my name. She has a hold on me, but I have a hold on her too. It doesn't matter how much she fights this, we will always end up together. She was born to be mine. I continue slowly enjoying every moan she rewards me with. Her enjoyment only makes me harder. I need to claim her, show her I own her body. I'm the last man she will ever be with.

"Come for me, baby girl," I command.

"Viktor," she screams as she lets go.

I don't give her any time to rest and get in bed hovering over her. I kiss her so she can taste herself. As I deepen the kiss, I spread her legs with my knee. Knowing what I expect from her she positions herself. I break the kiss and as we stare, I begin to slide in. It's slow at first. The moment I'm inside she wraps her legs around my waist and uses her feet on my ass to push me further inside. It's fucking heavenly. But I'm desperate for her so I begin to move faster, thrusting harder and harder. It's rough. The noise of our bodies connecting is drowning the silence in the bedroom. It's like a fucking symphony.

"I'm going to come," she cries, but I already know. Her body is screaming for release.

"Let's do it together, baby girl."

After nearly three hours of nonstop sex, we lay side by side, catching our breaths. I'm on my back, staring at the ceiling, when Ava turns on her side toward me.

"Viktor." I turn to look at her. "Thank you," she whispers

"For?"

"Today. For this. This place makes me feel like we can have ‘normal.' I didn't realize how much I needed it until now. How much I craved it."

"You don't need to thank me. This is the life I promise to give you. A life where you can relax and let your guard down."

"It's so easy here. You look relaxed."

I turn to look at her but don't say anything.

"What is it?" she asks with concern.

"I want you to marry me. For you to be Mrs. Manarch."

She sits up, and her eyes are wild. "Please don't ask me that. Can't we just enjoy this?"

I sit up. "I want you to carry my name," I say firm.

"We're together. Why does it matter what last name I carry? It's just a piece of paper." She gets out of bed.

"Where are you going?"

"It's late. I'm going to take a shower."

"Ava," I get out of bed to follow her.

"Don't. Just let things be. Right now, this works for me."

"But it doesn't work for me." This stops her. For a second, we fall into silence as we stand in front of each other. "Be my wife." She closes her eyes.

"I don't know if I can. It's not that I don't want to marry you. I just don't want us to rush into anything. There are still a lot of unresolved issues between us."

I pull her to me. "Do you love me?"

"It's not about love."

"Do you love me?" I ask again.

"You know the answer to that question." She closes her eyes again and lets out a deep breath.

"I'm in love with you, Ava O'Brien. You're the mother of our children. Marry me?" I see the battle in her eyes. "Just say yes. There's no point fighting the inevitable."

"Viktor—"

"I'm sorry for everything you've been through since we met. But you coming into my life has been the best thing that could have happened to me. You saved my life. Before you, I had nothing to lose. Now I have everything to lose. I lost you more times than I should have already. I don't want a life without you and our kids. You're my life, they're my life," I confess.

Ava begins to cry softly. "You broke my heart, and I barely made it out. I can't do another heartbreak. I won't survive it."

I gently wipe the tears from her cheeks. "Tell me what you want me to do? How can I prove to you my commitment to our family? I'll do anything."

"Don't break my heart. Come home every night. Above everything, don't lie or keep secrets. For us to weather the storms, we have to trust each other."

I kiss her, drowning whatever else she was going to say. We only break the kiss when we are gasping for air.

"Say it," I demand.

"Yes."

It's the only word I need.

Waking up in an empty bed, I look at the time. It's nearly eight a.m., and I realize I can't remember the last time I slept in. I take a shower and enjoy how happy I feel. Ava saying yes is the last missing piece to the puzzle of my happiness.

I get dressed and search my bag for the new ring I got for Ava. One that doesn't hold any sour memories. I got the ring shortly after Niko was born. It was only a matter of when I was going to propose. I didn't think it would take almost eight months for me to ask her. The ring has been made specifically for her. It has a four-carat central diamond with our children's birthstones on each side. Aisling's birthstone was added shortly after Ava moved into the house, and I saw their bond. I know she'll love it. I put the box in my pocket and make my way downstairs. The house is awake, and I hear the kids and people all around. I look for Ava, and I'm not surprised to find her in the kitchen.

"Blueberry pancakes will be fine for Aisling," she tells the chef.

"Good morning," I say from behind her.

"Good morning," she turns. "Coffee?"

"Please." She walks over to the pot. "I have something for you."

"What is it?" I set the box on the counter. She spots it as she brings me a mug.

"What if I said no?" She smiles.

"It wasn't an option." I open the box.

"Is that a ring I see?" Oliver observes, entering the kitchen.

"Mind your business," I say.

"You should make him wait," Oliver says, laughing.

"Shut the fuck up. She already said yes." I take the ring out of the box and grab her left hand.

"Am I not getting you on bended knee?" she comments, looking affronted.

"Do you want me to?"

She's thinking, almost making me question if she does want me to. I'm going to say something when she speaks.

"Just put the ring on," she says, laughing. I pick her up and sit her on the counter. "Viktor, people eat at this counter."

"Ask me if I give a fuck."

"Apparently, you don't." She rolls her eyes. I put the ring on her finger. She turns her hand to face her. "Are they Aisling and Niko's birthstones?" There's a sparkle in her eyes.

"Yes."

"It's perfect." She puts one hand on my face. "You're amazing. I love you."

"I love you too," I kiss her, and she wraps her arms around me.

"Get me down. I need to feed our babies."

For the next ten minutes, Ava gets the kids ready for breakfast with Aisling in her highchair and her sitting down with Niko in her arms. Everyone who comes through the kitchen congratulates us. I couldn't be happier than I am with my family. Soon enough, Ava will be my wife, and everything will be as it should be.