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“Have fun.”
“Ava,” his voice demands my attention.
“Viktor,” I continue to stare at the pond.
“I’m not in the mood. It’s been a long day.” He stands in front of me. I didn’t even hear him walk. I look up.
“Sorry to hear that. I don’t feel well.” I lie. He takes out his phone. “What are you doing?”
“Calling the doctor.”
“I don’t need a doctor.”
“How do you know? Are you a doctor?” His sarcasm isn’t lost on me.
“I know my body.” He ignores me and dials. “I DON’T NEED A DOCTOR.” I spell out.
“Only the doctor decides that.” I can sit here and let him call the doctor to get me out of going to Gotham. But the doctor will waste a trip on me. There is nothing wrong with me. It’s not the doctor’s fault I am trying to stay home away from Viktor. “Dr. Smith, I need…”
“Hang up. I’ll get dressed.” I interrupt standing and walking towards the house. I roll my eyes at him.
“False alarm. And you,” he grabs my arm. “When I say something it’s an order, it is not a suggestion. You will do as I say. Repeating myself is not something I enjoy. Do I make myself clear?” I pull my arm but he grips harder. “Ava…”
“Yes.” I interrupt. He lets go of my arm.
“Ten minutes. I left on the bed what I want you to wear.”
He says more but I can’t hear him because of the distance between us. But it’s more like I don’t want to hear him. How am I supposed to survive being with him for a year? Being near him is exhausting. I try to calm down my anger as I go upstairs. Whether or not I want to, I have to do whatever he says. My dad’s life and freedom depend on it. I don’t want to imagine what will happen to him if I don’t stick to my end of the arrangement. Viktor takes what he wants, damn the consequences. He exudes control and demands respect. His drive isn’t money, it is power and I am not immune to him. It’s like I lose all control of myself when I am in the same room with him.
I enter my bedroom and spot a black dress. A closer inspection shows it is a deep v-neck, sleeveless mini dress. It’s open straps on the back. Something suited for a nightclub. Figures since we are going to Gotham. There is a Louboutin shoe box. Viktor might be infuriating but whomever he hired to buy my wardrobe has excellent, expensive taste. I would never be able to afford something like this, not even in my dreams.
I quickly go to the bathroom to change. I notice wearing a bra is out of the question. I wonder if it’s intentional. It annoys me that he thinks he can control me. But damn the dress looks good on me. The v-neck is deeper than at first glance. It almost reaches my belly button. Even though they are covered, the sides of my breasts are exposed. My sternum is visible. This man is insane. Is he parading me? What is he trying to accomplish by dressing me this way? I keep it simple with the makeup. Dark smokey eyes and deep red lipstick. I sit on the bed and open the Louboutin box. They are ‘So Kate in Red’ five-inch heels. To say they are gorgeous is not enough. There is a knock on the door.
“Yes, Mary?” I ask as I put my second shoe on. She comes in.
“Mr. Manarch wanted me to check in. Did you need anything?” I look up at the door.
“I will be down in a minute.”
“Very well. I will let him know you will be down shortly. He is waiting in the sitting room.”
I let her leave without a response. I’m being rude but I am not in the mood to be polite. Mary is a nice woman in her early fifties. She is a sweet woman and you can tell Viktor cares about her. Perhaps if I am a bitch long enough while being here Viktor might get tired and send me packing. Damn the debt. Damn the arrangement. I need to do whatever I can to leave this place. Any excuse to gain my freedom. To be away from Viktor is what I want. But something tells me he is not going to grow tired of me. He likes to win. It’s written all over his face.
One last look reveals how sensual I look. He wants to show me he does with me whatever pleases him. The heels put me at five-seven. The dress molds my hourglass figure. My athletic-toned legs are on full display. I’ve pinned my brown hair to the side. If someone saw me walking down the street, they wouldn’t recognize me. Shit, I barely recognize myself. Maybe this is why I am hesitant. I come from the wrong side of town living in the projects. He is one of the most eligible bachelors in the city. Every woman wants the ring and his children. I just want out of his life and back to mine.
Chapter Two
Ava
Months Earlier…
“Dad, what happened?” As I walk in the apartment I see him lying back on the couch. His shirt looks bloody from here. His eye is swollen shut. I put my purse down and walk to the kitchen. I grab a bag of frozen peas. “Talk,” I demand as I hand him the peas.
“I’m fine, pumpkin. Nothing for you to worry about.”
“It doesn’t look like nothing. Have you been gambling again?” His silence tells me everything I need to know. “You promised. You said you were done. That you weren’t going to do it anymore. You promised me. Did you forget what happened last time? You were beaten within an inch of your life. I nearly lost you.” I wanted to believe him when he said he was going to change. I always do. But he disappoints me every single time. He thinks only of himself and not what he puts me through every time.
“It’s not what you think. I had it, pumpkin. I was winning. The odds were in my favor. One more hand and I was going to cash in. We were going to be set for a few months. Maybe even longer. You wouldn’t have to work two jobs.”
