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“Yes.” I say even though I’m not sure she was asking.
“Don’t be nervous. I won’t bite. If my son believes you are good enough to marry him, that is good enough for me.” She shares in a warm voice.
“Thank you.”
“I’ll have to call the spa. In the meantime, help me bring out pastries for the ladies as they gossip.”
“Yes, Ms. Manarch.”
“Call me Anita. Ms. Manarch is my mother-in-law.”
“Ok.” I smile.
I spend the next hour listening to women talk about everyone. They know no boundaries. No one is safe or above their reach. They try to question me about my relationship with Viktor but Anita quickly puts an end to the inquisition. I am grateful. I’m not exactly sure what I am supposed to say. It’s lunchtime by the time we are set to leave for the spa.
“We are eating lunch at the spa.” Anita tells me as if reading my mind.
“Thanks.”
“The car should be outside. Let Viktor know we are leaving. He will want to know your whereabouts. I think he gets it from his father. The Manarch men are controlling.” She tells me like it’s the most natural thing.
“You are telling me.” We laugh. It’s the first time in a long time if ever, I find myself not thinking of anything other than the moment. I quickly follow her instructions and text Viktor.
Ava: Hi Viktor. This is Ava. Your mom suggested I send you a text letting you know we are leaving the restaurant.
I feel like I should add something but I’m coming up blank. I opt to keep it simple. I don’t want him to think I am going to be doing this on a regular basis.
Ava: I’ll talk to you later.
Seconds later I see bubbles.
Viktor: Thank you. I’ll pick you up from the spa. I’ll see you in a few hours baby girl.
I want to scream at him. He just doesn’t get it. I hate him calling me baby girl. It’s disrespectful. But I have a feeling the more I complain the more he will. It’s infuriating.
“Ready?” Anita asks.
“Yes.”
“Then sit, relax, and let’s enjoy ourselves.”
Chapter Thirteen
Viktor
Leaving Ava with my mother was harder than expected. I’m not worried about her safety or her divulging our arrangement. It’s not having her with me. I find myself oddly comfortable with her. An instant trust I don’t recognize. Spending the morning with her felt natural. It was easy. I can’t entertain such thoughts. Ava is a means to an end. She is someone I can have fun with. Keep myself entertained without attachments. A year from now I’ll send her on her merry way.
Her lips felt natural on mine. She might not realize but her body already gravitates towards me. It’s responsive, like it knows I am in control. I can’t wait until I claim every inch of her. To worship her. Show her how a man, even a man like me, treats a woman. She hasn’t been with a real man. After me, I doubt she will find one. It’s selfish of me, but I know what I want. And I want her.
I drive to the office. I’ve been trying to conduct business at the office and not the restaurant like my father. I bought an office building downtown a few months back. It’s still a work in progress. It brings legitimacy to the Manarch name. I’ve been working diligently to create my legacy, Manarch Industries. This is out of my father’s reach. My business outside the clan. My goal is to build a reputable corporation that will be the face of the Manarch name when I take over.
As I reach the office, I get a text from Ava. After reading it I am surprised how good it feels to know her whereabouts even though I didn’t ask. This is a behavior I am going to expect moving forward. As I pull up I see Oliver waiting for me. I idle the SUV so the valet can park it.
“How is everything going at the house?” I ask, walking into the building.
“The wardrobe will be delivered in the next hour. Tina might have gone overboard. The bill is high.” I shake my head not caring. When did I stop caring about my bottom line?
“Did you ask John to meet us?” We walk in the elevator.
