AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“She is shaken but fine.” He says answering the question I haven’t asked.
“Marco?” I ask but all I want to do is have Ava in my arms. See for myself she is in one piece.
“Cursing at himself. The doc is with him. He caught a bullet.”
“I want a full report.”
“We got one alive. He is in the guardhouse.” He adds.
“Oliver is on his way. I’ll be there in ten minutes.” I drive through the gate. There are another dozen men standing by the front door. I park and get out. I open the door to the house. Inside the house is quiet. I am about to take the stairs when Mary pops out of the kitchen.
“She ran upstairs. She won’t open the door. She won’t let the doctor check her.”
“Thank you.” I loosen my tie and walk to my office. I grab the key to her bedroom. Upstairs I softly knock on her door. “Ava it’s me, open the door.” I hear shuffling and footsteps. She opens the door. There are bloodstains on her clothes. “Come here, Baby girl.” I pull her to my arms. She is shaking and crying. I pick her up and take her to my bedroom. I try to set her on the bed but she holds me tighter. “I need to take a look at you. I need to see if you are hurt.”
She stares, uncertain.. It’s a few seconds before she lets go. There are a few scratches on her arms and a scratch on the side of her forehead. I pull her shirt over her head and jeans off. I inspect every inch. She doesn’t have any visible injuries. But I’m not a doctor.
“I need the doctor to take a look, make sure you are ok.”
“Please don’t leave me.” Fresh streams of tears come down her cheeks.
“I’m not. I will be right here.” I take my suit jacket off and unbutton my shirt. I put the shirt on her. I dial Mary. “Send the doctor to my bedroom.” I end the call. I get up to get a washcloth but she stops me.
“Please,” she pleads.
I hold her as she silently cries. It’s a few minutes before the doctor arrives. I sit beside her as he checks her. She refuses to let me leave her side despite the doctor needing me to step to the side. But she doesn’t budge. I will do anything she needs me to do to make her feel safe. So I stay beside her, making the doctor work harder. Finally, he finishes his exam. He gives her something to take. I pass her a glass of water and help her lay down before walking the doctor to the door.
“She is fine Mr. Manarch. The sedative will help her sleep. If anything changes, call.”
“How about Marco?” I look at Ava. She is lying quietly.
“A through and through on his shoulder. He should be fine in a few days.”
“Thank you. Oliver has your payment.” The doctor leaves. I look at Ava. Her eyes are closed but I see the tears. I walk over to my bed and sit. “I am sorry, Baby girl. I swear no one will ever hurt you.” She doesn’t say anything. Her breathing continues to slow down. I stay until I know she is asleep. I have pressing matters. There is a man in the guardhouse who will tell me who sent him.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Ava
I’m in the SUV, pissed at Viktor. His need for control is infuriating. What did he think I was going to do with any of the men at the table? This latest tantrum has jealousy written all over it. When he said he was going to discipline me I thought it was rhetorical. I never imagined he was physically going to. The confusing part, a part of me was aroused. My thoughts are interrupted by a car crashing into us.
“What is happening Marco?”
“I am not sure Ms. O’Brien.” Then it happens again. Shortly after followed by bullets.
“I can’t die not like this.” I scream.
“Ava, wake up. It’s just a nightmare.” My eyes try to adjust. They land on Viktor.
“Viktor,” he pulls me to him. I’m covered in sweat. I taste the salt of my tears.
“You are safe.” He soothes. The trouble is, I don’t feel safe. I only feel safe in his arms but that can be ripped from me at any moment.
“What is happening? Why was I attacked?” I mumble.
“I don’t know yet. But I will.” He rubs my back in circle motions. “You need to rest.”
“I can’t. Every time I close my eyes…” I trail off.
