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“I won’t need anyone. I can take care of myself. I have to go.”
I think about Max being in my living room. He should not be here. It’s not his place. Viktor should be here but it’s my fault he isn’t. If I would have stayed in this apartment and not gone to the cabin, Viktor would be here in my apartment holding my hand. I am robbing Viktor of this moment and I feel guilty. My mind wanders to the day I first met Viktor. It feels like a lifetime ago. He was so arrogant. Looking back, I fell for him instantly. He was like no one I ever met.
“I love your daddy so much.” I rub my belly. Shortly after, it tightens with another concentration. I cry in pain.
“Ava, are you ok? You need me in there?”
“No. Stay where you are.” I scream.“Fuck.”
I breathe in and out until the contraction subsides. My contractions are getting closer. I am tempted to call Max but don’t. Somehow, I feel he will freak out, which will only make me freak out more. Instead, I think of another memory of Viktor and me.
“You are cheating,” I giggle.
“I never said I would play fair.” We are sitting on our bed playing checkers.
“Let me win.” I bump his leg lightly, making the board move.
“And lose the deal? You know me better than that.” I woke up not feeling great. Viktor wants to call a doctor.
“I don’t need the doctor. It’s a stupid deal.” He made a deal with me. If I win, I could stay in bed and take care of myself. If he wins, I have to see a doctor. I was surprised he didn’t command me to. He always wants to control everything.
“I miss your daddy,” I say under my breath. Then another contraction comes, and I’m crying in pain.
How am I supposed to do this alone? I’m barely keeping it together. Viktor should be here. But I know he isn’t because of me. I should call him but I made a mess of things. I am not sure if he would forgive me. I can’t help the tears. I’m not sure if it’s the pain or sadness. I suppose a little of both. I’ve never felt so alone in my life. I have a mother who didn’t stick around. A father who, unfortunately, thinks of himself first. All this is so fucked up. But I know I should be grateful. Soon my son will be born, and I’ll be able to hold him in my arms.
Chapter Thirty Six
Viktor
I’m sitting at my desk staring at emails trying to get work done. But I can’t. Between clan business and Manarch Industries, I’m spread thin. This thing with the Irish and my father is shedding more blood than anticipated. Fights are getting out of control between the Irish and the clan. That is not adding the tension within the clan. I told my father getting in bed with the Irish was a disaster waiting to happen. But he just doesn't give a fuck. My phone rings, and the screen reads Oliver. I’m dreading the call. Every time he calls, it is to give me bad news, and I’m still avoiding him. His refusal to tell me where Ava is continues to piss me off.
“What do you want?”
“Where are you?” He asks out of breath.
“The office. Why are you out of breath? What’s wrong?” I ask, already standing from my desk.
“Ava is in labor. She is at her apartment. She called because that punk Max is with her, and she needs her family. I’m on my way, but you should be there.”
“Thank you. I know things between us haven’t been the greatest when it comes to Ava.”
“Water under the bridge. Her contractions are twelve to fifteen minutes apart, according to her. You are closer than I am.” I’m out the building hailing a cab. No time to wait for my SUV.
“I’m getting in a cab. We need at least four men.”
“I’ll make the calls.”
“I want Angus, Marcos, Ray, and Beastie. I don’t want to take any chances.”
“Done. Don’t forget to stay calm. She sounded scared under her cool tone.”
“See you there.” I end the call.
I tell the cab her address. I’m a ball of nerves, but I’m happy I get the chance to see my son be born. Even though I hate that she called Oliver and not me, I’m grateful she did. She needs her family by her side. She needs me. I hand the driver cash to get out of the car, which has barely stopped. This is the moment I’ve dreamt of. I don’t bother knocking on the door. I turn the knob, and to my surprise, it is open. Max is sitting on the couch as I hear Ava’s cry of pain. I follow her voice. She is in the bathtub gripping it, eyes closed, trying to breathe through a contraction.
“I’m here,” I tell her. Her eyes snap open.
“You shouldn’t be,” she tells me. I get on my knees and comb loose hairs off her face.
