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“Nikolas?” He eyes me.
“Your nephew.” I say right before I leave.
I open the door to the staircase back to Ava’s room. There is no way I am letting her go back to the apartment where I know it isn’t safe. I know it will be a matter of hours before the McIntyre’s show to her apartment. Everything has changed. Entering the room, I see Max. He just doesn’t get it.
“What the fuck? Can’t you get a fucking clue?” I bark at Max. Nikolas starts wailing.
“Get out Viktor.” Ava picks up Nikolas. Her eyes are throwing daggers at me. She is angry, but there is no time for anger.
“I’m not going anywhere. He has to go. I won’t repeat myself,” I say, looking at Max.
“I love him like a son. I’m not going anywhere,” Max says.
“Max, we have talked about this. This is not about you or what you want. I have been clear with you more than once.” She tells him. I hear a trance of anger. Finally she gets it. He is just trying to get with her.
“He is not your son. I am his father.” I walk, closing the distance between Max and me. I am going to grab him by the neck when Ava speaks.
“This is not the schoolyard and certainly not the place. I want you both gone,” she soothes our son, trying to calm his cries.
“Ava,” Max starts.
“I said to get out. I don’t want to see either of you,” her voice is filled with conviction. If it wasn’t because her anger was directed at me, I would be proud. She never ceases to amaze me.
“I need a word with you. It can’t wait,” I tell her. She looks at me, contemplating.“I wasn’t asking. This is about our son.” I look from her to Nikolas.
“Fine. But the minute you are done, you are leaving.” Her voice is strong, commanding.
“I’m staying too Ava. You need me here.” Max says. She looks into my eyes and sees the rage. She knows me better than anyone.
“Are you not fucking listening? She doesn’t need you here. Know your place Max.” I bark at him. Ava takes a deep breath. She knows I am right even though she hasn’t said it.
“You need to leave, Max. It’s obvious this is a family matter.” She looks at our son.“Go.” She repeats, her voice stern. I close the door once he leaves.“What?”
“We are leaving,” I tell her.
“I already told you I am not leaving with you.” I run my hands on my face.
“It isn’t safe,” I finally say.
“What does that mean exactly?” She looks at our son.
“There is a storm coming, and I’m afraid it is at our doorstep. I need you and Nikolas safe.” She looks between Nikolas and me. I can see her struggle whether to believe me or not.
“You swear you aren’t lying?” She finally asks.
“I’ve never lied to you. Why would I start now?” The words are true. I’ve never lied, just kept things from her.
“I don’t understand, Viktor. What is going on?”
“You don’t need to understand. You just need to do as I am telling you.”
“You always have an answer and expect me to follow you blindly. I’m not doing this with you. You can’t expect me to follow orders. It’s not just me. I don’t want this life for Nikolas. He deserves a better life. It’s not fair to him.”
“Whether it is fair or not is irrelevant. You are only safe beside me.”
“Am I? Ever since I’ve met you, my life has been in constant danger. I will not do this to my son. He will not have the same fate. Not while I am breathing.”
“You mean our son.” I walk to her and take a deep breath.“We don’t have time to debate. I’m sorry this is happening,” I find myself saying.
