AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Out!” Ava’s demand still rings in my ears when she shifts to face me. “Viktor, take Aisling upstairs and then return here immediately.”
Although not accustomed to being told what to do, I’m too amused by her reaction to respond negatively. “You’re bossy.”
“And you’re not moving.”
She squints at me in warning before entering Oliver’s bedroom.
When did Ava start having the last word? If it were anyone else, I would have showed them who’s the boss. But since it is Ava, I take Aisling upstairs and leave her with Grace as requested.
I’m heading back to Oliver’s bedroom when Angus stops me.
“What is it?”
I’m not surprised when he replies, “Cillian has put a kill order on your head.”
“Took long enough.”
“Aye,” Angus admits, relieved I didn’t take his news badly.
“I don’t want Ava to know, so table it for now. We’ll talk about this at Eros in an hour.” Ava has enough on her plate. She needs to remain in the dark.
“Aye,” he repeats.
Though I don’t need this right now, it was bound to happen. Fiona is dead, and I’m certain Cillian knows I pulled the trigger. Threats aren’t new to me. Except, in these past few weeks, Ava and the kids have been in the line of fire. They shouldn’t be. This is about me, not them. It’s not their fault, so the shit needs to stop now. But Cillian will have to wait his turn.
When I open the bedroom door, Oliver is responsive and sitting up.
“Look who decided to grace us with his presence.” Although Oliver aims for his tone to be playful, it sounds weak.
“It’s good to know you haven’t lost your sense of humor. But you should be warned, being shot won’t keep me from beating the shit out of you,” I warn Oliver.
“Easy.” Ava places herself between us. “He doesn’t need the stress.”
“You tell him,” Oliver adds.
The teasing lines crinkled on the side of Oliver’s eyes soften when I lay my hand on his shoulder. “You fucking scared me. Don’t ever pull that shit again. What were you thinking?”
“Apparently, that was the problem. Iwasn’tthinking. Other than thinking this has to end.” When he closes his eyes, shame whitens his face.
“I can’t have you dying on me. You are my only brother and right hand. You’re not replaceable.”
“I’m sorry.” I hear the regret in his voice.
“We’re just glad you’re home safe,” Ava says, attempting to weaken the tension. “Just don’t play the hero. We can’t lose you.” A tear rolls down her cheek.
“Ava…” Oliver’s concern has barely been exposed when Ava makes an excuse to leave.
“I’m going to check on dinner.” She flees the bedroom like her ass is on fire.
Oliver’s wide eyes shoot from the door to me. “What was that about?”
“Not sure. But I’m proud of her.” My voice holds nothing but pride when I voice my admission. “She held her own today. Ava ran the mansion like the Manarch she is. She’s the glue to this family.”
“She’s changing,” Oliver murmurs as an afterthought.
“Did you learn anything from the shooter?” I ask, changing the subject since I saw Ava’s transformation with my own eyes.
Disappointment firms my knuckles when he shakes his head. “I’m afraid I didn’t. But everything points to Fiona. Cillian had nothing to do with it.”
