Chapter 11
Ava’s POV
+8 Pearls:
His eyes flared with anger, and he grabbed my collar, lifting me onto the counter. Cecille ran out, yelling for help, but I wasn’t worried. I kicked him in the stomach, sending him stumbling back. He pointed a shaking finger at me. “What the hell is your problem, woman?!”
“You psycho! Maniac!” I yelled back, just as Fabio walked into the kitchen.
“What the hell is going on here?” Fabio asked, his voice dangerously calm.
“This bitch punched me! Dante snarled, pointing at me. I thought you were good at handling… difficult women. But she’s a wild animal!”
Fabio rubbed his chin, his arms crossed over his chest, showing off his muscles. “She wouldn’t have punched you for no reason, Dante. What did you say to her?”
“Are you kidding me? You’re taking her side?” Dante’s voice rose, his face red with fury. “She’s nothing but a… a woman!” Fabio’s expression darkened, his gaze intense. “Ava,” he said, his voice dangerously soft. “What did he say to you?”
I looked at Dante, my cheeks hot with anger and humiliation. Did I have to spell it out? I breathed out slowly. “Why don’t you ask him.”
Fabio let out a heavy sigh, turning to Dante. “Dante,” he said, his voice a low growl. “You seem to forget who’s in charge here. Tell me. What did you do?”
“I just asked her a damn question!” Dante yelled, his voice cracking. “And she lost it!”
Fabio nodded, his eyes fixed on Dante. “What was the question?”
“I just asked if she’s still a virgin. What’s the big deal?!” Dante said, his voice casual, as if it were a perfectly normal question. Fabio’s expression darkened, his voice a low growl. “Dante, you’re twenty–three. And you’re acting like a spoiled brat. When will you learn some damn respect?” He grabbed Dante’s collar, pushing him roughly against the wall.
“Seriously? You’re going to throw down over this woman?” Dante scoffed, his eyes flashing, “What’s she to you? We could share her, if you’re feeling generous, big brother.”
Fabio glanced at me, his eyes burning. “Ava, leave.”
“What?” I asked, stepping back.
I said leave,” he repeated, his voice firm.
I turned away, feeling a wave of bitterness. And as I glanced back, I saw Dante glaring at me, as if I were the one to blame for his impending beating. He deserved it.
And as I stepped outside, Cecille was there, she looked so worried for me, and asked, “Miss Ava, are you okay? Did he hurt you?”
“No, Cecille. I’m okay.” I said as I smiled at her. Then we both gasped as we heard the loud thud inside the kitchen that it was like Fabio and Dante having a wrestling inside. I held Cecille’s arm and dragged her away, “Let’s go. Cecille.”
Cecille cleared her throat. “Miss Ava, your ex–husband is here. He’s been waiting in the living room for two hours.”
I looked at her, surprised. “What does he want?”
“He didn’t say,” she replied politely, leading me to the living room.
Caspian stood up as soon as he saw me, his eyes sweeping over my tight leggings and sports bra. I realized, too late, that I was still in my workout clothes.
I removed the hand wraps and placed them on the table. “Caspian. I didn’t expect you.”
ניו
Chapter 11
“You’ve changed,” he said, sitting down again. “Since the divorce.”
I sat across from him, raising an eyebrow. “People do. So, what brings you here?”
+8 Pearls
“It’s for my mother,” he said coldly like it was my fault. “Only Doctor Charles has the knowledge to treat her. Her heart failure. is progressing, it’s stage two. Ava, even if you hate me for choosing Erica, can’t you find some sympathy?”
“Are you seriously trying to pull that guilt trip crap? This isn’t my problem, Caspian And Doctor Charles isn’t coming back. Can’t you find another doctor? You’ve got the money.”
“We’ve looked,” he said, his voice loud and desperate “But no one is as skilled as Doctor Charles”
“Tough luck,” I said, standing up. “I spent a year taking care of your mother, something you never did. And Doctor Charles made it clear he’s out. So, too bad. I tried to leave.
He grabbed my arm, his grip firm. If my mother dies, you’ll be responsible.”
“That’s ridiculous!” I said, my voice rising. “You’re blaming me because you can’t find another doctor? You think I have Doctor Charles on speed dial?”
He released my arm slowly, his face flushed with anger. “Where is he? You know where Doctor Charles is. He can’t just vanish.
“Maybe he finally had enough of your family’s drama,” I said, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “Especially after dealing with Felicity.”
He sighed, a sound of pure frustration. It was a rare sight. I’d barely known him during our marriage. “This is all your fault!”
“Or should I remind you about my Uncle Theodore? You knew what happened, and you said nothing. You can’t even say the name of the person who shot him. Tell me. Who did it?”
He didn’t say anything.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed through the living room. My eyes widened. Fabio and Dante entered, looking like they’d been through a war. Dante, especially, looked like he’d lost badly.
Caspian’s eyes widened, and he swallowed hard as he saw the brothers‘ hostile stares.
“You gonna rough him up too, big bro?” Dante asked Fabio while a cigarette dangling from his lips. Then he shot me a quick. almost cruel smirk, then turned and walked toward the pool.
“Caspian? What brings you here? My secretary didn’t mention an appointment,” Fabio said, his gaze flicking to me.
“It’s important, Don Moretti, Caspian replied.
“And what, exactly, is so important?”
Caspian leaned forward. “I believe Ava is hiding Doctor Charles. She’s still jealous of Erica and me. I’ve asked for her help, but she refuses to cooperate, Don Moretti,”
Fabio rubbed his forehead, a weary sigh escaping his lips. “When will this end?” he muttered, more to himself than anyone
else.
“Pardon Caspian asked.
Fabio’s eyes sharpened. “Caspian Pavlov, you’re an underboss. Why can’t you handle this? Why are you still bothering your ex–wife? Is finding this… who was it again?…Doctor Charles, too difficult for you?”
“No, Don Caspian said, shaking his head.
“Good. Then leave, Fabio said, his voice hard. “And find that damn doctor.”
Caspian nodded, his gaze fixed on me, a dark, accusing glare that seemed to blame me for everything.
can’t believe my mother chose that man for me.
