Tempted by Deception (Deception Trilogy #2) by Rina Kent

As if expecting me to run again.

Not that I could with the heavy security. Besides, the thought of him taking Jeremy away gives me damn nightmares.

“If it isn’t the lovely hidden beauty?” an amused voice calls from behind me before Damien joins me. Soon after, Kirill appears out of nowhere and stands next to him.

I groan internally, even as I nod in greeting. Their company is the last thing I need. Kirill is always somehow trying to interrogate me about Adrian, and Damien seems happy to throw jabs at me.

At the beginning, I found it hard to keep up with who’s who, so I made a long-ass digital document with Ogla’s help to specify who is who in the Bratva. Surprisingly, Adrian didn’t mind and even told Ogla to assist me. But then again, he fully expects me to stay by his side, so he wouldn’t worry about me making an educational file about his organization.

“Adrian said you were sick,” Kirill muses, running his cunning gaze over me. “You look pretty good for someone who’s sick.”

“I got better,” I speak in a quiet voice, glad that Adrian lies about my health all the time so I’m not expected to attend.

Even though he does it because I embarrass him, I’m happy that I don’t have to meet these people often. When I’m with Jeremy back at home or volunteering at the shelter, I feel like I’m detached from them and their criminal activities.

“Now, Lia.” Damien grins. “What’s really going on? Is he bruising you, so you can’t come out? Tell Rai about it, and she’ll help since she’s into all of that women standing up for women shit.”

“That’s not it.” I’m slightly offended on Adrian’s behalf. He might be cold and aloof, but he’s the best family man among all of them. He’d never hurt me or Jeremy.

Kirill adjusts his glasses with his middle and ring fingers. “Then what is it?”

I gulp past the lump in my throat. As much as I’ve seen them over the years, these two scare me, especially after the stories Yan told me about them. How Kirill was in the special forces and killed more than anyone can count, or how Damien beats people to death if they so much as piss him off.

Sometimes, I think I was lucky to land on Adrian’s radar, not theirs. Because spending a minute in their presence has turned me itchy and fidgety.

“He asked you something, beautiful,” Damien insists.

“Why don’t you ask me?”

I release a breath at Adrian’s voice, and I peek at him as he stands beside me, his entire attention on Kirill and Damien who don’t seem happy that their fun was halted.

With careful fingers, I bring the glass of champagne to my lips and take a sip to calm my nerves.

Adrian’s presence sends a mixture of relief and a stab of chronic agony to my aching chest. One-sided emotions are the work of the devil. Not only do they hurt all the time, but they also keep me hoping, pining. Even when I know that Adrian isn’t capable of returning such emotions.

I know he cares. I know Jeremy and I mean something to him, but it’ll never be more than that. He’ll never look at me the way I secretly look at him when he’s not paying attention.

And that hurts more than I care to admit.

Adrian’s face is a blank mask, but I can’t help admiring the serene look covering his features and the sharp edges of his cheekbones. He’s wearing a black suit with a light gray shirt that matches the color of his eyes. He really only ever has those types of dark colors in his wardrobe. And because I volunteer, my taste in clothing is no longer flashy, but more like his, modest and reserved.

“Adrian.” Kirill smiles. “We were just telling Lia how lovely it is that she’s joining us tonight.”

“I thought you said she was sick.” Damien raises a brow.

“She obviously isn’t tonight.” Adrian keeps his cool voice, even though his body is slightly turned toward me.

“Can you tell us more about her sickness that seems to come and go on a whim?” Kirill taps a contemplative thumb on his lips. “I’m curious.”

“I don’t answer to you, Morozov,” Adrian drawls. “In fact, it’s the other way around, so why don’t you turn around and leave?”

Kirill’s expression doesn’t change, but a grin is plastered on his lips. “My, my. This is interesting.”

“What?” Damien’s gaze flits between the three of us. “What’s interesting? What did I miss?”

I’m about to down the glass of champagne in an attempt to douse the tension when I catch a glimpse of a shadow moving in the background. It’s across from me, diagonally to the hall that leads to the back entrance. I know it because I’ve often slipped in there to find Yan and hide from the onlookers.

The unease I’ve felt since a few days ago rushes back in like a merciless hurricane.

I’ll take care of it.

My eyes widen in remembrance of Luca’s words. No. Don’t tell me he…

I don’t get the chance to think about it when metal glints in the corner. I drop my glass of champagne and grab Adrian by the sleeve, then pull him down so we’re both tumbling against the tables.

A shot rings in the air and a collective gasp follows.

Adrian’s large body drops atop of mine and his hard chest covers my front on the ground. He retrieves his gun, and I stare at his face a few inches away from mine.