Consumed by Deception (Deception Trilogy #3) by Rina Kent

My lips part. “He did?”

“Yeah. Everyone called him stupid, including Kirill, who’s his ally. Me, however? I was impressed. Even Sergei is.”

“Sergei?”

“Yes.”

“The same Sergei who seems to want my head?”

“It’s all an act. If there’s anything my granduncle appreciates more than the brotherhood, it’s loyalty. Adrian showed loyalty to you and was ready to pay for his actions with his life and Sergei didn’t miss that. Give him time and he’ll come around.”

“You think?”

“I’m sure.” She pauses. “Now, tell me, how do I stop myself from wanting to pee all the time?”

I laugh as she intertwines her arm with mine. I always loved Rai’s company and I feel she’s the ally I need the most in the brotherhood.

After talking about her pregnancy for some time and giving her tips from when I was expecting Jeremy, I clear my throat. “Can I ask you something personal, Rai?”

“I’m interested to see what you think is personal. Shoot.”

“I know you and Kyle had an arranged marriage, but it seems that you’ve always been equal in your relationship. Is it because of your personality? Or did you do something to get there?”

She runs her gaze over me as if only just now figuring out something. “I know what this is about.”

“You…do?”

“You want to be Adrian’s equal.”

“Am I that obvious?”

“Sort of. But hey, Kyle and I go way back, so the dynamics have been different from the get-go and can’t be compared to you and Adrian.”

“But he always makes the decisions and he’s so closed off about it, it hurts sometimes.” My chin trembles. “I know he cares and he proves it with his actions, but whenever I ask something that goes against his agenda, it’s like I’m dealing with a completely different man.”

“That’s because he’s used to having his orders followed and reacts badly to the opposite. He’s a man of power and has been for as long as I’ve known him.”

“Does that mean I have to keep my mouth shut?”

“Hell no.” She frowns as if what I just said is blasphemy. “However, you might have to use unconventional methods.”

“Like…tempt him?”

She smirks. “That would work, too. But think about why Adrian is so smitten with you.”

“He’s smitten with me?”

“He is.”

“Which part?”

“Your softness, Lia. Your finesse, your elegance. He sometimes watches you as if he wants to stab the air for making you cold.”

Flames explode in my cheeks. “No, he doesn’t.”

“Yes, he does. At first, I chalked it up to something insignificant, but ever since I started looking closely, it’s so obvious.”

“Really?”

“Definitely. So you don’t have to resort to any methods to win him over. Just be yourself.” She rubs my arm. “Did I mention how proud I am of you for speaking up lately?”

“Thanks.”

“If Kirill or Damien cause you any trouble, I’ll stab them for you.”

“I’m sure Adrian would beat you to it.”

“He would! Also, I’m sorry about Vlad. He only has the brotherhood’s best interests in mind, but he can be such a mule sometimes.”

Yes, he can. And the only reason Rai would apologize on his behalf is because he’s her lifelong protector and ally. Now that I know he’s been hunting Adrian down with the intent to remove him and even kill him, I’ll never trust him again.

My husband’s enemy is my enemy.

I spend some more time with Rai, but soon after, Kyle comes to fetch her so she can sit down. I wave at them as I head to the buffet for some food, and I nod at some of the members of the Luciano family, like Lazlo’s wife, Sofia, and two of his brothers.

Not sure if he told them about me, but they don’t show a reaction, considering who I am to them.

I find myself searching for the man himself; I haven’t seen him since Adrian and I got here. He wouldn’t possibly miss this gathering since it is basically in his honor.

Even though it’s been a week, I still don’t know how to deal with the knowledge that my father is a Don. That this is some sort of a screwed-up version of The Godfather.

Adrian was furious when he learned that I promised to have a father-daughter relationship with Lazlo in exchange for saving him. But it was bound to happen sooner or later. No secret can be buried forever, and that includes my ties with the Luciano family.

Though, I have no clue how to deal with such ties. If Adrian hadn’t been disapproving of everything I’ve done since I left Russia, he would’ve been the one to help me brainstorm.

“Carina.”

I swallow my piece of lobster at Lazlo’s distinctive voice as I turn around to face him.

He smiles at me, the wrinkles around his eyes hinting at the many years he’s spent on Earth, probably ruining the lives of people like my own husband.

My father takes my hand and kisses the back of it with clear affection that paints a smile on my lips.

“Hi,” I greet. “How are you?”

“Not good. I learn that I have a daughter and yet she doesn’t seem to want to talk to me.”