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

Igor would follow Sergei’s lead. Mikhail usually goes with the flow. Kirill and I already exchange information and he’s my ally, especially with the secret I’m holding over his head.

That only leaves Damien, but I’ll find a way to rein that wild horse in sooner or later.

“He deserves death for threatening you.” Vladimir presses his gun against my temple. “Let me kill him, Pakhan.”

“I’m not threatening my Pakhan. I’m suggesting a deal. If you want me to find Anastasia while keeping it under the radar, I will.”

“You can?” he asks slowly.

“Yes. All you have to do is give the order.”

I see the exact moment Sergei decides that I’m worth more than the stupid rules, that my system and my existence is one of the brotherhood’s greatest assets.

I see the exact moment he trusts me again, even though he would never admit it aloud.

He just motions at Vladimir with a hand. “Sit down. Adrian is talking.”

By the time I leave Sergei’s office and Vladimir’s vexing presence, a weight has been lifted off my chest.

It’ll take time, but the rest of the brotherhood will go back to being the chess pieces on my board. They’ll continue to be part of my system as they have been from the beginning.

As I’m walking down the hall, my feet come to a halt when I perceive movement in my peripheral vision. In a heartbeat, I’m surrounded by Lazlo, his underboss, Nicolo, and a few of their guards.

Nicolo points his weapon at my stomach. Isn’t it the day of being held at gunpoint?

Lazlo glares at me. “A word, Volkov.”





32





Lia





I’ve had a horrible feeling ever since Adrian disappeared with Sergei and Vladimir.

They wouldn’t hurt him, right?

From what Kolya told me, it was Vladimir who punched Adrian and sent him home looking like that.

Should I go talk to Rai about it since she’s close with Vladimir?

No. Adrian wants me to have faith in him. Besides, they wouldn’t do something to him with all these guests present.

At least, that’s what I tell myself.

I sit down at a table, cradling a glass of champagne that Yan fetched for me. I feel so much better knowing he and Kolya are around.

“My, my, if it isn’t the woman of the hour.”

I stare up to find Kirill looking down at me before he and Damien casually occupy the chairs across from me.

In the past, I would’ve been wary of them—scared, even. They’re both tall and broad men and their reputation is only of violence, torture, and bloodlust. But after living with Adrian for all these years, I realize that they could never be as terrifying as he can get sometimes.

“The woman of the hour?” I ask Kirill.

“The ever-so-reserved Adrian was ready to give up his life for you. What do you call that?”

“What is Adrian doing with Sergei?” Damien takes a sip from a glass of what I’m sure is vodka that he brought with him. “Is there some action I need to know about?”

“I…don’t think so.” I bring the glass of champagne to my mouth.

Kirill adjusts his glasses, staring at me intently. “You’re surprisingly…more.”

“More what?” I ask.

“More everything, though I suspected that Adrian was putting on an act when it came to you.”

“You did?” Damien wipes the droplets of vodka off his upper lip.

“Of course. Not all of us are idiots.”

“Who are you calling a fucking idiot?” Damien clenches his hand in a fist. “Want to go outside and test that?”

“You probably shouldn’t,” I say absentmindedly, watching the stairs, hoping Adrian will appear, already. “Kirill might not resort to violence, but he was some sort of a captain in the Special Forces and I heard that’s a big deal in Russia.”

Silence greets me and I glance back to find both men staring at me with peculiar expressions.

“What? Just because I wasn’t talkative, doesn’t mean I don’t know these things.”

“Add this fact to your list of things to know, Lia.” Damien grins. “I can still kick Kirill’s ass and beat him the fuck up.”

“Or that’s what you wish.” Kirill smirks. “You heard Lia. Just because I don’t use violence, doesn’t mean I can’t. I merely leave brute force to fools like you.”

“Who are you calling a fucking fool?”

Damien and Kirill continue their bickering, but my attention breaks from them when I notice something happening around me.

First, Lazlo left his circle and headed in the direction of the bathroom. His brother, Nicolo, followed soon after, though in a different direction. Then several Italian guards left their positions and scattered. It could be my paranoia, but I’ve learned from Adrian how to recognize a pattern. They might not have gone together or to the same place, but there’s something going on.

He’ll answer to me.

My father’s words from earlier cause me to spring to my feet. Damien calls after me, but I’m not hearing him as I quicken my pace up the stairs, ignoring the pain from the heels.

By the time I reach the top, I see Lazlo, Nicolo, and the others forcing Adrian into one of the rooms.